Sermons of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

1 Peter 1:13 — How are Christians to view this world? In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:13 titled “No Hope For This World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that the Bible shows that the world is passing and temporary. Christians are to seek not to transform this world, but to bring the gospel that alone can transform the hearts and minds of people. The Bible never promises that this world will be made inevitably better as many people believe, but it teaches that salvation comes to take people out of the world. True peace does not come when war ends, or poverty is removed, but when sinful people are reconciled with God and forgiven of their sins. For this reason, the church is to look not to politics to bring about transformation and renewal, but to the gospel. What then is the Christian’s duties in this world? Christians are to seek the kingdom of God by preaching the gospel to the whole world. They are to preach the gospel as the only means of true peace and salvation from sins and the final judgement of God. Christians must put their hope in God above, not this passing world with its sinful ways. The church is on a pilgrimage, looking towards the day when it will arrive fully and finally in the kingdom of God.

1 Peter 1:22 — The gospel tells how people can be delivered through repentance. In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:22 titled “Obedience to the Truth,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones appeals to the listener to obey God’s truth, for it is far greater than the law. To not repent is to disobey—this is sin. The essence of sin is a refusal to believe God. If a person does not submit to the gospel, its truth will confront them in eternity. All should obey this truth as it is the way of salvation. The work God wants His people to do is to believe in Him whom He sent. Do not resist the free gift of God in Jesus Christ—no one can fulfill the law by their own works but should submit themselves to His righteousness. The mystery of the gospel is profound, but it must be believed. God justifies the ungodly, not the righteous. Everyone should believe this message now and come exactly as they are: “All the fitness He requires is to feel your need of Him.”

1 Peter 1:18-23 — How does Christ change someone? In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:18–23 titled “Born of the Spirit,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches how all who believe in Jesus are born again through the work of the Holy Spirit. This is the great doctrine of the new birth. What does it mean to be born again? At natural birth, all are born in sin. But at spiritual birth, Christians are born into a new life in Christ. The Holy Spirit works to change God’s people from unholy sinners, to righteous, forgiven men and women in Christ. There is no longer any condemnation or judgment for those in Christ, for Jesus by His death has cleansed from all sin those who believe. The glorious truth of the gospel is that it brings new life and a new nature. God’s chosen are delivered from the law, the flesh, and sin when they believe in Jesus. To believe in Jesus is to trust that He died and rose from the grave, paying the wages of sin so that any sinner might have new life and be reconciled to God. Listen closely as Dr. Lloyd-Jones unfolds the saving truth of the gospel.

1 Peter 1:1-25 — We often hear the phrase “child of God” and consider it another term for simply being a Christian, but what is the true meaning of this phrase, and how do we become one? In Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ sermon on 1 Peter 1:1-25, he discusses how being a child of God becoming a slave to Christ rather than sin. We are all born originally as sinners and cannot escape this bondage on our own. The only way to escape this slavery to sin is to become a “child of God”. But how can we do such a thing? Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that to accomplish this task, we must first be redeemed. We must realize our wretched state, and ask for forgiveness. Only after we do this, can our sins be reconciled by Christs sacrifice on the cross. However, being redeemed is only the first step to becoming a child of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that we must accept Christ as our new master, because he bought us. We are not made free by Christ, but we are made free from the power of sin. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones puts it, “We are bought by the precious blood of Christ.” Jesus is our new master, but instead of us being his slaves, we become more like his children. God is righteous and just, and he cares for us. He cared for us so much that “He sent his one and only son” to save us from our sinful state (John 3:16). Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes his sermon by saying, “If Christ died to set us free, then we are his. Take up your cross and follow Christ.”

1 Peter 1:17 — Everyone has different problems and needs, but what is the Supreme need? Dr. Martyn Lloyd- Jones answers this question in his sermon on 1 Peter 1:17, revealing that our true need is “to know God”. To truly show the audience how helpless they are to fill this “need”, he elaborates on man’s inability to satisfy himself, saying, “Man has not the power to truly bless himself.” Whether we have peace, comfort, or good health, we will never be truly satisfied. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then shows us, that our supreme and ultimate need is “to know God”. But why is this our supreme need? Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides three reasons for why a relationship with God is our supreme need. The first, is that God will judge all and it is essential for us to know his commandments and demands so that we are ready for judgement. The second, is that we need Christ because we are all sinners in need of a savior. And the third, is that he alone has the ability to bless us. But how can we know God if he is holy and we are sinners? Dr. Lloyd-Jones, points to Christ as our path to knowing God. “For God so loved the world, that he sent his one and only son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life”(John 3:16). He concludes, saying that all we must do to know Christ is “call on him as the father,” and he will be with us till our final breath.

