Living with Eternal Perspective: Lessons from Dr. Lloyd-Jones

 

Summary

Reflecting on the life and ministry of Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, we find ourselves at a significant moment in history, akin to the passing of great figures like George Whitfield and Charles Haden Spurgeon. Dr. Lloyd-Jones, who passed away in 1981, was a monumental figure in the Christian faith, particularly within the reformed evangelical community. His influence extended far beyond the borders of England and Wales, reaching into the hearts and minds of believers worldwide. His ministry was characterized by a deep commitment to biblical doctrine and a fervent passion for the truth of the Gospel.

Dr. Lloyd-Jones's life was marked by a profound sense of God's providence. He was a man who understood the importance of preparing for death, not as a morbid preoccupation, but as a vital aspect of Christian living. He believed that the way we face death is significant, and he was grateful for the time given to him to prepare for his own passing. His reflections on death were not merely theoretical; they were deeply personal and rooted in his unwavering faith in Christ.

Throughout his life, Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasized the importance of living not for the accolades of men or the success of ministry, but for the glory of God. He often spoke of the danger of finding one's identity in preaching or ministry success, urging believers to rejoice instead in the assurance of their salvation. His life was a testament to the guiding hand of God, from his early days as a promising medical professional to his eventual call to the ministry.

In his final months, Dr. Lloyd-Jones's faith remained unshaken. He spoke of the reality of angels and the assurance that nothing could separate him from the love of Christ. His life and ministry serve as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of our calling as Christians and the eternal perspective we must maintain.

Key Takeaways:

- Dr. Lloyd-Jones's life exemplified the importance of preparing for death, not as a fearful event but as a transition to eternal life with Christ. He believed that facing death victoriously was a testimony to one's faith and a reflection of a life well-lived in Christ. [15:55]

- He emphasized the danger of finding identity in ministry success, urging believers to rejoice in their salvation rather than their accomplishments. This perspective challenges us to evaluate where we find our worth and to ensure it is rooted in Christ alone. [23:03]

- The providence of God was a recurring theme in Dr. Lloyd-Jones's life. He saw God's hand in every aspect of his journey, from his conversion to his call to ministry, reminding us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereign plan. [37:31]

- Dr. Lloyd-Jones's faith in the truth of the Gospel was unwavering, even when it meant standing alone. His commitment to doctrinal purity and biblical truth serves as a model for us to hold fast to the truth, regardless of cultural or societal pressures. [54:10]

- The seriousness of death and the reality of standing before God were central to Dr. Lloyd-Jones's teachings. He urged believers to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our time on earth is temporary and that we must be prepared to meet our Creator. [55:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Remembering Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones
- [01:16] - A Parallel with Whitfield and Spurgeon
- [02:26] - The Influence of Dr. Lloyd-Jones
- [03:43] - God's Providential Timing
- [05:22] - Personal Reflections
- [07:07] - The Last Months of Ministry
- [09:52] - Health Decline and Acceptance
- [11:24] - Facing Death with Faith
- [13:43] - Preparation for Death
- [19:20] - Final Sermons and Public Appearances
- [23:03] - Rejoicing in Salvation
- [25:23] - Assurance in Death
- [37:31] - The Guiding Hand of God
- [54:10] - Faith in the Truth
- [55:09] - The Seriousness of Death

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Daniel 3:17-18 - "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
2. Luke 10:20 - "However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
3. 1 Corinthians 15 - A chapter reflecting on the resurrection and victory over death.

#### Observation Questions
1. What parallels were drawn between the deaths of Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, George Whitfield, and Charles Haden Spurgeon? [00:34]
2. How did Dr. Lloyd-Jones view the concept of preparing for death, and what did he believe was the significance of facing it? [15:55]
3. What was Dr. Lloyd-Jones's perspective on finding identity in ministry success, and how did he express this in his later years? [23:03]
4. How did Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the role of angels in the context of death? [25:39]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 relate to Dr. Lloyd-Jones's approach to facing death? [12:02]
2. In what ways did Dr. Lloyd-Jones's emphasis on rejoicing in salvation rather than ministry success challenge common perceptions of success in Christian ministry? [23:03]
3. How did Dr. Lloyd-Jones's understanding of God's providence shape his life and ministry, particularly in times of difficulty? [37:31]
4. What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones's unwavering faith in the truth of the Gospel, even when standing alone, teach us about maintaining doctrinal purity? [54:10]

