Questions and Answers about Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on the Word of God

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones claim is the chief task of Christians in the present age?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the chief task and function of the Christian at this present hour is "to be a bearer and a proclaimer of that word of the Lord or that word of God." He emphasizes that in a world full of competing voices and messages, the primary business of Christians is to ensure that God's Word is heard amidst what he calls "this babel of voices."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe the Bible is still relevant in modern times?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives several reasons why the Bible remains relevant: First, it is the word of God, not merely the words of men. Second, it is a living word that is always contemporary and "up-to-date" because it explains the origin of the world and humanity's problems in ways that science and philosophy cannot. Third, it is enduring - it "liveth and abideth forever" while the words of men (even powerful leaders like Hitler and Mussolini) fade away. Finally, it has transformative power to redeem lives and offer hope.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the current state of the world according to the Bible?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the world's current troubled state is a result of humanity's rebellion against God. He quotes the Old Testament phrase "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked," explaining that God will not permit peace to those who rebel against Him. He describes the world's problems as "the wrath of God that we are experiencing upon all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men that hold down the truth in ungodliness."

What contrast does Dr. Lloyd-Jones make between the words of men and the Word of God?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts the words of men, which wither like grass, with the Word of God, which endures forever. He gives examples of powerful men like Mussolini, Hitler, and even Churchill, whose words once seemed important but are now largely forgotten. In contrast, God's Word has continued speaking for thousands of years and remains as relevant as ever. Unlike human words that only speak to certain moods or conditions, God's Word speaks to all people in all circumstances and will continue even into eternity.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say the Word of God offers that no other message can?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the Word of God uniquely offers salvation through Christ. It tells us "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son," and explains how our sins can be forgiven through Christ's sacrifice. It also offers new life - being "born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible by the word of God." It provides freedom from the fear of death, the promise of eternal life, and "the blessed hope which can never fade away."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the consequences of rejecting God's Word?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns that God's Word will be the standard by which everyone is judged in eternity. Quoting Jesus from John 12, he emphasizes that "the word that I have spoken the same shall judge him in the last day." Those who reject this word will have no excuse at the final judgment, as they will be confronted with others who heard the same message but believed it. The Word becomes their condemnation because they "ignored it, neglected it, dismissed it."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about modern scientific explanations for the origin of the universe?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones criticizes modern scientific explanations for the origin of the universe as inadequate. He argues that theories about planets colliding or primitive protoplasm evolving don't explain where the original matter came from or how unintelligent matter could "decide" to become more complex. He states he "cannot accept such an explanation" that all the order and design we see in nature is merely accident or chance, and cites Sir James Jeans who concluded there must be "a great mind, a great organizer at the back of it all."

What warning does Dr. Lloyd-Jones give to nations that trust in their own power?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns: "Let this nation, let every nation beware. Any man or nation that trusts in himself, his own power, his own understanding, his own wealth and his own prosperity is courting disaster." He points to Old Testament history showing how great empires that defied God were eventually destroyed, and specifically mentions once-great empires like Babylon, Assyria, Rome, and the British Empire, adding that America is "in the same category" and will "go the way that all great empires have gone."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the Word of God's ability to speak to people in different circumstances?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the Word of God speaks to people of all ages, intellects, and circumstances. He states: "It's a word that can speak to the children... to the young people... to the middle aged... to the aged." He notes that "some of the most ignorant, unintelligent people have enjoyed it and have lived by it. But the mightiest intellect in the world can never exhaust it." It speaks to people whether they're happy, desperately ill, or seeking intellectual stimulation - "whatever the mood, whatever the state, whatever the place, whatever the condition."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the ultimate proof of the value of God's Word?

The ultimate proof of the value of God's Word, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is what it accomplishes - "Look at what it does. Look at what it achieves." It tells us how to be reconciled with God, how our sins can be forgiven through Christ's sacrifice, and how we can be "born again" and receive new life. It gives freedom from fear, offers an "inheritance incorruptible and undefiled," and provides hope that doesn't fade away. The transformative power of the Word in people's lives is its ultimate vindication.