Christmas; an Event in History (Remastered)
A sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Titus 2.11-14 https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/othe… MLJ Christmas sermons playlist • God With Us (Remastered)
“Christianity is not a philosophy. It’s not a teaching, it’s not an idea. It’s not primarily a way of life. What is it then? It’s an announcement. It’s a proclamation, a declaration.” ―Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,…
Sermon Description [by MLJTrust]:
Christmas can come and pass without Christians truly questioning what the season means. This is a tragedy because Christians can easily adopt the world’s view of Christmas if there is not proper effort and diligence.
The world will celebrate the season with a vague principle called the “Christmas spirit” – general benevolence and encouragement to each other to be a little nicer than before. Or the world will tout a gospel of peace where nations, political leaders, and governments are addressed about their bombs and armaments.
But how does the apostle Paul react to the coming of Christ? What does the celebration of Christmas mean to him?
In this sermon on Titus 2:11–14 titled “Christmas: An Event in History,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that Paul reacted with the deepest feelings, emotions, and praise at the appearing of the Son of God.
This praise and shouts of joy were because of an actual event in history that took place. God’s grace appeared, not in a teaching or principle primarily, but in a real person whom Paul declares is the great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the listener to ascribe to the “facts” of Christmas without losing the joy that the event should bring.
Sermon Breakdown [by MLJTrust]:
- Christianity is based on historical events and happenings, not just ideas or philosophies. The grace of God has appeared through real events in history.
- The central historical event is the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, into the world. The message of Christmas is that God’s dealings with humanity center on the person of Jesus.
- Jesus Christ is the “great God and our Savior.” He is the second person of the Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father. Though invisible in glory, He “appeared” by becoming incarnate as the babe of Bethlehem.
- The incarnation of Christ was the only way for God’s grace and salvation to be made known to sinful humanity. Because of our sin, God could not simply forgive us by decree. Christ had to become man, live a perfect life, die an atoning death, and rise again to reconcile us to God.
- The incarnation and atonement of Christ should be the most important truth in our lives. If it does not move us or change us, we do not truly understand or believe it. We must look to Christ alone for salvation.
MLJTrust’s words about this sermon are very accurate, but I didn’t get what those words meant until I heard the sermon a couple of times. This is a powerful sermon! It is so relevant to our lives and time.
His distinctions of the word ‘appeared’ are very meaningful. I got a lot from just his thoughts about that.
I think this is one of those sermons that could be listened to a dozen times and yield new significance with each hearing.
Michael A
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