Sermons of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Romans 12:1-21 — The apostle Paul is a master at connecting doctrine and practical matters. He seamlessly weaves both together in his apostolic writings. While there is a change in emphasis in Romans 12 – from doctrine to practice – Paul never leaves doctrine behind. As a pastor he is concerned with helping this congregation in Rome and this always includes doctrinal appeals and arguments. In this transitional sermon on Romans 12:1–21 - his first in a series of thirty-five sermons on Romans 12 - titled “Introduction,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones challenges those in the church who view practical matters as anticlimactic. There is something wrong in the church’s thinking if it only focuses purely on doctrine. Dr. Lloyd-Jones counters this error by expounding five biblical and theological reasons why the church should focus on more than just doctrine. Moreover, he gives a general analysis of the rest of Romans and prepares his listeners with a particular outline of Romans 12. Listen to this unique and compelling sermon on Romans 12 by Dr. Lloyd-Jones as he calls the church to holistic ministry and a Christian faith that is lived out.

Romans 11:33-36 — God’s judgements and actions are something entirely incomprehensible to people. In this sermon on Romans 11:33–36 titled “All of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones dissects the tendency for humans to proclaim their independence. Salvation comes in and through God and there is nothing else people can do. Learn how humanity’s essential problem is their ignorance. People are always ready to give advice, but who can advise God? If one considers their state, they will realize that they are in sin and a hopeless debtor. “The whole of the cosmos is going to display... the glory of God.” From justification to glorification, it is all absolutely a work of God, void of any work of humanity. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all; salvation and the whole of life is for the glory of God. Look at creation and see how the world overflows with the glory of God. The listener is encouraged to contemplate their condition, confess that they are nothing, gladly acknowledge that they are what they are “solely by the grace of God,” and rejoice.

Romans 11:33-36 — In this sermon on Romans 11:33–36 titled “His Ways Are Past Finding Out,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones talks about something that no amount of words can adequately explain. God’s ways are so immense that they cannot be traced out. There is a great divide of Christianity; not in regard to particular details, but rather “our whole approach to the gospel.” Is the Christian called to proclamation or to dialogue? When one looks at the apostolic method and message, do the apostles start with modern humanity to make their declarations for the gospel? People must be born again of water and spirit to enter the kingdom of God. The natural person constantly misunderstands the whole of God’s way. God is absolute, infinite, and holy in every respect. The listener is encouraged to look of humanity’s limited nature in a way that may have never been considered. The gospel is hid to those who are lost and in their natural state; all humans are sinners and ignorant of who God truly is. Look upon the grace of God and stand in awe. His ways are far beyond finding out, but it is here that one gains assurance for salvation.

Romans 11:33-36 — In this sermon on Romans 11:33–36 titled “The Great Doxology,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares his belief that this passage is the best doxology in Scripture. He warns not to take this passage out of context since Paul is praising God after expounding wondrous truths for much of the letter. One cannot fully appreciate Paul’s doxology without understanding the parts that make up the whole. Paul spoke about justification by faith, God’s mercy on the Jews as well as the Gentiles, and other magnificent truths. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that many have sought to explain this passage by claiming that Paul has stopped seeking to understand God’s truths and instead broken out into praise. While this is well-meaning, it does not capture the truth of the passage. Paul is worshipping God indeed, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, but only during His learning of God’s wondrous doctrines. This is not a mindless doxology, but rather is a very mindful one. Along the same lines, it is not just the depth of the riches that Paul is referring to – it is the depth of the riches of God. How wonderfully kind of God to give eternal life to all those who would call upon His name.

Romans 11:28-32 — What is the status of the Jewish people now that Christ has come? In this sermon on Romans 11:28–32 titled “God in Control,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks on this vital question with which the apostle Paul wrestles. Paul says that there is a current hardening of the Jewish people by God in order that the gospel would go to the Gentiles. All throughout Scripture, sin and evil are unable to change God’s good work. Paul makes clear that God has not finally rejected His people, for the hardening that has come upon the Jewish people is only temporary and there will be a day when a great revival comes upon the nation of Israel. What is the church’s response to this teaching? The church and Christians everywhere must not be arrogant towards the people of Israel, for all salvation is a gift from God. The church must also seek to bring the gospel to the people of Israel and the glorious truth that Jesus has come and died for sinners. All who believe, whether Jew or Gentile, will be saved and made inheritors with Jesus Christ in the age to come. Jesus is the only way of salvation for all, whether Jew or Gentile.