Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 6:12-14

What is the main focus of Dr. Lloyd-Jones' sermon on Romans 6:12-14?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones' sermon primarily focuses on the practical application of Christian doctrine to daily life, particularly on how believers should deal with sin that remains in their mortal bodies. He emphasizes that the apostle Paul is instructing Christians not to allow sin to reign in their mortal bodies, showing how doctrine must be applied practically. As Lloyd-Jones states, "Doctrine is always something that is to be applied. It is never to be considered as something in and of itself."

Why does Paul use the word "therefore" in Romans 6:12, and why is it significant?

The word "therefore" in Romans 6:12 is significant because it connects the practical instructions with the doctrinal foundation laid in Romans 6:1-11. Lloyd-Jones calls it "in a sense no more important word in the writings of this apostle than the word therefore." It demonstrates Paul's logical thinking and shows that Christian practice must always flow from Christian doctrine. The practical application follows necessarily from the theological truths already established.

According to Lloyd-Jones, what does Paul mean by "mortal body"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that "mortal body" refers literally to our physical bodies, not to our sinful nature as some interpreters suggest. He says, "Body really means what it says. It means literally our physical body." The word "mortal" emphasizes two things: first, that our current condition is temporary, and second, that our current body contrasts with the glorified body we will receive. Lloyd-Jones notes that "mortality and corruption always go together" in Scripture.

What does Lloyd-Jones teach about the relationship between sin and the Christian?

Lloyd-Jones teaches that while Christians are "dead to sin" in terms of their essential identity, sin still remains in their mortal bodies. He emphasizes: "I myself am dead indeed unto sin. I have nothing more to do with it, and it has nothing more to do with me. I have finished with it as such, I myself. But it's here still in my body." Sin cannot dominate the believer's soul but can still affect their body and tries to reign there if not resisted.

How does Lloyd-Jones contrast the New Testament teaching on sanctification with common misconceptions?

Lloyd-Jones identifies several misconceptions about sanctification: that it's a gift to be received, a sudden experience of complete deliverance, simply surrendering to God, or passively allowing Christ to live His life through us. In contrast, he teaches that New Testament sanctification involves active resistance against sin based on understanding doctrine. He states, "The New Testament teaching about sanctification is not just an appeal to us to look to the Lord, or as it is sometimes put, allow him to live his life in you," but rather involves our active participation in applying doctrine.

What are the true motives for holiness according to Lloyd-Jones?

According to Lloyd-Jones, the true motives for holiness include: understanding God's purpose to restore us to His image, gratitude for Christ's sacrifice, concern for God's honor and reputation, recognition of our new position in Christ, anticipation of future glorification, and alignment with God's purpose in salvation. He specifically notes that our motive is not merely fear of hell or attempting to make ourselves Christians, but positive reasons flowing from our identity in Christ.

How does Lloyd-Jones explain why Christians can successfully resist sin?

Lloyd-Jones explains that Christians can successfully resist sin because they have the power of God working in them. He states: "You are the man who has died with Christ, who has been crucified with Christ. You are the man who is alive unto God. You are the man in whom the Spirit of God is working." This divine empowerment makes resistance possible, unlike the non-Christian who remains a slave to sin. He concludes: "There is no need for sin to reign in our mortal bodies. Because God is working in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

What happens if a Christian allows sin to reign in their mortal body?

If a Christian allows sin to reign in their mortal body, Lloyd-Jones warns they are setting themselves against God's purpose and may face divine discipline. He explains: "If I allow sin to reign in my mortal body, I am then setting myself against the purpose of God in me and in my salvation." The consequences may include sickness or even death, as Paul described in 1 Corinthians 11 where "some of them are very ill, some of them are sick, some of them have even died" because they allowed sin to reign in their bodies.