Fellowship with God

Life in Christ: Studies in I John #1

by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

The first book in the Studies in I John series. The modern-day church desperately needs to grasp the lessons of First John and Dr. Lloyd-Jones' discussion of this dynamic book of the Bible is sure to produce spiritual renewal and deeply committed living.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living

142 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a Welsh Protestant minister, preacher and medical doctor who was influential in the Reformed wing of the British evangelical movement in the 20th century. For almost 30 years, he was the minister of Westminster Chapel in London. Lloyd-Jones was strongly opposed to Liberal Christianity, which had become a part of many Christian denominations; he regarded it as aberrant. He disagreed with the broad church approach and encouraged evangelical Christians (particularly Anglicans) to leave their existing denominations. He believed that true Christian fellowship was possible only amongst those who shared common convictions regarding the nature of the faith.

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones was married to Bethan Lloyd-Jones

Books about D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...

Reviews

[Jonathan Sussex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Great Book of Sermons from 1 John. There is a bit in the last chapter which says it is good to remind ourselves that every single heresy we can ever think of had been thought of probably before the end of the first century. There is nothing very modern or up to date in being heretical..

[Jonathan Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book started out a bit more than I expected. Not exactly reading you want to do at night before bed. I don't know whether it was a dry section of book or I wasn't just into the subject matter when I started, but the last half was much more enjoyable.

Lloyd-Jones takes the reader through a commentary on 1 John chapter 1 in an effort to enlighten regarding true fellowship. It was an overused term back in his day and continues to be today. There are a few points he makes which will no doubt strike a chord with readers who aren't very familiar with the Scripture, but one cannot mistake his knowledge of the Word.

Definitely recommend for those who want a better understanding of the subject.

[Aaron Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this short book, Martyn Lloyd-Jones applies John's theology to practical, every-day life. He helps the reader understand that true joy only comes through fellowship with God, made possible by the blood of Jesus Christ. I really enjoyed reading this book, and would highly recommend it as a devotional guide when studying through 1 John 1, or for general reading.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've heard a lot about Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, but this is the first that I've read any of his stuff. This book is a series of sermons on the book of 1 John. There are 13 chapters that cover just a handful of verses (some chapters cover different aspects of the same verse).

I learned a lot from these brief messages. MLJ brings out things from the text that I have never noticed/understood and provides a rich, scripture-based exposition. It's amazing how much he can teach from even a short phrase in a verse (the last chapter, in particular, is spent examining these three words: "Jesus, His Son" in a very powerful way!). He also confronts error, provides a historical context and explains multiple perspectives. These chapters/sermons are packed!

I really enjoyed this book and, because of it, look forward to reading more of MLJ. It would make a great, in-depth companion to the study of 1 John even though it only covers a handful of verses/themes from the book. In MLJ's view, they are the main themes of the book and he makes a compelling case! Even if you're not studying 1 John, the teaching is incredibly relevant and was very encouraging to me (I had no idea this was a sermon series when I picked it up). I could even seen it being used in counseling applications as it talks about our fellowship with God, our relationship with this world, our confidence in our salvation and many other topics that are lifelines for all believers. My only real complaint is that I wish there were more.

MLJ's writing (or preaching, I guess) style is very methodical and clear. I appreciated his structure throughout and even though he is very purposeful and careful in his teaching, he doesn't lack emotion about the magnificent truths of God. His commitment to God's Word, his reverence for God and his love of the person of Christ is on every page.

[Josh Coe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of sermons covering 1 John 1. Lloyd-Jones does a wonderful job unpacking this challenging epistle. I found his preaching style really interesting - it was expositional, but he preached on smaller bits of Scripture than I’m used to. It reminded me of Puritans and Jonathan Edwards. It felt more like a meditation on a verse or two at a time than a sermon expounding a section of Scripture. But it was rich in understanding, very clear, and full of helpful analysis. The critique of contemporary culture and exploration of the Christian’s worldview were especially useful. Looking forward to reading more Lloyd-Jones in the future (maybe the other four volumes of his 1 John series 🤦🏼‍♂️)!

