No en Palabra; sino en Poder
Un sermón 1 Corintios 4:20
Predicado originalmente 10 de junio de 1962
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Escritura
Descripción del Sermón
¿Qué quiere decir el Apóstol Pablo cuando dice que el reino de Dios no consiste en palabras, sino en poder? Esta es la pregunta que el Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones busca responder en este sermón de 1 Corintios 4:20. Él dice que Pablo no era como muchos de los sabios de su tiempo ya que no tenía una gran presencia, ni hablaba con poder. Pablo no se preocupaba por estas cosas porque no confiaba en sí mismo, sino en el poder de Dios. El Dr. Lloyd-Jones continúa mostrando que el reino de Dios no se trata de palabras inteligentes ni de oradores dotados, sino que el reino de Dios se trata del poder de Dios, específicamente Cristo Jesús y Su evangelio. ¿Cómo se ve el poder de Dios? Si el cristiano mira el derramamiento del Espíritu Santo en Pentecostés, verá hombres y mujeres que fueron totalmente transformados por el poder de Dios. Este nuevo poder que recibieron no fue por su propio esfuerzo, sino que vino de Dios capacitando a Su pueblo para que pudieran servirle. Este poder dado por Dios es lo que permite a los cristianos luchar contra el pecado, proclamar el evangelio con valentía y vivir una vida que busca el reino de Dios.
Desglose del Sermón
- El texto del sermón es 1 Corintios 4:20 - "Porque el reino de Dios no consiste en palabras, sino en poder."
- El sermón fue dado en domingo de Pentecostés, recordando a la congregación la venida del Espíritu Santo en Hechos 2.
- La iglesia primitiva transformó el mundo a través del poder del Espíritu Santo, no por medios humanos.
- La iglesia de hoy es ineficaz y carece de poder en comparación con la iglesia primitiva. Tenemos muchas palabras pero nos falta poder.
- El reino de Dios trata del poder y la actividad de Dios, no de palabras o filosofía humana.
- La iglesia habla mucho del Espíritu Santo pero carece de Su poder. Debemos examinarnos para ver si hemos recibido el poder del Espíritu.
- El poder del Espíritu se manifiesta en convencer del pecado, capacitar a las personas para vivir nuevas vidas, entender la verdad y vivir la verdad.
- El poder del Espíritu cambió vidas en la iglesia primitiva y a lo largo de la historia de la iglesia en tiempos de reforma y avivamiento.
- El poder del Espíritu no se puede obtener a través de organizaciones humanas, instituciones o aprendizaje, sino reconociendo nuestra debilidad, creyendo en la Palabra de Dios y orando por el Espíritu.
- Debemos orar por un avivamiento - un derramamiento del Espíritu que traiga convicción de pecado, seguridad de fe, y que muchos vengan a Cristo.
- Debemos orar para que el Espíritu venga sobre nosotros y la iglesia, no esperar algún evento futuro. Debemos venir a la iglesia con expectativa y esperanza, orando por el Espíritu.
- No debemos darnos descanso hasta que conozcamos el poder del Espíritu en nosotros y sobre la iglesia.
Sermon Q&A
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon Questions and Answers
What is the central message of Dr. Lloyd-Jones' sermon about the kingdom of God?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones' central message is that "the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power" (1 Corinthians 4:20). He emphasizes that Christianity is not merely about intellectual knowledge, philosophical discussions, or eloquent words, but about the demonstrable power of God working through the Holy Spirit. This power transforms lives, convicts people of sin, and enables believers to live in a way that reflects God's kingdom. The church has often substituted talk, conferences, and intellectual debates for this genuine spiritual power.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast the early church with the modern church?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts the early church as a small, seemingly insignificant group with "no influence, no great names among them, no money," yet they became so powerful that they were described as "people who are turning the world upside down." In contrast, the modern church has "many buildings, some of them very large and ornate," is well-known and publicized, but lacks genuine spiritual impact. He notes that today's church has "more words" than ever before—producing books, holding conferences—but shows little evidence of the transformative power that characterized the early church in the Book of Acts.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as evidence of the Holy Spirit's power?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, evidence of the Holy Spirit's power includes: - Conviction of sin (people crying out "what must I do to be saved?") - Changed lives (transforming people from their sinful states - "such were some of you, but ye are washed") - Power to understand spiritual truth that natural minds cannot grasp - Power to live a new life and overcome sin - Authority and certainty in preaching and witness - The ability to conquer the devil through "the power of His might"
What is Dr. Lloyd-Jones' critique of ecumenism and church organization?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones criticizes the emphasis on institutional unity and organization that characterized the ecumenical movement of his time. He specifically mentions a statement from the British Council of Churches about an "ecumenical breakthrough" that made no reference to the Holy Spirit. He argues that "you'll never get [power] by organization" or "institutionalism," and that "adding church to church and institution to institution" won't create effectiveness. He states that "a Great World Church will be as powerless and as ineffective as the divided church of today" if it lacks the Holy Spirit's power.
