Lessons from a Legendary Preacher
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, a renowned preacher of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on the lives of many through his powerful sermons. His ministry continues to inspire and educate preachers today.
The Power of Expository Preaching
Lloyd-Jones was a strong advocate for expository preaching, a style that humbly puts the preacher under the text, allowing the congregation to see the message’s origin in the Bible. He believed this approach honored the golden rule of preaching: honesty with the text. By doing so, preachers avoid cherry-picking ideas that interest them and instead deal with the text in its entirety.
The Necessity of the Spirit
Lloyd-Jones prized the power of the Spirit in preaching, recognizing that even the most thorough sermon preparation could not guarantee success without God’s intervention. He often spoke about the pulpit being the most romantic place on earth, where the preacher never knows what will happen. The Doctor, as he was affectionately known, did his utmost but acknowledged that God controlled the supply and power.
A Pattern in History
Throughout history, Lloyd-Jones observed a pattern where the union of doctrine and life led to remarkable transformations. He saw this in the Book of Acts, where the apostles’ preaching was accompanied by the demonstration of the Spirit and power. This union, he believed, was essential for effective preaching.
Prioritizing the Spirit’s Power
Lloyd-Jones stressed the importance of seeking the Spirit’s power from the outset of sermon preparation. He encouraged preachers to expect, seek, and yield to this power, making it the supreme thing. Without this emphasis, there is a danger of putting faith in the sermon rather than in the Spirit.
A Turning Point
In 1923, Lloyd-Jones experienced a monumental turning point while listening to the preaching of Dr. John Hutton at Westminster Chapel. He was struck by the spiritual power in Hutton’s preaching, which made him aware of God’s amazing power to save and change lives. This experience shaped his own ministry, as he never assumed that his congregation was comprised entirely of Christians.
Preaching for Christ’s Sake
Lloyd-Jones’ approach to preaching was centered on making Christ’s name known, not his own. He resolved to preach “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2), and this guiding principle remained constant throughout his ministry.
A Lesson for the Ages
The church needs to relearn the lesson that the first work of the Holy Spirit in the pulpit is to convict people of their sin and humble them in God’s presence. Preachers should not try to soothe the conscience of those who do not fear God; instead, they should awaken it.
A Lasting Legacy
Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ legacy continues to inspire preachers today. His emphasis on the union between doctrine and life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking the Spirit’s power in preaching. As he testified at the end of his life, “I did not live for preaching.” Instead, he lived for Christ, and his ministry reflected that.
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