Martyn Lloyd-jones Sermon Podcast

Isaiah 5:25 — Saying “God is love” is not controversial and likely receives nods of affirmation and hearty amens. It is a universal doctrine that receives little backlash. While many elevate the love of God above all other attributes, any mention of discipline or wrath is violently objected and attacked. In this sermon on Isaiah 5:25 titled “The Anger of the Lord,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones invites the listener to question this reaction with a few questions: Is it the sum of God’s character to describe Him as loving? Does Scripture attribute love as the highest and greatest attribute of God? Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphatically says no. He urges considering the whole counsel of God’s word, not merely picking out what is most appealing. He chastises those within the church who have rejected this doctrine in favor of a more palatable God. To embrace God’s love while rejecting His anger and wrath is a dishonest and inconsistent representation of God and the Bible. It also weakens the necessity of the incarnation of Christ

Isaiah 5:24 — In this sermon on freedom in Christ from Isaiah 5:24, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses a culture that is driven by temporary happiness and is opposed to any kind of law or call to obedience. He explains that humanity is addicted to experience, but cannot be satisfied. Moreover, he says that the world tries to remove all restraints, but cannot shake off their consciences. Happiness, satisfaction, and freedom cannot be found without discipline. Who is more free to buy a house: one who has constrained themselves to work and save, or one who spends their savings? Think of a good law like a good fence on a mountaintop. The fence gives the peace of mind to walk, run, and jump on the mountaintop without a worry of falling. However, the world thinks that laws and discipline are opposed to happiness and love. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that love for God and for neighbor actually fulfills the law of God.

Isaiah 5:22-23 — Sin has different symptoms. Some sins manifest in drunkenness and some manifest in self-righteousness, but everyone has to grapple with the sin that is found in the unconverted heart. In this sermon on Isaiah 5:22–23 titled “The Victim of Sin,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on the fact that sin is no respecter of persons. It affects the rich, poor, intellectual, and simple. There is no strata of humanity that is unaffected by sin and its consequences. Moreover, wherever sin is found there is also a silencing of a God-given conscience. When a person gives themselves daily to drunkenness, or any other sin, they eventually put a gag in the mouth of their conscience until they completely excuse their sin. Moreover, sin’s pleasure is fleeting: one must go deeper into more unnatural sin in order to get the same high with which they started. When this kind of gratuitous sin occurs in a society, it gives way to a culture that not only sins, but also approves of sin and calls it righteous. Dr. Lloyd

Isaiah 5:21 — Everyone needs to consider what is their greatest need. Is it health, fitness, employment, love? Do these desires distract them from their need for God? Throughout history, humanity cycles through philosophies to explain away their need for God and declare their own intellectual superiority. In this sermon on Isaiah 5:21 titled “The Wisdom of the Wise,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out that these philosophies are recycled like clothes that go in and out of style and fashion. There is no truly new philosophy. Moreover, he points out that any philosophy that leads to saying “there is no God” is foolish and is a copy of the first sin in the garden of Eden. In fact, he points out that wherever humanity says “I know best,” they are in danger of repeating the sin of Adam and Eve. This kind of intellectual and moral superiority is not only false, but also dangerous. When a person tries to solve their problems with intellect, they may solve some bodily ailments, but cannot repair the state of their own

Isaiah 5:20 — In this sermon on Isaiah 5:20 titled “Moral Perversion,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones talks about how today’s society is particularly contaminated with perverse sin. He describes how society is not merely indulging in evil but also calling it good; for example, he describes how society looks down on the value of the family and encourages the exploration of sexuality before, during, and after marriage. He describes how this is the common path of sin. Once someone is fed with “common” sin they are no longer satisfied with it but give themselves over to a more “uncommon” or “perverse” sin. Take the example of a drunk who has their fill of alcohol but cannot attain the same experience they once had. They will very likely seek after drugs which give more of a high than alcohol. The same is true of theft, sexual immorality, and any other sin that entangles a person. Moreover, Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes how increased sin and perversion is always met with the wrath and justice of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones powerfull

