Lloyd-Jones on the Plight of the World and the Church

Worried about the condition of the church or the condition of the world? Seeming instability may stir panic in our hearts, homes, and churches. Preaching from Romans 1:2, "God promised beforehand through

his prophets in the holy Scriptures," Martyn Lloyd-Jones reflects on a ministry which spanned Hitler's advance into Europe and bombing of England. The pastor of Westminster Chapel even prayed during service when a bomb struck nearby. Did Lloyd-Jones panic over a man like Hitler? No. Here, he explains:

"Are you troubled about the state of the church, the dwindling congregations, the plight of the world, the might of the world, the organization of the world, and all these things? Oh, I say, go back to the Old Testament and take hold of the comfort and consolation of the Scriptures. Or are you troubled by something that has happened in the world today? Then put it in the context of the Old Testament. I was never worried for a second about a man like Hitler; it was enough for me to read the thirty-seventh Psalm, and there I read of a man like him spreading himself like a green bay tree, a sort of colossus striding the whole earth. But I read on and learned that a day came when a man wanted to go to see him and to speak with him, and he could not find him. He searched everywhere for him; he could not find any trace of him; he had vanished. Why? God had blown upon him. And the Old Testament is full of such examples. In the light, then, of all that, what can we say? I have nothing but this: 'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God. How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.' He seems to sleep for centuries, but He is still there; His ways are past finding out. 'For who hath known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?...Or who hath first given to him and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him and through him and to him are all things: to whom', and to whom alone, 'be glory for ever. Amen.'" -D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Romans: Exposition of Chapter 1, The Gospel of God (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 2022), page 97.

Gurnall and The Christian Shield Bearer

William Gurnall was a 17th Century Puritan scholar in England. He served as an Anglican minister through very momentous events in English history such as the English Civil War, the execution of King Charles I, through the Cromwell Protectorate years, and even the Restoration. 

Gurnall is best known by his work on a large 3-Volume writings on Ephesians 6:10-20 entitled, Christian in Complete Armour. Here is an excerpt on the Christian protected and nourished is able to protect other Christians and help nourish them.

"Not only are active graces necessary for your own protection, but also for the help and comfort of other Christians. Paul had this in mind when he disciplined himself to keep a good conscience so as not to be a scandal to other believers. He knew that the cowardice of one may make others run; that the ignorance of another may do mischief to man. How often has the waywardness of a saint seduced a fellow Christian to leave the narrow path for the broad road that leads to destruction? This is among the gravest of errors for we are commanded to do just the opposite! God told the Reubenites and the Gadites to go before their brethren armed for battle, until the land was conquered. Thus you are to assist your fellow brethren who may not have the same measure of grace or comfort as you. Help such weak ones; be their shield bearer. This you will not be able to do unless your own grace is exercised, your armor buckle on. 

Perhaps you are a parent with a family under your wing. They fare as much as you do. If your heart is feasting on Christ, you will never find yourself in short supply when caring for their spiritual needs. On the other hand, if your own heart is malnourished, they will go hungry for spiritual food."

George Bethune on Christian Gentleness

George Washington Bethune was a pastor in the Dutch Reformed Church in New York and Pennsylvania in the 19th Century. In his book, The Fruit of the Spirit, Bethune slowly works through Galatians 5:22-23 on Paul's "fruit of the Spirit." Here, he introduces the spiritual fruit of gentleness:

"Perhaps no grace is less prayed for, or less cultivated, than gentleness. Indeed, it is considered rather as belonging to natural disposition, or external manners—than as a Christian virtue. Seldom do we reflect that not to be gentle, is sin. Yet here we find it among 'the fruits of the Spirit.'
James also, when he describes the wisdom from above, says, "it is first pure, then peaceable, gentle."
Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, when he appeals to them in the name of Him who was the incarnation of that divine wisdom, and the example of Christian character, beseeches "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ."
And David long before, while blessing God for his salvation, had exclaimed, "Your gentleness has made me great." It well befits us, therefore, to meditate upon a quality which bears the impress of divine beauty, as it shines in the face of Jesus Christ, and proves him who possesses it to have been . . .
born of the Spirit,
taught by the Father, and
transformed into the image of his dear Son.
Gentleness can be defined as a sweet mildness of temperament, manifested in words, address, and general demeanor."

Abundant Peace

“Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.” –Psalm 119:165

How does a Christian avoid stumbling? By enjoying abundant peace. How does a Christian enjoy abundant peace? By loving God’s Word. Not perfectly keeping, but loving the Law of the Lord. The instruction of the Word of the Lord is received with affection because the Christian loves the Lord who instructs. He is teaching us and transforming us by through His Word, which is received with love.

Our abundant peace is not given by absence of troubles, but a love for His Word through troubles. We do not have abundant peace in us to match the height of troubles in this life.

After a long road trip, there is a calm when the engine is shut down and the loud sound of the tires pressing a heavy car forward while rubbing the pavement ceases. Calm moments are refreshing, but this is not the definition of peace. Peace remains in motion, stays even in the height of noise. God in His kindness gives us pauses of calm to soothe His children along the hard, narrow way. But this is not to be confused with peace.

The abundant peace enjoyed by the lover of God’s Word is a peace received. His peace surpasses understanding. A peace which guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). A peace which keeps us from stumbling.

In our modern cultural economy prospering in anger and hostility, the Christian’s peace is a priceless treasure. The lover of God’s Word is a speaker of God’s Word as truth, which in our modern hostile age is not for the weak and scared. Our strength to speak in face of a hostile world is abundant peace.

