From the MLJ Archive

1 Timothy 2:3-7 — Why does your church exist? What is the job of it and your pastor? In this sermon, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to teach from Scripture regarding the proper role of the church. Over the last several decades, many churches have taken on the world’s job of entertaining people. Yet, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones rightly points out, this is opposite of the church’s focus to bring people to a knowledge of the truth. Who is God, and who is man? What is wrong with man? These questions serve to quickly diagnose that we are in trouble and in need of a Savior, and this message, says Lloyd-Jones, is the reason churches exist. As Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” People in the world are wandering about, suffering under the effects of sin. They are often seeking to find lasting joy, peace, and forgiveness in created things that cannot satisfy. Yet, Jesus offers a remedy for all who come to Him in faith and accept His sacrifice for sins on their behalf. Why is it so urgently important, Lloyd-Jones asks, that churches exist to preach this? His answer is simple but pointed: people will stand before God and be judged when they die. The message of hope and forgiveness must be preached, and this is the function of the church.