Isaiah 5:8-10 — Materialism is a trap so subtle that most probably do not even realize they are bound to it. It calls from every crevice of the culture and seeks to measure life by this world, its focus entirely on the here-and-now and what can be gained, from riches, to popularity, to belongings. In this sermon on Isaiah 5:8–10 titled “This Modern Condition,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches a warning against this trap, reminding of the dangers of living in a mindset enraptured by this temporary world. Every second Christians spend longing for the world is a second they are not gazing on the goodness of their God. What are some things he urges the listener to note? First, materialism’s smallness—it takes all of life and measures it by what someone has. Second, it is selfish—the logical outcome of this worldview is for a person to think entirely of themselves and their existence here and how they can progress. What causes materialism? Ultimately, that God is not in a person’s thoughts. Naturally, when people c

Isaiah 5:1-7 — It is common to hear that the Bible is outdated, that it was written so long ago that it no longer has any relevance for the “advanced” world today. The Bible has one clear message throughout— why the world is as it is, and how it can be fixed. In this sermon on Isaiah 5:1–7 titled “A Free Salvation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds that far from being too old and irrelevant, Scripture is the only tool one can use to help the state of the world today because it speaks to the core questions and desires with which every generation from the dawn of time has wrestled. The first point the passage addresses is the root of the issues faced today. Humanity’s ultimate trouble, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, is that they do not know and believe the truth about themselves, and thus act accordingly. This passage reinforces the idea that people are not evolved animals but rather beings created in the image of God. The second point touches on the unreasonable nature of human behavior and conduct in light of what God h

Isaiah 1:16-18 — What a truly awe-inspiring thought that the God of the universe, the Creator, has called sinful humans to come to Him. In this sermon on Isaiah 1:16–18 titled “The Terms of Judgment,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds of the incredible offer from God Himself to come before Him. In this passage, God calls sinners to reason with Him, to have a discussion about their sins. Yet there is another element to this— a challenge. Because He is the maker, God is just to demand what He does. Because people have disobeyed Him, the punishment for their sins is just. What silences this, though, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones makes note, is the grace of God’s offer that follows this challenge. All need clean hands and a pure heart to stand before God, yet because every one has the guilt of sin staining them, they cannot merit this forgiveness on their own. But, as Isaiah states in this passage, Jesus has offered to take sins that are as red as scarlet and make them as white as snow. As the old hymn communicates so poetical

Isaiah 1:10 — “Repent.” This is a command that many, even those outside of the church, are familiar with. But what actually is repentance? In this sermon on Isaiah 1:10 titled “Repentance and Salvation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on what it means to repent and why every single person ever born is in need of repenting. People who trust in Christ for their salvation from sin do so because they see their need. The word “repent,” he says, means literally to stop and think again. With the culture moving along from day to day at a blistering pace, it is imperative that all stop and think soberly about what they believe regarding eternity— they must repent. The second aspect of repentance when someone is coming to faith in Christ is a changing of the mind, realizing they have been wrong regarding their beliefs about Him, and put their complete dependence on Him for forgiveness from their sins. Third, repentance is ceasing to rely on one’s own capacity and wisdom. Finally, repentance is utter submission to God

Isaiah 1:9 — There is no escape from the penalty of sin. Scripture says that everyone has sinned, and eternal punishment is the only just response by a holy God. In this sermon on Isaiah 1:9 titled “Salvation Impossible to Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows the severity of sin and how no one is able to change anything of their own accord. Humanity deserves total destruction because of their sin. All have all rebelled against God and are unholy. They have no plea and because God is holy, He cannot allow His presence to be tainted by sin. Through His word and what He has revealed in it about sinfulness and the Savior He sent for humanity’s sins, no one has excuse. God is justified in His judgment of sinners. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that on their own, no one can do anything about their own salvation. Just one sin is enough to separate people from God so all are left incapable of doing enough good works to save themselves. Thus, human salvation is entirely of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks a crucial question: “are you

