Sermons of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Romans 1:7-15 — Despite Paul’s great power given by the Holy Spirit, the authority given by Christ to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and his extraordinary experiences, the apostle Paul never put himself up on a pedestal. He expected to pour into the church at Rome, but he also wanted to be encouraged by them as well. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains in the sermon “The Fellowship of Believers,” this is a glimpse of the doctrine and nature of the Christian church in Romans 1:7–15. Paul’s depiction of the communion of the saints is one which consists of fellowship in the Holy Spirit. Neither color of skin, nor social status, nor education matter. What matters to Paul and constituted his desire to fellowship with them was that they were fellow members of the body of Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the human desire to limit fellowship to certain types of Christians – perhaps those Christians found to be most interesting or stimulating. The encouragement from Dr. Lloyd-Jones is to enjoy the fellowship of all Christians. This, he says, is the New Testament understanding of fellowship. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains what the apostle Paul found so encouraging about these simple Christians in Rome, and the dangers of contemporary “movements” as they often replace the role of the church in the Christian life.

Romans 1:7-15 — The apostle Paul dedicated his ministry to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and making known the glory of God. This singular focus is made clear as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches “Serving God” from Romans 1:7–15. Paul was not a cultural commentator, nor was he a politician, but he was concerned that what God has done in Jesus Christ be known to all. From this, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that the church should imitate Paul with the great doctrines of salvation and of God. Many preachers have lost this focus on biblical truth and use the pulpit as a platform for nothing more than social or political change. He says that this is in contrast to Paul who said that his ministry was to proclaim Christ and Him crucified, not the changing interests of humanity. This is why Paul writes to the Romans, expounding many great teachings, some of which are hard to understand. The church today should not be content to substitute God’s word with the mere opinion of people, but they ought to stand firm on the truth of God as given by the Holy Spirit in the writings of the apostles and prophets. For it is only God’s word that has the message of salvation.

Romans 1:7-15 — In this sermon on Romans 1:7-15, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener about the apostle Paul and the great apostle's attitude toward his work. In his message titled “Called to Preach” Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls all Christians, especially men called to ministry, to characterize their work as service. He calls all Christians to follow the apostle Paul by rendering their service in the same way he renders his service. Paul’s call to preach the gospel was not a profession or an opportunity to demonstrate his personality. Paul refused to build service to Christ around himself. True Christian preaching for Paul was not about self-promotion, carnal zeal, and relying on the flesh. Instead, Paul served God in his spirit, surrendering completely to the Holy Spirit. Paul’s service, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, was whole-hearted service. Paul was not merely external in his ministry, but instead valued sincerity. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones brings a challenging reminder of the true nature and character of Christian ministry.

Romans 1:7-15 — Perhaps the pastoral question most often asked by the Christian church concerns the will of God. Christians want to know what decisions they ought to make. They want to make plans, but are often perplexed and overwhelmed by the prospect of making the wrong decision. Many faithful believers have desires, intentions, and longings for their lives, but hesitate and/or doubt because they wonder if these things are in accord with the will of God. In short, faithful Christians often ask: “How do I know the will of God? How can I be guided by God’s will?” As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says of the apostle Paul in this sermon titled “Submitted to the Word of God” on Romans 1:7–15, nothing is more characteristic of Paul than his submission to God. It would be appropriate then to learn from the great apostle on this topic. Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines several principles from the apostle Paul’s life which teach about unfulfilled desires, longings, plans, hinderances, open doors, shut doors, and prayers. Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes the importance of Christians using minds, reason, common sense, godly counsel, and circumstances in order to determine and interpret God’s will in their lives. A fundamental characteristic for determining God’s will for the Christian is the Holy Spirit’s witness to their spirit. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains what this means and how the Christian can fully submit to the will of God.

Romans 1:7-15 — Conversion is not the end of the Christian journey; it’s the beginning. The apostle Paul was aware of this and longed to visit the Christians in Rome so that he might strengthen them. In this sermon titled “My God, Through Jesus Christ” from Romans 1:7–15, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones displays the apostle Paul’s love for others which stems from his confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. Filled with the Spirit, Paul’s passion is clearly seen as he thinks of others, prays for them, and seeks to visit them. Among many Christians today, the primary concern is for oneself. A person talks about their own personal journey toward God. It’s not uncommon to hear a Christian declare, “I'm just focusing on myself right now.” But is this the way of Christ? Through Jesus, Christians have confidence before God. Christians are no longer simply “seeking God,” but rather seeking to love others through the assurance they have found in Jesus Christ. Listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates how the gospel motivated Paul, not only with the desire to visit and strengthen others, but to pray for them. As Paul comes to God in prayer, he comes through the one in whom he has such confidence: the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the way of salvation and the Christian desires all others to be built up in Him.

