Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Sin and Modern Problems

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the root cause of modern social problems?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, sin is the root cause of all modern social problems. He argues that "men's troubles are entirely and always due to this one thing, and that is sin in the human heart." He rejects the idea that social problems merely require more education, research, or commissions of inquiry, asserting instead that the fundamental problem is the sinful nature within every person that causes lust, craving, and moral breakdown.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the Bible's relevance to contemporary issues?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes the Bible as "the most up to date book in the world" and "the most contemporary" resource for understanding human problems. He argues that while modern experts propose setting up commissions and research centers to study social problems, the Bible already contains both a perfect diagnosis of human problems and the treatment. He rejects the notion that the Bible is outdated, explaining that while superficial aspects of life have changed, the fundamental nature of humanity and its problems have remained the same since the Fall.

What example from Numbers 11:4-6 does Lloyd-Jones use to illustrate human nature?

Lloyd-Jones uses the example of the Israelites who, despite being delivered from slavery in Egypt and being led to the Promised Land, suddenly fell to lusting after the food they had in Egypt. He points out how they forgot their terrible bondage and instead craved "the fish which we did eat in Egypt freely, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic." This illustrates how human nature is driven by internal lusts and cravings that can arise without external provocation.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe modern approaches to social problems are inadequate?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones believes modern approaches are inadequate because they treat the symptoms rather than the cause. He argues that commissions, social improvements, and education have "already proved to be completely hopeless and useless" because they don't address sin as the root problem. He states that modern approaches wrongly assume people are essentially good and will respond positively to improved environments and kindness, when in reality, the problem is an internal principle of evil that requires spiritual transformation.

How powerful does Lloyd-Jones describe sin to be in human life?

Lloyd-Jones describes sin as an extraordinarily powerful force that is "more powerful than our reason," "more powerful than a man's will," "stronger than memory," and "more powerful than the fear of consequences." He gives examples of intelligent, reasonable people who still fall victim to their sinful desires despite knowing better. He quotes the Apostle Paul's struggle in Romans 7, where Paul states "to will is present with me, but how to perform I find not."

What solution does Dr. Lloyd-Jones offer for humanity's fundamental problem?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers a spiritual solution: "There is only one hope for men, and that is a new nature, something more powerful than this foul and evil principle of sin, a new principle of life, the life of God in the soul." He emphasizes that only Jesus Christ can satisfy the restless human heart and provide deliverance from sin. His recommended approach is to recognize the evil within, acknowledge one's inability to master it, confess this to God, and trust in Christ's redemptive work on the cross.

How does Lloyd-Jones refute the idea that social environment is the main cause of human problems?

Lloyd-Jones refutes this idea by pointing out that sin operates "even apart from temptation." He argues that evil thoughts can arise in people even when they're alone and not exposed to any external influence. He cites examples of monks who isolated themselves in cells yet still struggled with evil thoughts. He states that "if you just give us all new houses and if you indulge in certain social improvements," people will still sin because sin is "a principle in the heart" rather than merely a response to environment.

What does Lloyd-Jones identify as the reason behind human restlessness and dissatisfaction?

Lloyd-Jones identifies the absence of God in human life as the reason for restlessness and dissatisfaction. He describes humanity as having a "vacant heart" that constantly lusts after new pleasures and thrills because "God isn't in his life." He quotes Augustine: "Thou hast made us for thyself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee," explaining that what humans are truly longing for, even when they don't realize it, is God Himself.