The Christian Life
A Sermon on John 4:27-30
Originally preached Nov. 19, 1967
Scripture
27¶ And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? 28The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29Come, …
Sermon Description
Listen to this sermon on John 4:27–30 titled “The Christian Life” as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the transformation of the Christian and takes a look at the story of the woman at the well. Learn of the instinct that humanity has for safety and how the Christian gospel responds to that instinct. Christianity is not just an addition to life. The Christian life ought to look essentially different. Christianity is not just a duty that one must force themselves to do as if it were an extra burden. The Christian should ask what kind of impression they give regarding Christianity. It is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself that determines, controls, and dominates the Christian life in every respect. Looks at the lives of saints who were described as a “Christ-intoxicated” and a “bond-slaves for Christ.” Christians belong to Christ and have an entirely new way of thinking. The lust of the flesh, eyes, and world are not characteristic and dominating of the Christian. Learn that it is when eyes are set on things above and are no longer moved by the things that are constantly shifting and happening around them. Christianity provides a unique stability. The Christian is no longer conformed to this world, but transformed into a new creation.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon focuses on John 4:27-30 and examines the story of the Samaritan woman at the well.
- The main point of the sermon is that the Christian life is a complete and radical change where Christ dominates and controls every aspect of one's life.
- The sermon outlines how this complete change manifests itself in one's mind, interests, will, and heart.
- Regarding the mind, the Christian develops a new way of thinking that views all things through the lens of Christ and the gospel. The Christian is not conformed to the world's way of thinking.
- Regarding interests, Christ becomes the Christian's main interest and priority in life. The Christian's interests are centered on Christ and the things of God.
- Regarding the will, the Christian's will is surrendered to Christ. The Christian wants to do God's will, not their own will.
- Regarding the heart, the Christian develops a passion and excitement for Christ. The Christian's heart is captivated by Christ.
- The sermon warns against a mechanical, duty-based religion that lacks this complete change and passion for Christ. True Christianity revolutionizes all areas of one's life as Christ takes control.
Sermon Q&A
What Does Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About the Woman at the Well's Transformation?
What does it mean that the woman left her water pot at the well according to Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the woman leaving her water pot wasn't a case of excitement or forgetfulness. It was a deliberate action that symbolized a complete transformation in her life and priorities. As he explains: "This is not a case of excitement in that sense. It's not a case of forgetfulness... she deliberately leaves her water pot there, goes to the city to invite these people to come and takes them back with her." This action demonstrated a radical change in her values and interests, showing that her encounter with Christ had completely reoriented her life.
How does Lloyd-Jones contrast religion versus true Christianity in his sermon?
Lloyd-Jones makes a clear distinction between mere religion and true Christianity. He describes religion as something we "take up as a duty," something mechanical that we "force ourselves to do," or an "appendix" to our lives. In contrast, true Christianity is a complete transformation where Christ dominates every aspect of life. He states: "The christian life is not merely a slight modification of our lives. It's not just a slight change in our lives. It is a complete change." True Christianity is not something added to our existing lives but a revolutionary new life with Christ at the center.
What are the areas of life that Christ transforms according to the sermon?
According to Lloyd-Jones, Christ transforms every aspect of our being:
- The mind: "It shows a change in our mind and in our outlook and in our thinking."
- The interests: "The whole thing is entirely changed... she leaves her water pot, she goes to the city, brings the men back with her."
- The will: "The will is dominated by him... It's what the Christian desires to do and wants to do and enjoys doing."
- The heart and feelings: "There is an excitement about it. And I don't see how men can be truly a Christian without being excited about it. There's a thrill. There's a passion."
He emphasizes that Christ's transformation is total, affecting our entire being and lifestyle.
How does Lloyd-Jones describe the common misconception about the Christian life?
Lloyd-Jones identifies several misconceptions about Christian life:
- That it's merely "a slight modification of our lives"
- That Christianity is "like the life of everybody else, with just this one difference, that he has this interest which comes in"
- That faith is just "some sort of a break upon our lives" that stops us from doing certain things
- That Christianity is something "we have to remind ourselves" about
- That it's merely "a duty" we force ourselves to perform
- That it's just "a vague general influence"
He contrasts these misconceptions with the radical transformation demonstrated by the woman at the well.
Why does Lloyd-Jones believe many Christians remain as "babes in Christ"?
Lloyd-Jones explains that many believers remain spiritual infants because they focus only on forgiveness and salvation without progressing to spiritual maturity. He states: "The instinct of safety, a desire for safety, self preservation, tends to make us realize the problem of forgiveness acutely, but then we tend to stop at it. We are safe, and so we stay there." He references how the apostles frequently reprimanded early Christians "because they were remaining as babes in Christ. They were not going on. They were not going on to perfection." Many believers fail to realize "the tremendous and the glorious possibilities of this life" that Christ offers beyond initial salvation.
The Book of John
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.