Abundant peace is enjoyed by those being taught by the Word of the Lord to be Christ-like, not as hearers of the Word only, but doers of the Word.

In a hostile world which seeks to divide, the lover of God’s Word is a blessed peacemaker. Those who enjoy abundant peace make peace knowing we are called children of God.

Abundant peace is enjoyed as we learn to be content with plenty or lack. When troubles grow deeper, there is a deeper grace for the lover of God’s Word. Peace, and peace abundant.

The worldly heart only finds peace when everything goes their way and there is no battle to be fought. Abundant peace is found on the serene face of a general overlooking a battle. Peace is enjoyed in the heart when a parent must intervene in their children fighting. Peace is enjoyed when trials come. Peace is a comfort in grief and sorrow. The abundant peace is an ever-flowing spring to drink as we must travel through this thirsty land.

The Christian enjoys abundant peace and is kept from stumbling, but not in isolation. The Holy Spirit provides the bond of peace in the local church, and the Christian’s love for brothers and sisters in Christ abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling inside of him (I John 2:10). Remaining love for fellow Christians aids in our walk with the Lord without stumbling.

The lover of God’s Word enjoying abundant peace and loves the saints is wise, his ways pleasant, and his path is peace (Proverbs 3:17).

Wisdom looks to God, the Giver of every perfect and precious gift, and asks for this abundant peace with a love for His Word. We enjoy abundant peace, our hearts and minds are guarded in Christ by His peace, and we make peace as children of God.

Heavenly Father, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, give us a high affection for Your Word, and bless us with abundant peace. We ask as Your children, called blessed peacemakers. Be glorified in the calm of the hearts of Your children in every season and in our gospel proclamation to a perishing world. We receive Your mercies by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John Calvin's Prayer to be Made Teachable

The reformer John Calvin recorded a prayer in the midst of his commentary on the Prophet Joel 2:1-11, a passage of warning of the coming Day of the Lord.

Calvin read this warning passage and cried out to the Lord to learn the lessons of Joel and be made teachable.

"Grant, Almighty God, that as You invite us daily with so much kindness and love, and makes known to us Your fatherly goodwill, which You did once show to us in Christ Your Son, — O grant, that, being allured by Your goodness, we may surrender ourselves wholly to You, and become so teachable and submissive, that wherever You guide us by Your Spirit, You may follow us with every blessing. Let us not, in the meantime, be deaf to Your warnings; and whenever we deviate from the right way, grant that we may immediately awake when You warn us, and return to the right path, and deign You also to embrace us and reconcile us to Yourself through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Matthew Henry and the Greatness of Christian Meekness

Matthew Henry, famous for his commentary published in 1706, set to write a book A Discourse On Meekness and Quietness of Spirit based on I Peter 3:4, “A meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”

Henry contended for the greatness of Christian meekness and quietness in a world which sees greatness in an entirely different way:

“Meekness is commonly despised by the grandees of the age as cowardice and meanness, and the evidence of a little soul, and is posted accordingly; while the most furious and angry revenge is celebrated and applauded under the pompous names of valor, honor, and greatness of spirit…

To be meek is to be like the greatest saints, the elders that obtained a good report, and were of renown in their generation. It is to be like the angels, whose meekness in their converse with, and ministration to the saints, is very observable in the Scriptures; nay, it is to be like the great God himself, whose goodness is his glory, who is "slow to anger," and in whom "fury is not." We are then followers of God, as dear children, when we "walk in love," and are kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another. The more quiet and sedate we are, the more like we are to that God who, though he be nearly concerned in all the affairs of this lower world, is far from being moved by its convulsions and revolutions; but, as he was from eternity, so he is, and will be to eternity, infinitely happy in the enjoyment of himself. It is spoken to his praise and glory, The Lord sits upon the floods, even when the floods have lifted up their voices, have lifted up their waves. Such is the rest of the eternal Mind, that he sits as firm and undisturbed upon the movable flood as upon the immovable rock, the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the meek and quiet soul that preserves its peace and evenness against all the ruffling insults of passion and provocation, does thereby somewhat participate of a divine nature (II Peter 1:4).”

Spurgeon and the Passing Away of the Fashion of this World

Charles Spurgeon had preached from I Corinthians 7:31 which reads, “The fashion of this world passeth away.” All the world's "honors and dignities" will pass away. He said further, "even this world’s religious fashions will pass away." With precious gospel hope, Spurgeon describes how Christ will provide a world of greater fashion:

"We shall soon see the King in His beauty and the land that is very far off. We may begin to put off our old week-day garments for the heavenly Sabbath bells will soon ring out their welcome call. Let us shake ourselves from the dust, for our beautiful array is ready and we shall soon sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Eagerly anticipate—all of you who love the Lord Jesus Christ—eagerly anticipate your better portion. You daughters of sickness, you shall soon have done with all pains and pangs forever. You children of poverty, you shall soon have done with your anxieties and griefs concerning your many wants. You toil-worn workers in the vineyard of Christ, and you who are oppressed with many cares, you shall be Marthas no longer, but you shall sit at Jesus’ feet forever.

As for you who have been mourning, and sighing, and crying, your weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Put off your sackcloth, for God shall gird you with the garment of praise. Forget the drought of the wilderness, for you shall soon be in the paradise of God, and at His right hand where there are pleasures forevermore."

Sermon #3032 “The Fashion of This World”