#### Application Questions
1. Dr. Lloyd-Jones believed in preparing for death as a transition to eternal life. How can you begin to incorporate this perspective into your daily life? [15:55]
2. Reflect on where you find your identity. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to find worth in accomplishments rather than in Christ? How can you shift your focus? [23:03]
3. Consider a time when you have seen God's providence in your life. How can you trust in His sovereign plan more fully, especially in uncertain times? [37:31]
4. Dr. Lloyd-Jones spoke of the reality of angels and the assurance of Christ's love. How does this belief impact your view of death and the afterlife? [25:39]
5. How can you hold fast to the truth of the Gospel in a culture that often pressures believers to conform? What steps can you take to strengthen your commitment to doctrinal purity? [54:10]
6. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasized the seriousness of death and the need for an eternal perspective. How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily decisions and interactions? [55:09]
7. Reflect on the importance of living for the glory of God rather than for human accolades. What practical changes can you make to align your life more closely with this principle? [02:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Preparing for Death as a Transition to Eternal Life
Reflecting on the life of Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, we see the importance of preparing for death not as a fearful event but as a transition to eternal life with Christ. He believed that facing death victoriously was a testimony to one's faith and a reflection of a life well-lived in Christ. This perspective challenges us to view death not with dread but with the hope and assurance of eternal life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones's life exemplified this belief, as he was grateful for the time given to him to prepare for his own passing, seeing it as a vital aspect of Christian living. His reflections on death were deeply personal and rooted in his unwavering faith in Christ, serving as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of our calling as Christians and the eternal perspective we must maintain. [15:55]

"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Corinthians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you begin to view death as a transition to eternal life rather than a fearful event? What steps can you take today to prepare spiritually for this transition?


Day 2: Rejoicing in Salvation Over Ministry Success
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasized the danger of finding identity in ministry success, urging believers to rejoice in their salvation rather than their accomplishments. This perspective challenges us to evaluate where we find our worth and to ensure it is rooted in Christ alone. In a world that often measures success by achievements and accolades, it is crucial to remember that our true identity and worth come from our relationship with Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones's life was a testament to this truth, as he often spoke of the danger of finding one's identity in preaching or ministry success, urging believers to rejoice instead in the assurance of their salvation. [23:03]

"Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'" (Jeremiah 9:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself seeking validation through success or accomplishments? How can you shift your focus to rejoicing in your salvation and identity in Christ today?


Day 3: Trusting in God's Sovereign Plan
The providence of God was a recurring theme in Dr. Lloyd-Jones's life. He saw God's hand in every aspect of his journey, from his conversion to his call to ministry, reminding us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereign plan. This trust in God's providence allows us to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence, knowing that He is in control. Dr. Lloyd-Jones's life serves as a powerful example of this trust, as he recognized God's guiding hand in every step of his journey, from his early days as a promising medical professional to his eventual call to the ministry. [37:31]

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's sovereign plan? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him and trust in His guidance today?


Day 4: Holding Fast to Doctrinal Purity and Biblical Truth
Dr. Lloyd-Jones's faith in the truth of the Gospel was unwavering, even when it meant standing alone. His commitment to doctrinal purity and biblical truth serves as a model for us to hold fast to the truth, regardless of cultural or societal pressures. In a world where truth is often relative and subjective, it is essential to remain grounded in the unchanging truth of God's Word. Dr. Lloyd-Jones's life and ministry remind us of the importance of standing firm in our faith and convictions, even when it is unpopular or challenging. [54:10]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel pressured to compromise your beliefs? How can you stand firm in your faith and hold fast to the truth of the Gospel today?


Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective
The seriousness of death and the reality of standing before God were central to Dr. Lloyd-Jones's teachings. He urged believers to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our time on earth is temporary and that we must be prepared to meet our Creator. This eternal perspective challenges us to prioritize what truly matters and to live our lives in light of eternity. Dr. Lloyd-Jones's life and ministry serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of living with this perspective, as he consistently emphasized the need to be prepared for the day we stand before God. [55:09]

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you begin to live with an eternal perspective today? What changes can you make in your daily life to prioritize what truly matters in light of eternity?

