The sermon of this post is from the YouTube site, MLJTrust.
Video-page link: https://www.youtube.com/@MLJTrust/videos
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Prayer; Drawing Near to God ― Newly found sermon
A recently discovered sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Hebrews 10.19-22 https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/pray…
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw…
” Newly discovered playlist: • What is a Church?―Newly found sermon
Sermon Description [by MLJTrust]:
In this sermon, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores the topic of prayer and its challenges, focusing on Hebrews 10.19-22.
The preacher begins by addressing the context of the epistle to the Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians who were becoming discouraged in their faith. He emphasizes the importance of prayer in the Christian life and highlights the difficulties that can arise when attempting to pray.
Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines three main obstacles to prayer: entering into God’s holy presence, dealing with an evil conscience, and overcoming a sense of unworthiness due to sin’s pollution. He argues that these difficulties make prayer one of the most challenging aspects of the Christian life.
The sermon then presents the solution to these challenges through the “new and living way” provided by Jesus Christ. This way is described as new, living, and based on the foundation of Christ’s incarnation, perfect obedience, atoning death, resurrection, and heavenly intercession.
Dr. Lloyd-Jones stresses that this doctrinal understanding is essential for effective prayer. He explains how this new way addresses the three main obstacles to prayer: it is God’s own appointed method, it satisfies the demands of God’s law and our conscience, and it provides cleansing from sin’s pollution.
Dr Lloyd-Jones also touches on how this approach helps believers overcome accusations from Satan.
In conclusion, Dr. Lloyd-Jones exhorts his listeners to rely solely on Jesus Christ and His finished work for access to God in prayer, rather than on human efforts, rituals, or earthly intermediaries.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing this “new and living way” in order to approach God with boldness and assurance, especially in times of uncertainty and potential persecution.
Sermon Breakdown [by MLJTrust]:
- Prayer means entering into the presence of the holy and righteous God, which is a solemn and awe-inspiring experience.
- An evil conscience accuses and condemns us, making us feel unworthy to approach God.
- We have a sense of impurity and pollution from sin that makes us feel unclean before a holy God.
- To truly pray, we need a “true heart” – complete honesty and sincerity before God, as He knows our innermost thoughts.
- Sincerity alone is not enough; we need the “new and living way” provided by Jesus Christ.
- Jesus’ incarnation as the God-man laid the foundation for this new way.
- His death on the cross, shedding His blood, opened and consecrated this way for us to enter God’s presence.
- Jesus’ sacrifice deals with our problems – providing access to God, answering our accusing conscience, and cleansing us from sin’s pollution.
- Even the devil’s accusations are overcome by the blood of Christ and our testimony of faith in Him.
- We can approach God boldly and with full assurance through faith in Christ’s work alone.