Romans 1:6-7 — The church in Rome was an extraordinary church whose faith was known by all the believers. In this sermon titled “Grace and Truth… by Jesus Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines some of the reasons that the apostle Paul writes as highly as he does of this church in Romans 1:6–7. Like all believers, they were once sinful men and women, but God in His grace called them out of the world to be a holy people set apart for His great purposes. All Christians are saved by God’s grace alone and there is nothing they can do to contribute to their salvation. Because they are saved, they are at peace with God and one another. These great doctrines of the Christian faith serve as the foundation of the Christian life. This is a life of loving one another and seeking to share the message of Christ with all. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that all true living must come from true doctrine and a true knowledge of God. This sermon confronts all with the message of God’s free grace to sinners who have no other hope than Jesus Christ. The church in Rome was a congregation of redeemed believers who trusted in Jesus and sought to live according to the calling of God in their lives.

Romans 1:6-7 — Why does God love people? Many believe He loves those who do good. This belief stems from the idea that one must first change and then God will love them. Is His loved based on human ability to change? In this sermon on Romans 1:6–7 titled “The Called of Jesus Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that God’s love is not contingent on the person changing, but just the opposite. That change is based on God’s love. Christians are not those who are earning love from God, but rather Christians are those who already are loved by God. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that God loves His people in the same way He loves His Son. This love is based purely on His grace and it’s a love that has the power to change. Because of His love, Christians are called the beloved; they are called saints. The motivation to change is no longer based upon human hope that God might accept them. The motivation to change now comes from the call: “Be who you are.” If Christians are indeed the beloved of God, let them display it. If they are indeed saints, let them show that they are saints. Christians are who they are by grace and distinct from the world, that they may glorify God.

Romans 1:3-5 — Why should a Christian feel sorry for their sin? Why should Christians turn from sin and follow Jesus? In the sermon titled “Saviour of the World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones begins with an examination of the “nations” in Romans 1:3–5. He shows that the gospel has gone forth to those previously under the wrath of God. Hope has gone to those who previously had no hope. The Messiah is not only the Savior of Israel, but the Savior of the whole world. This truth leads to the apostle Paul’s climax: God does what He does for His name’s sake. God is saving a people for His own fame and glory so that His people live to the praise of His glory and grace. Therefore, Christians no longer continue in sin. Their desires have changed and they want to love Him. Listen to this sermon as Dr. Lloyd-Jones exhorts Christians to live for His name’s sake, to desire that all would bow their knee to Him, and to look forward to His coming as King of kings and Lord of lords. Christians are a people looking for the blessed hope of His appearing.

Romans 1:3-5 — Christians are forgiven of sin so that they may follow their Savior. Some today reject this notion that one must submit to Jesus as Lord. They argue salvation is by grace, and therefore obedience is not necessary. While salvation is completely by grace through faith, the Christian faith must not be separated from obedience to Jesus. Can one accept Jesus as Savior and not as Lord? In this sermon titled “Jesus Christ, Our Lord” from Romans 1:3–5, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers that question with a resounding no. The earliest Christians were persecuted over the word “Lord.” For them, Jesus was not only Savior, but he was also Lord. The very nature of believing the gospel becomes an issue of submission. Christians are commanded to believe, and thus obey the gospel. Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows that the only way one can accept Jesus is in this full sense: as both Savior and Lord. Faith is obedience to the word of God. If the word of God is rejected, then God is also rejected, making Him a liar. Receiving the gospel is, therefore, to obey Him and receive Jesus as Lord. The entire Christian faith depends on the recognition of this and this is what makes one a Christian. This is the work of God: that the Christian believes on Him who He has sent –– Jesus Christ, the Lord.’

Romans 1:3-4 — Is Jesus really God? Some say He became divine at his baptism while others suggest He became the Son of God at His resurrection. The deity of Jesus Christ has always been challenged, not by those who are saved, but by those who want to remain in their sin. In this sermon titled “Declared to Be the Son of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that Jesus is and always was the unique Son of God from the beginning. In order to do the will of God the Father, His power and glory were hidden and yet He never became less than God. As the apostle Paul proclaimed in Romans 1:3–4, the resurrection of Jesus proves that He is God. Like a son of the king who is ceremonially announced as heir of the kingdom, Jesus is declared to be the sovereign over all creation and conqueror of death. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the resurrection of Jesus Christ announces His incarnate deity. Raised in power and glory, Jesus is formally appointed as the Christ, the Lord of all creation. “Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail, the incarnate Deity!” Come and see Christ the Lord.