Quotes


I agree with Charmers absolutely we do not give enough time to death and to going on it is a very strange thing this death is the one certainty and yet we don't think about it we are too busy we just allow life and circumstances so to occupy us that we don't stop and think I am grateful to God that I have been given this time. [00:14:59]

The hope of sudden death is based upon the fear of death it is a hope of wanting to slip through death rather than to face it Brethren I wish you could have seen him speak on those words the hope of wanting to slip through death he said instead of facing death death should be faced victoriously. [00:16:03]

I am grateful therefore for this experience and maybe my present trouble is to give me this insight s and my great desire now is that I may be able perhaps to Bear a greater testimony than ever before meaning in the face of death and that sentence alone is enough for me to know that he would not be displeased this evening to know that I was speaking to you on such a subject he wanted to face death and to face it with Christian testimony. [00:16:22]

The ultimate test of a Preacher is what he feels like when he cannot preach it is is a real snare for the preacher to live upon preaching that is upon his preaching people say to me now it must be very trying for you not to be able to preach no he said not at all I was not living upon preaching I can and do rejoice. [00:23:49]

The Christian is not afraid of death because he has the Assurance he will not be left alone and then he quoted from the parable of D and Lazarus and he Dre attention particularly to the words the beggar died and was carried by the Angels into Abraham's bosom the angels He said the Angels Came I believe in this ministry of angels I think of it more and more. [00:25:10]

Death is not parting only but more it is meeting and although it is an experience that we have never passed through we have the assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ and that in death we will meet with him he spoke of an old man in his first congregation at sandfields and the doctor had been at his death bed and the man was just at the extremity of life when suddenly he threw up his arms and his face Shone and he was already meeting the Lord to whom he was going. [00:26:07]

We are going to be with Christ and then he said our greatest trouble is that we really don't believe the Bible exactly what it says exceeding great and precious promises we think we know it but we do not really appropriate this and actually believe it is true for us this is Christianity he said to me then he quoted those two verses we so often heard him quote here we have no continuing City and again our light Affliction which is but for a moment we have to take these statements literally they are facts they are not merely ideas. [00:26:47]

The Wonder to him of The Guiding hand of God Providence of God I don't think that he spoke of anything perhaps more than that the way that God intervenes the way that God does things that we never for a moment imagined now his life was full of things like that as most of you know he was well set at the beginning of a great medical career he was Chapel goinging belonged to a church he became a communicant when he was 14 he had apparently a well Integrated Life as a great career in front of him and then at the age of 22 23 crisis about 24 he was smitten with conviction of sin began to discover that he'd never been a Christian at all. [00:37:31]

Whatever Authority I may have as a preacher is not the result of any decision on my part it was God's hand that laid hold of me and Drew me out and separated me to this work I am what I am because of God's grace and I give to him all the glory were I to believe that my future is dependent upon myself and my decisions I would tremble in fear but I thank God that I know that I am in his hand. [00:42:20]

If God does not bless us today or tomorrow our faith does not rest in the success that we see but in the persuasion that we have been given that this is the truth of God himself now I must stop on just this word what a serious thing it is to die Dr Lloyd Jones spoke all his ministry on the fact that here we have no continuing City and yet you know when he came near to the end even he had to say that death was a greater thing a more serious thing than ever he had been able to begin to say in death we go alone into the presence of God in death we have to forget all human judgments all the opinions of men and we have to go and give an account to God at death all our opportunities end all our work ends in this world. [00:54:10]

We need to make make death our company Keeper in a way that another generation did not in a negative sense but rather in the sense of anticipation of a sense now of coveting more than knowledge of the the Savior to whom by God's grace We Trust we shall go death is a very serious thing when Dr Lloyd Jones was a young Minister and I will finish with this anecdote he was called to the deathbed of an old Minister the Reverend Joseph Jenkins a man who had been used of God in the 194 Revival a man who had helped Dr Lloyd Jones when he entered the ministry and in 1929 Joseph Jenkins was dying and doct the doctor went to see him some distance from Port Talbert where he was it was a summer's day and as he came near the house the windows were open and he could hear this old servant of Christ groaning in his bed he was in much pain and when he went to the door and Mrs Jenkins opened it she said to the doctor of course delighted to see him but afraid that her husband uh would not know him so they went into the room and Dr Lloyd Jones took hold of old Mr Jenkins hand and Mrs Jenkins said to her husband my dear do you know who this is your man looks of course I know he says of course I know and then he says to Dr Martin he says can you pull me out of this River he said I never knew that the Old River was so wide and a few more words he was in The Passage through Jordan I don't know that I can do that said Dr Lloyd Jones to Mr Jenkins it's all right said Mr Jenkins I'm going to Jesus Christ but then throwing his hand on his chest he said but I wish I felt it more here well Brethren that is our position if we are Christians we are going to the one who is the author and finisher of our faith we are surrounded by a great company of witnesses we have to remember them we have to mark them as long as we live we have a duty to pass on to Generations to come and God has greatly privileged US to have his servant Among Us these many years. [00:55:09]

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