1 Peter 1:13-25 — This world is one of uncertainty. Some lives seem to be near perfect, and some seem to be falling apart. What does the Christian do when the trials of life seem to continually crash like waves against them? Listen to this sermon on 1 Peter 1:13-25 as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones challenges the listener to “gird up the loins of our mind,” as they live in this ever-changing world, and proclaims the hope that Christians have as foreigners in a strange land. The only hope is the return of Jesus Christ that will take place at the end of the age when everyone will rise from the dead to experience judgment. Dr. Lloyd-Jones clearly explains that the judgment comes from a God who is holy and judges each person’s works impartially from the standard of His own holiness. The only way that one can measure up to his standard of holiness is through the Lord Jesus Christ who died and rose again on humanity’s behalf. In this sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the Christian to remember that this life is short, death will come, but Christ will return. He encourages hope in Christ, for that is the only certainty in an uncertain world.

1 Peter 1:14 — Why is Salvation necessary for the non-Christian man? What is the purpose of life for the non-Christian? In this Sermon on 1 Peter 1:4 titled “A Vain and Empty Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers these questions and addresses the fact that the non Christian life is hopeless, vain, and has no purpose until they are born again and delivered out of darkness. Dr. Lloyd-Jones firstly explains the origin of the non Christian life and says that these men and women simply do what they think needs to be done because of tradition; they are following what other people have done in the past. Although they might think that they are living their own life, they are getting their ideas from someone in the past or around them who has done the same. Secondly, he explains that the life without God is a life of lust always controlled by the passions and desires of the flesh and mind. Everything the non-Christian does in this life is controlled by their mind and flesh, including anger and ambition. Lastly Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that although the non Christian life seems attractive and wonderful at first, it is empty inside and there is no meaning to it. In the ungodly life, there is no hope and it is merely hopeless. He concludes by saying that salvation is necessary to deliver you from this empty life, and so that God can give you light, joy, and hope in this world. It is necessary for the Christian to realize that he is just a journeymen in this world and one day will be in glory with the Father.

1 Peter 1:10-12 — What changes when someone is saved? Is Christianity just a political movement that lobbies for a better world, or imposes a strict code of conduct? In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:10–12 titled “The Christian Gospel,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks about how there are many who may hold these views, but they are mistaken. Christianity is not about morality or politics, but it is about hope in Christ and salvation in the gospel found in God’s word. God has chosen to reveal Himself to sinful people through the prophets, apostles, and Scripture. The whole message of salvation is contained in this truth and given to God’s people so that they may proclaim it to the world. This gospel is the message that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, for He alone has died so that all would be saved. This gift of salvation is given through faith as a result of God’s grace. No one can ever work to obtain it. All are born blind in sin until the grace of God opens their eyes to see the glory of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:13 — Why does the Bible encourage sober-mindedness? Many are surprised that the Christian faith involves the mind at all, because they think that religion is inherently irrational. But in this sermon on the battle for the mind from 1 Peter 1:13, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how God calls Christians to use their minds to know Him. Christians are called to purposely think about God and the world as they are in a battle for the mind. This is a different message than what the world often tells people in an irrational age of celebrity worship and cults of personality. The world can give no account for the human mind, because Scripture tells that all are slaves to sin and their minds are wholly darkened. The Christian can only think about and understand the world when they receive the grace of God and come to new life in Christ. This sermon issues the call to leave behind sin and turn to Jesus who alone can save and renew a relationship with God.

1 Peter 1:3-5 — In Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’s sermon on 1 Peter 1:3-5, he describes, “the great characteristic of the New Testament.” This being our response the gospel. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out how Peter “burst forth in Praise to Christ” when he relayed the gospel to his audience. But we must ask ourselves, do we have a similar response? Is there the same spirit within us that was in Peter? Well, to answer this question, Dr. Lloyd-Jones first defines what the gospel is. It is, simply put, the resurrection of Jesus Christ who, by rising from the dead, takes away the sins of the world. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that by rising from the dead, Christ becomes our living hope who enables us to endure hardships that we go through in life. But how is the resurrection of Christ a living hope, and why should we celebrate it with such joy? Dr. Lloyd-Jones establishes that the resurrection of Christ is, in fact, a living hope because Christ died and rose again. He defeated sin and death and now is a living hope to all who believe in him. Our sinful selves were buried with Christ so that we can live as new people. However, this is not the final step to unification with Christ. No, we are only truly unified with Christ when we enter heaven. When we pass from this world into eternity, our physical body will be renewed as well so that the entire man will be renewed. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then finishes his sermon by asking the question, “Have we got this living hope?”