Isaiah 1:7-8 — Sin affects everything and its results are seen in many of the difficult daily patterns of life. In this sermon on Isaiah 1:7–8 titled “Enslaved by Sin,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches on sin and how its consequences reach into every area of existence. When disasters strike, people often wonder about the reason behind why something like that happens. Sin alone explains the state of the world as it is in complete rebellion to God and His character. Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds on the attractiveness of sin and how it is endlessly deceptive— Christians know that the wrong choices they make will result in bad things, and yet still choose to do them, even though it never keeps its promises to fulfill. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also points out how sin never gives anything of value but instead robs of what is best. After this, sin leaves the sinner alone and isolated. In contrast, consider the promises and the call to life in the gospels that Jesus extends to those who are lost. Unlike the problems of sin, Jesus pr

Isaiah 1:5-6 — In this sermon on Isaiah 1:5–6 titled “Man in Sin,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the need to know the cause of humanity’s troubles in order to begin to understand the proper remedy. Ease, deliverance, and happiness are often enemies of a proper diagnosis. He calls the listener to come face to face with the cause of their ills and see the root of the problems that trouble lives today. The true character, nature, and consequences of sin are examined as they affect the whole of life. Humanity is made blind by sin; all have sinned and are under the very same condemnation. The head and heart are affected by this sin – there is not a part of anyone that goes untouched by sin. Learn of the terrible power of sin against correction, teaching, and trials. The exceeding depth of sin is seen in the increased rebellion against what is good and right. Do not be driven into further arrogance in sin and recognize that all need an entire renovation and this is the very thing God offers through His only Son.

Isaiah 1:4 — What is sin? There are many answers given to this question in the modern world, but the Bible gives one: sin is the breaking of God’s law. Sin is saying no to God, and yes to one’s own desire. This rebellious spirit is nothing new in the world. It came about when the first humans, Adam and Eve, rejected God’s wisdom in place of their own. The presence of sin, as described in the Bible, is the only thing that can explain why the world is full of pain and suffering. Only God’s word explains why all sin against God and against one another. The world cannot repair the damage of sin; it cannot make right what humanity has done. The only true hope for this sinful world is found in God’s gracious sending of Jesus Christ. The whole Bible looks forward to the time when God will make everything right again in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. In this sermon on Isaiah 1:4 titled “The Effect of Sin,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones forces all to ask the questions: “do I believe in what God has done? Have I turned

Isaiah 1:3 — Christians must consider what their is life worth and what they are willing to give up in exchange to save their soul. In this sermon on Isaiah 1:3 titled “Listen to God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on these considerations. Even when shown the damage caused by sin, people continue to live in rebellion, not listening to God’s call to repent. While even animals know their master and know the master provides their food and all that they have, people refuse to acknowledge God and all the blessings that come from His merciful hands. Humanity loves sin and wickedness more than their gracious God who has promised to give all things to those who love Him and believe in His name. So, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks, what profit is it to gain the whole world and lose one’s soul? What does knowledge and pleasure bring if one dies and goes to hell? People love their sin, but it leads only to death and despair. God has given the best gift possible in Jesus Christ who died and rose from the grave, reigning over al

Isaiah 1:1-2 — Why should one listen to the message of the prophets and of holy Scripture? In an age of doubt and the rationalistic criticism of Scripture, this remains a vital question for the church and all believers. In this sermon on Isaiah 1:1–2 titled “As Revealed by the Prophets,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the nature of Scripture as the word of God given through the apostles and prophets. God gives His word to His people in times of need and guidance. This word from God is the only reason that the church has any authority to speak to the world and call it to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The message of the church is that Jesus Christ has died for sinners so that they might be righteous and children of God. All who repent and believe in Jesus are saved from sin and the wrath of God. This message of salvation confronts the world in its fallenness and brokenness and tells of the God who has died for the world. God’s revelation is the only reason that the church can stand and proclaim this