"[The gospel] does not tell them how the world can be put right, but it does tell them how they can be put right in spite of that world, and how they can triumph in and over it and have that joy in spite of it."

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, for either the serious Christian / student of Biblical theology OR the "novice," desiring to increase your knowledge of the Christian faith. It is a serious read but not overly intellectual or out of reach for those with a basic or average understanding / knowledge of the Bible and Christian doctrine.

[Greg Mathis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great source of devotional thoughts and sermon prep from 1 John.

[Nicholas Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great study of part of 1 John. Particularly helpful emphasis on sanctification and dealing with incorrect understandings of it.

[Tyler Jarboe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource on 1 John 1.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

We live in turbulent times. Political antipathy. Racial rancor. Cultural strife. It's hard for the Christian to know how to help. I like Martin Lloyd Jones's observation "The Christian church has nothing to say to the world until it believes on Him". It's reminiscence of Paul's pledge in 1 Cor 2:2. There are a great many ways the church can sooth our troubled world; service, policy, encouragement, yet I'm persuaded with Lloyd-Jones. Whatever we do, it must be subordinate to the Gospel. We lose our way, and our effectiveness, when programs take preeminence.


Notes:

1. Joy is the state of complete satisfaction (27) Exultation, power (28)

2. "The Christian church has nothing to say to the world until it believes on Him" (33)

3. John wouldn't take a bath with a Gnostic? (40)

4. The Christian experience is possible for all (60)

5. The cause of our troubles is that we've rebelled against God (64)

[richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

volume one of five. Studies in the book of 1 John. I always enjoy reading Martyn Lloyd-Jones but felt this would have been better. This volume focuses on a believers fellowship with God.

[Brian The Furnace Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first picked this book up I was unaware it was a commentary on 1 John. It is the first of five commentaries for that book.

Very insightful. However, I would always recommend performing your own exegesis of the text before consulting any commentary. Do not miss out on Gods revelation experienced through the work of the Holy Spirit while meditating on his word. After that it's always wise to consult a good commentary to make sure you have it correct. Especially if your intent is to teach others.

I highly recommend this book. I wouldn't purchase this particular copy though as it only takes you through the first chapter of 1 John. I would suggest purchasing Life in Christ. That way you will have the complete set of five books taking you through the entire book of 1 John.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great exposition of the beginning of 1 John. Lloyd-Jones covers the essential doctrines of God's holiness, our sin, and the transference of believers from the kingdom of darkness to God's kingdom of light. We are changed and justified by Christ's blood. This was written in a very clear, practical, straightforward style, and would be accessible to anyone wanting to understand these truths. I found distressing his mention of people departing from the truth and twisting or misrepresenting the Bible. "There is nothing new under the sun." Reading this was exciting because the author pointed out so many exciting things in this short section of 1 John. God's Word is so full of riches!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Lloyd-Jones. Like many of his books, he pretty much covers everything, but focuses on the nature and experience of a Christian's fellowship with God. He covers erroneous understanding of fellowship with God and then walks you through what 1 John has to say on the subject. the book ends with a glorious couple of chapters on Christ and His centrality to our fellowship with God.

it's a good book. :)

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series of expositions on 1 John (the first in a 5-volume series). The chapter on the blood of Christ (and his discussion of justification and sanctification) alone is worth reading the whole book. Clear, practical, and doxological, Lloyd-Jones was simply a fantastic preacher of the bible, and that shows immensely in this book.

[Joe]

Typical of Martin Lloyd Jones, excellent, spirit filled, and God honoring.
He clearly delineates between saved and unsaved and makes the main point of 1 John plain and the main point of his teaching.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lloyd-Jones looks at 1 John in terms of how to have fellowship with God. Very readable. Not a theological treatise.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great exegesis. Edifying.