James 4:13-16 — What does the Bible say about the world’s problems? The world gives many diagnostics to explain its many ills. The rationalist says that humanity’s biggest problem is that people do not use reason. Others say that people have yet to overcome their base desires. But what does the Bible say? According to God’s word, why do people kill one another and oppress each other? In this sermon on James 4:13–16 titled “The Condition of Modern Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on the passage to find answers to these questions. Here it is seen that humanity’s problem is that people are greedy and love themselves. It is out of this self-love that they fight and kill their fellow humans. But this is only symptomatic of the deeper problem of the fundamentally fallen nature. People not only sin, but they are sinful. What is the answer to this great dilemma? How can sinful people overcome this hatred of God and the word, and be saved? The answer is Jesus Christ. In spite of fallen humanity’s hatred towards God, God sent His only Son to die in the place of sinners. This sermon confronts all with the biblical command to repent and believe upon the name of Jesus.

James 4:1 — Does Christianity work? Many claim that Christianity is outdated and has no message for the modern world. They argue that if people would simply use their reason, then all the wars and conflicts would end, and there would be true peace. What is wrong with this solution to suffering? In this sermon on James 4:1 titled “From Whence Come Wars,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that only the message of Christianity can bring peace, because only the message of Christianity deals with humanity’s most fundamental problem: sin. No one can save themselves through reason because they place reason as king, and yet it is often irrational. The best secular thinkers are unable to use their reason to live rightly; how then can all of humankind use reason to fix the world? The message of Christianity is hopeful because it calls for trust in Christ and not reason. Jesus died, not because all are irrational, but because all are sinners. They are irrational because all humans are born in sin, and it is this sin that blinds them all. This sermon offers the only message of hope, that Jesus has died for all who believe. God is gracious and forgiving to all who seek Him and repent of their sins.

Hebrews 13:11-12 — In this sermon on Hebrews 13:11–12 titled “Therefore Jesus…Suffered,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on the meaning of the cross. The world believes that the cross was not historical or possible. Dr. Lloyd-Jones directs the listener’s attention to this epistle and the entire Bible, reminding listeners that Calvary was not an accident or tragedy but it was a decisive act of God and the means to save and bring His people back to His presence. The cross also fulfills all the Old Testament prophecies and promises.

Hebrews 12:28-29 — In this sermon on Hebrews 12:28–29 titled “A Kingdom Which Cannot Be Removed,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the importance of heeding the call to repentance by Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, should not be refused. While the misconceptions and vain philosophies of this age will soon fade, Jesus’s gospel and kingdom is eternal and unshakeable throughout all ages. More importantly, all people will pass, along with this world, and they will have to give account to every thought and deed. The judgement of God will be inescapable, but those who believe in God’s way of salvation through God’s Son will join Him in His everlasting kingdom. Since Jesus sits on the throne and rules His Kingdom forever, Christians will be in His kingdom forever. Christians will be considered as heirs and firstborns in His family. In contrast, those who refuse He who speaks, and instead trusts in their own abilities, will be judged eternally. They will be cast away with the worldly kingdoms and its ruler, the devil. All should consider which kingdom they would like to be in for eternity.

Hebrews 12:25-29 — In this sermon on Hebrews 12:25–29 titled “I Shake Not Only the Earth,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones starts by addressing a common objection of the Bible. Many contemporary people do not believe the Bible and its value simply because it’s old, and they believe it is irrelevant because it is obsolete. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that the Bible is ever relevant, ever contemporary, and ever true because it is the everlasting God who speaks about His Son, Jesus Christ. Human history, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, tells that people refuse to listen to God and His word. In turn, they become confused and unstable as they seek to find stability, security, and certainty in the things that aren’t meant to be. Only in the realm of God, the kingdom of God, can humans find a place of spiritual rest. One can only enter into this kingdom by the gospel, having faith in Jesus Christ and trust that He has taken away sins. Listen to this sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as he clearly teaches about the everlasting kingdom of God and its implication for Christians of the 21st century.