Psalms 118:5 — What does it mean to have a broad perspective on life? Many criticize Christianity for being closed-minded and leading to a narrow life, but in this sermon on Psalm 118:5 titled “A Small Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that Scripture has a different view of the Christian life. Rather than being narrow and closed-minded, the Christian is the one who truly understands the world and who has true and lasting joy because they know God. The Christian trusts in Jesus Christ for the salvation from sin. The Christian has received joy and lives in this joy because God has given a great gift of grace. The narrow life is the life that has no hope after death and no joy in life’s Creator. This sermon is a call to obey the gospel of God by believing in Jesus Christ and to find true and lasting peace as a child of God. Anyone who has not renounced the old life of sin, come to Christ and forsaken themselves to come to God is on the path to destruction apart from God and His goodness. There is no salvation

Psalms 107:35-38 — What is unique about the Bible’s teaching on salvation? Many religions and philosophies present ways that people can be saved from death and enjoy everlasting peace. In this sermon on Psalm 107:35–38 titled “The Great Christian Salvation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches that the Christian’s faith stands apart from all these other worldly teachings because in the holy Scriptures is found a salvation that is wholly miraculous. Becoming a Christian is a miracle of God in that He transforms what is dead and lifeless into a living and breathing new spiritual being. This new birth is impossible according to nature, but with God all things are possible. This message of salvation as an act of God means that it is only by grace that anyone can be saved. Salvation is wholly of God, and therefore it is wholly of His grace. Christians are not called to understand the miraculous nature of God’s acts, but are called to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who has come and died for sinners. They ar

Psalms 107:33-43 — What does it mean that salvation is all of grace? Despite the centrality of grace to the Bible, many Christians do not have a good understanding of what it means that God is gracious. In this sermon on Psalm 107:33–43 titled “A Gift of Grace,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches that God gives grace freely so that sinners can be saved. Salvation is a gift of grace; a free gift of God apart from any human merit or works. The work of salvation is a unique act of God wherein God sends His Son into the world to die for sinners. Salvation is accomplished in Christ and given as a free gift to all who repent and believe in Jesus. This sermon shows first and foremost that it is the message that one’s merit and works can never make one right with God. All human striving for salvation is wholly done away with on the cross of Calvary when Jesus died for sinners. This sermon calls all to forsake sin and to believe in God.

Psalms 107:32-43 — The most important thing about life is not what one does, but who they know. In this sermon on Psalm 107:32–43 titled “The God of the Bible,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches about the psalmist confessing that God has the power to both save and to judge. The glorious truth of the gospel is that God has sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save it. Vile sinners are called to flee sin and come to Jesus so that they might be children of God, perfect and holy in Christ Jesus. Knowing Jesus is what saves His people, not their works or deeds. The most important question is whether one knows Jesus. To reject Jesus is to be damned before God in the final day of judgment. Dr. Lloyd-Jones pleads with sinners to forsake their sin and to come to the merciful arms of Jesus. Flee from hatred and strife and come to God who is loving and long suffering, not desiring that any should perish. It is only by believing in Jesus Christ that anyone can be saved and made holy before God.

Psalms 107:23-32 — It is not hard to see that humanity is in a state of suffering and evil. Everyone experiences death, sickness, and suffering in their lives, but why is this? Many do not consider this question because they claim that humanity will inevitably progress until all evils have been extinguished and that man is the master of his own destiny. But the Bible presents a very different picture of the world than the triumphalist. In this sermon on Psalm 107:23-32, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that Scripture teaches that humanity is fundamentally sick and weak, and in dire need of salvation. No one is master of their own destiny, but all are subject to what happens in the world. When the gospel comes, it does not make humanity the center of the world, but it restores them to their rightful place as creatures of God. The gospel brings true and lasting peace for all that believe. This sermon calls each and every person to flee from sin and to come to God in repentance and humility to be saved. This sermon