How does one obtain the power of the Holy Spirit according to the sermon?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, to obtain the power of the Holy Spirit: 1. Realize your "emptiness, weakness, and utter ineffectiveness" 2. Acknowledge that "we can never produce power whatever we do" 3. Believe God's Word as it is, becoming "a fool" or "a little child" in the world's eyes 4. Pray specifically to be "filled with the Spirit" 5. Pray "unceasing, incessant prayers for revival" 6. Maintain an expectant attitude, praying that the Spirit might come "at any moment"
What historical examples does Dr. Lloyd-Jones use to illustrate spiritual power?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones references several historical figures who demonstrated spiritual power: - John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness with power to convict even Pharisees - Martin Luther, who was "ineffective" as a Roman Catholic but powerful as a Reformer - John Calvin and the Protestant Reformers - John Knox, who made Mary Queen of Scots tremble with his preaching and prayers - Hugh Latimer preaching at St. Paul's Cross in London - George Whitefield and John Wesley, whose ministries sparked revival
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the problem with the Corinthian church?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the Corinthian church was "divided up into sects and groups" with some saying "I am of Paul," others "I am of Apollos," etc. They were arguing over spiritual gifts, with some considering themselves superior to others. They were primarily interested in eloquence, philosophy, and appearance rather than spiritual power. Despite their knowledge and words, they had moral problems including fornication. They were "carnal" believers who were "puffed up" with pride and knowledge but lacked the spiritual power that should characterize God's kingdom.
What is the relationship between preaching and the Holy Spirit according to the sermon?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that effective preaching must be empowered by the Holy Spirit, not merely intellectual or eloquent. He cites Paul who said his preaching "was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." He emphasizes that Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before preaching, even though they had all the facts about His life, death, and resurrection. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states he would prefer "an ignorant fisherman filled with the Spirit rather than a great giant brain who hasn't got the power of the Spirit" because true preaching is not about human ability but divine empowerment.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about revival and how it comes?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes revival as "the Spirit descending upon a church as He did on the day of Pentecost." It happens when "suddenly something happens. Suddenly a power descends. Suddenly they're aware of the presence of God." He emphasizes that revival comes through prayer, not through human planning or organization. It can come "at any moment" and results in conviction of sin, assurance of salvation, and large numbers of conversions. He urges his listeners to "pray without ceasing for a great outpouring of the Spirit of God" and to pray expectantly, believing that revival could come "any day, in any church, in any part of the world."
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones connect the Day of Pentecost to the Christian church today?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents the Day of Pentecost as the foundational event that explains "the story and the history of the Christian Church." He teaches that Pentecost fulfilled Jesus' promise that the disciples would "receive power" to be witnesses. This power is the "prime mark of the church" and should characterize both the collective church and individual believers today. He urges his hearers to test themselves by asking, "Did you receive the Holy Ghost when you believed?" and to examine whether there is evidence of this same Pentecostal power in their lives and ministry. The contemporary church, he argues, should be experiencing the same power that transformed the early church.
Otros Sermones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
El Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) fue un ministro evangélico galés que predicó y enseñó en la tradición Reformada. Su ministerio principal fue en Westminster Chapel, en el centro de Londres, desde 1939-1968, donde impartió exposiciones de varios años sobre libros de la Biblia como Romanos, Efesios y el Evangelio de Juan. Además de la colección del Fideicomiso MLJ de 1,600 de estos sermones en formato de audio, la mayoría de estas grandes series de sermones están disponibles en forma de libro (incluyendo una colección de 14 volúmenes de los sermones de Romanos), así como otras series como "Depresión Espiritual", "Estudios sobre el Sermón del Monte" y "Grandes Doctrinas Bíblicas". Es considerado por muchos líderes evangélicos de hoy como una autoridad en la verdad bíblica y la suficiencia de las Escrituras.