Hebrews 12:18-24 — Why are Christians miserable? Where might the believer turn when cast down with guilt? In this sermon on Hebrews 12:18–24 titled “The Mediator of the New Covenant,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines this question by pointing to the testimony of Jesus’s blood. The Christians in the book of Hebrews were dejected and disappointed. They have come to this great salvation, yet have been met with suffering and loss. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that it was for this reason that this letter to the Hebrews was written. The writer knew that their fight was not merely against flesh and blood, but spiritual in nature. The devil uses these moments to attack God’s people. Satan is the accuser and he speaks against the Christian. In this suffering, it seems God may be against His people. Should they expect their sin-guilt to remain? To what does the Christian plead when attacked by Satan? As the devil accuses, how can the Christian answer? Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones lifts up the blood of Christ, declaring that the throne of judgement has become a throne of grace. The saints in Hebrews overcame the devil through the testimony of the blood of Christ. The Christian today must point to the blood of Christ that silences the devil. As a result, nothing is able to separate the Christian from the love of God.

Hebrews 12:1-20 — Are Christians slaves to their circumstances? Do circumstances control them as cruel masters? Absolutely not. In this sermon on the founder and perfector of our faith from Hebrews 12:1–20 titled “Author and Finisher,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the hope set before the early believers in the book of Hebrews. While their circumstances were miserable, their hope was unchanging. Those who have gone before are witnesses to this reality: Jesus is the author and finisher of their faith. Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, Christians then run this race with patience. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages the listener to look to Jesus amidst difficult times. In Jesus is first seen the cross. He endured that which was set before Him for the joy of what was to come. In Jesus is also seen the resurrection. If He is raised, His people will be raised. In Jesus, the Christian sees the hope of heaven. He is preparing for them a place so they shall be with Him forever. In Jesus is seen the hope, for He is the finisher of their salvation. Listen and let hearts be glad. Christians are not slaves to their circumstances. Christ has overcome the world. Where He is, so shall they also be.

Hebrews 11:16 — How can one face not only present difficult circumstances but whatever future may come? When the world is filled with sorrow, and the future is filled with doubt, how should one live? In this sermon on Hebrews 11:16 titled “Not Ashamed to be Called Their God,’ Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones exhorts the believer to live with confidence. The early believers were in much trouble, yet they triumphed in this world, gloriously living and dying with faith. It wasn’t the power of their faith in and of itself, but rather the power of the one in whom faith rests. This great hope in uncertain days can only be applied to the believer, for only the believer can be accepted by God. He is not ashamed of all those who trust in Jesus. He is building a city for them that lasts. He has promised to dwell and walk with them. God has received them. The believer, then, leaves the City of Destruction and runs to that other country, the city with foundations. Listen to this sermon as Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the listener to ask: “Is this true of me? Is God my God?” This is the only way to face the present, whatever future may come, knowing that God is not ashamed of His people and is not ashamed of being called their God.

Hebrews 11:13 — Today, all are confronted with a choice: Will they go with the world or will they go with God? In this sermon on Hebrews 11:13 titled “The Choice that Faces Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines people of faith in this passage. He displays that each of them were, first, confronted with this choice, and second, believed God. The world is under the judgment of God. When this is realized, the Christian runs out of the city of destruction as fast as they can. They see the world for what it is. They see themselves for who they are. This person can no longer remain in this old life of sin. They leave the world and go with God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that this person runs out of the doomed world by faith, believing the promises of God. For the believer today, this means trusting God with complete assurance that Jesus Christ died on the cross for one’s sin, and that He was raised to give new life. The Christian now despises their former life of sin and wants nothing to do with it. They no longer live for the wicked world, but live for God. This is what it means to become a Christian—to be justified by faith.

Hebrews 11:8 — When the future is unknown, how should one live in the present? Anxiety about the future leads to time wasted, frantically attempting to discover the answer to “what will happen?” It also leads to impatience. In this sermon on Hebrews 11:8 titled “By Faith Abraham,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones exclaims that all of one’s thinking about the future will not affect the future. He examines the faith of Abraham who lived his life not knowing what would happen. He wasn’t preoccupied with questions on the future. In contrast, Abraham went out only with the promises of God. The early Christians were depressed and discouraged. They had reason for worry. The writer of Hebrews gives them this great picture of faith to remind them: Abraham believed God. He was a man of great faith, and needed not worry about the future. It does not matter how one will spend the next few years of their life, but how one will spend eternity. Whatever may happen in the future will not affect God and His promises to His people. If God is truly with them, they can face anything in this life.