In this episode of the Gospel Podcast, Yonas and Jeff walk through the convicting and soul-searching sermon Flesh or Spirit? by the late Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. This message centers around a single verse—2 Corinthians 5:16—and asks the most personal and eternal question a human being can face:

Do you know Christ after the flesh… or after the Spirit?

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Who Was Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

Yonas begins the episode by giving background on the man behind the message. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a Welsh Protestant preacher and former medical doctor who left a promising career in medicine to follow God’s call to preach the Gospel. He ministered for three decades at Westminster Chapel in London and became one of the most influential expository preachers of the 20th century. Known for his depth, clarity, and unwavering commitment to Scripture, Dr. Lloyd-Jones preached until the age of 81 and left behind a library of sermons that continue to speak to generations.

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The Central Text – 2 Corinthians 5:16

“Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer.” – 2 Corinthians 5:16

Jeff and Yonas guide listeners through the key truth: What you believe about Jesus Christ determines not only how you live—but where you spend eternity. Paul once viewed Christ wrongly—after the flesh—but that changed when he encountered the risen Lord. The same change must happen for every believer.

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Summary: Two Views of Christ

Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that there are only two ways to see Jesus:

1. After the flesh – Seeing Him merely as a man, a teacher, or a historical figure.
2. After the Spirit – Recognizing Him as the Son of God, Savior, Redeemer, and reigning Lord.

So many in the world today—even in churches—know about Jesus, but do not truly know Him. They may admire His teachings, reference His name, or even believe He existed… but they have not been changed by the power of the Spirit. Their view is natural, not spiritual. Earthly, not eternal.

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Why It Matters

Lloyd-Jones drives home the urgency: This one question—what is your view of Christ?—will determine your eternal destiny. You cannot rely on your family’s faith, your church membership, or good behavior. You must answer personally: Do you know Him?

Yonas reminds us of the parable in Luke 14, where many are invited to a great banquet but make excuses not to come. So it is today. People are “too busy” to consider Christ. But the invitation remains: Come, for everything is now ready.

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How Do You Know if You Know Christ After the Flesh?

Jeff and Yonas walk through several ways people view Christ wrongly:

• As a moral teacher or prophet
• As a good example, but not divine
• As a cultural figure or symbol of peace
• As someone useful for inspiration or help, but not someone to submit to

These partial views are deadly. To see Christ only after the flesh is to miss the very point of His life, death, and resurrection.

But to know Him after the Spirit is to know Him as…

• The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
• The Son of the Living God who conquered death
• The Judge who will return in glory
• The Savior who gave His life for you
• The King of Kings who demands and deserves your all

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The Change Happens By the Holy Spirit

It is not intellect or religious experience that transforms us—it is the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as Paul was radically changed on the road to Damascus, so too must our hearts be opened to see the truth about Christ.

“Only when the veil is drawn back,” says Lloyd-Jones, “can you see Christ rightly.”

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Reflections

Yonas highlights the beauty and simplicity of the message. At its core, the sermon is asking each of us:

Is Jesus Christ Lord over your life?

This is not just theology. It is an invitation to examine whether you are truly born again, whether Christ is everything to you, or simply a footnote in your life story.

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Discussion Questions

Jeff and Yonas leave listeners with three rich questions for reflection and conversation:

1. Who do people say Christ is today in 2024?
   • How do modern views of Jesus compare to those described by Lloyd-Jones? Are we surrounded by people who still know Him only after the flesh?
2. How can the argument for the person of Christ be a powerful approach to apologetics?
   • Instead of debating science or ethics, what happens when we bring the conversation back to who Jesus is?
3. Why is humility essential in rightly knowing Christ?
   • Lloyd-Jones says we must first see ourselves as vile, sinful, and in desperate need of a Savior before we can truly grasp Christ’s beauty and power. Do we truly approach Him this way?

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Final Encouragement

This sermon reminds us that Christianity is Christ. Not rules, not church culture, not personal improvement—but the person of Jesus.

“He is either everything to you, or He is nothing.
He is either your personal Savior, or He is nothing at all.” – Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Do you know Him after the Spirit?
Has your view of Him changed?
Will you come to Him today—not for what He can do, but for who He is?

Disclaimer: This summary was generated using AI based on the original podcast script. It has been reviewed and approved by Yonas and Jeff for accuracy and clarity.