Saved for Eternity
A Sermon on Romans 14:1-4
Originally preached Nov. 3, 1967
Scripture
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge …
Sermon Description
The Lord alone has the authority to make final judgments on people. In this sermon from Romans 14:1–4 titled “Saved for Eternity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener of this important truth and how they can follow this while still exercising discernment regarding the people they are around and the activities in which they participate. When the Christian makes ultimate judgments about people, they are usurping the authority of the Lord and putting themselves in His place. This is a very dangerous place. What are they to do about the activities of the world that in and of themselves are not wrong? Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides helpful guidelines to consider as one works through this. He proposes that it all comes back to the theme of Christian liberty and that on issues not clearly portrayed in Scripture as sinful, it is a matter of conscience between each person and God. Paul says that one is not to judge or be jealous of those who are using their Christian liberty because ultimately, the Lord is powerful and strong enough to help them stand up. Dr. Lloyd-Jones ties this into the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints, providing supporting examples from Scripture. Listen as he instructs on being discerning about things one should avoid and the effects that freedom in Christ has on such choices.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is dealing with the question of how Christians should view and treat each other in matters that are indifferent or morally neutral.
- Paul argues that Christians should not judge or condemn each other over indifferent matters. Judging other Christians in this way is presumptuous and usurps God's authority.
- Paul illustrates this point using the metaphor of a servant and master. Just as you would not criticize another person's servant, you should not judge another Christian who belongs to God.
- Paul says that God will uphold the Christian who exercises liberty in indifferent matters. God has the power to make that Christian stand.
- This is not referring to God enabling a Christian to stand in final judgment. Rather, it is referring to God upholding a Christian who faces judgment or criticism from other Christians over indifferent matters. God will maintain that Christian in their liberty.
- Paul is trying to reassure weaker Christians who are worried that stronger Christians who exercise liberty in indifferent matters will fall away or make shipwreck of their faith. Paul says there is no need to worry, because God will uphold them.
- The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is an important theme in this passage. God not only saves us but keeps us, and without His power to make us stand we would all fail.
- Many hymns capture this doctrine, expressing confidence that God will lead and keep us all the way to the end, in spite of all obstacles and enemies.
- We should find assurance not in our own strength or pledges but in God's power and faithfulness to complete the work He has begun.
Sermon Q&A
Common Questions about Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 14:1-5
What is the main topic that Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is addressing in this sermon?
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is addressing the issue of "matters indifferent" in the Christian faith - things about which there is no clear, explicit ruling or commandment in Scripture. He's specifically examining Romans 14:1-5, where Paul discusses how Christians who are "weak in the faith" and those who are "strong in the faith" should relate to one another regarding disputable matters. The sermon focuses on how Christians should avoid judging one another over non-essential issues of the faith.
What does Lloyd-Jones mean by people who are "weak in the faith"?
According to Lloyd-Jones, those who are "weak in the faith" are not weak in their personal faith, but rather weak in their understanding of the Christian faith. They have defective comprehension of Christian liberty and tend to create artificial rules and regulations. They are often governed by fear, which leads them to multiply rules as a way of hedging themselves in to prevent falling. Such people tend to judge others who exercise Christian liberty, sometimes even doubting whether they are Christians at all.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain Paul's illustration about judging another man's servant?
Lloyd-Jones explains that Paul uses the illustration of a master-servant relationship to make his point about judging others. Just as it would be inappropriate and rude for a guest to criticize or correct the servants in someone else's house, it is wrong for Christians to judge other believers who belong to God. The apostle is saying that when we set ourselves up as judges over fellow Christians, we are usurping God's authority, since believers are servants of the Lord, not of each other. Only the master (God) has the right to judge His own servants.
What does Lloyd-Jones believe the phrase "he shall be holden up, for God is able to make him stand" means?
Lloyd-Jones disagrees with those who interpret this as referring to the final judgment. Instead, he believes it's a message of reassurance to the weaker brother who is worried about the stronger brother's spiritual welfare. Paul is saying that the weaker brother shouldn't be anxious about those exercising Christian liberty because God Himself will uphold them. The emphasis is on God's power to keep believers standing, not on judgment. Lloyd-Jones sees this as an expression of the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints - that God not only saves believers but also keeps them secure in their salvation.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones view the use of "badges, ties and pledges" in the Christian life?
Lloyd-Jones is somewhat hesitant to completely condemn the use of "badges, ties and pledges" (external reminders and commitments) in the Christian life, acknowledging they might have some psychological value. However, he clearly views them as operating at a lower level than the New Testament teaching of reliance on God's power. He suggests these external aids belong more to the world's way of thinking than to true Christian living. While he wouldn't condemn someone weak enough to need such aids, he exhorts believers to "stand fast, be a man, put away childish things" and rely instead on God's power that keeps believers standing.
What does Lloyd-Jones say about the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints?
Lloyd-Jones considers the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints absolutely essential, stating that "were it not for the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints, nobody would ever be saved." He teaches that God not only begins the work of salvation in believers, but He also completes it. Using passages from Paul, Peter, Jude, and Jesus Himself, Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that believers are kept by God's power, not their own efforts. He states that God "never starts a work and then leaves it incomplete or unfinished" and that "what He has purposed to do, He is certainly going to do, and nothing and nobody can stop Him."
The Book of Romans
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.