
John Nelson Darby
- Sermons
- Bio
Letter: 49e 100 W Kelly, Plymouth, July 16th, 1846
4Understanding CommunionThe Nature of Christ's Sacrifice1CO 11:24John Nelson Darby addresses W. Kelly regarding the doctrine of transubstantiation, arguing that it misrepresents the nature of Christ's sacrifice and redemption. He emphasizes that the true understanding of the Lord's Supper is rooted in recognizing Christ's broken body and shed blood as a representation of His death, rather than a literal presence in the elements. Darby asserts that the Roman Catholic interpretation undermines the essence of redemption and the significance of Christ's sacrifice, which is central to the faith. He critiques the modern origins of this doctrine and highlights the importance of understanding the spiritual truth behind the symbols used in communion. Ultimately, he encourages a faith that rejoices in the reality of a glorified Christ, rather than a dead one.
Galatians 2:20 Edinburgh
3Crucifixion with ChristDeliverance from SinROM 6:6ROM 7:18GAL 2:20John Nelson Darby emphasizes the necessity of being crucified with Christ to overcome the power of self and sin. He explains that true life comes only after death to the old self, highlighting that believers are not just born again but are also dead to their former nature. Darby clarifies that the law brings condemnation and death to the flesh, but through Christ's sacrifice, believers find deliverance and new life. He encourages the faithful to reckon themselves dead to sin and to embrace the life of Christ within them, which empowers them to live righteously. Ultimately, the sermon illustrates the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection in the believer's life.
Forgiveness and Salvation
3New Creation in ChristForgivenessJHN 3:16ROM 8:12CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:6COL 3:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the distinction between being lost and having sins, arguing that many do not recognize their lost state or their salvation. He explains that while forgiveness addresses our sins, true salvation involves being made a new creation in Christ, separate from the first Adam. Darby stresses that the moral history of man ended with Christ's sacrifice, and believers are now seated in heavenly places with Him, free from the law of sin and death. He urges Christians to understand their identity in Christ and to live out their faith, recognizing that they are no longer in the flesh but in the Spirit. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of salvation as a transformative experience rather than mere forgiveness.
The Ten Virgins
3The Nature of True FaithReadiness for Christ's ReturnMAT 25:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the distinction between those who genuinely await Christ's return and those who merely profess faith without true longing for Him. He illustrates this through the parable of the ten virgins, highlighting that only the wise virgins, filled with the Holy Spirit, are prepared to meet the bridegroom. The sermon warns against complacency in faith, urging believers to cultivate a genuine desire for Christ's coming and to be filled with the light of the Spirit. Darby stresses that true believers are set apart from the world, which is in a state of judgment for rejecting God. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt readiness to meet the Lord, encouraging believers to trim their lamps and be vigilant in their faith.
The Mission of the Comforter John 14 - 16
2Comfort in ChristThe Role of the Holy SpiritJHN 14:2JHN 14:16JHN 14:21JHN 14:27JHN 15:10JHN 15:26JHN 16:7JHN 16:13ROM 8:9ROM 8:16John Nelson Darby emphasizes the dual role of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter in John 14-16, highlighting that the Father sends the Holy Spirit in Christ's name to establish our relationship with Him, while Christ sends the Spirit to reveal His glory and comfort the believers. He reassures the disciples of Christ's return and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which allows them to know their relationship with the Father and their identity in Christ. Darby explains that the Holy Spirit's presence is essential for understanding our salvation and living out our faith, as it empowers believers to reflect Christ's love and righteousness in their lives.
The Sufferings of Christ
2In this sermon on being entrusted, the preacher delves into the concept of 'paratheke,' which refers to a deposit or trust committed to another for faithful keeping. Paul uses this term to exhort Timothy to guard the deposit of truth and avoid worldly distractions. The imagery of entrusting something precious to another for safekeeping is likened to our relationship with Christ, where we deposit our lives into His care, trusting Him completely. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting Christ with our lives, knowing that He is able to guard what we have committed to Him until the day of judgment.
The Temptation of Christ
2Obedience to GodTemptationMAT 4:1John Nelson Darby discusses 'The Temptation of Christ,' emphasizing how Jesus' experience in the wilderness serves as a model for overcoming temptation and living in obedience to God. He highlights the significance of Christ's identity as the Son of God and how this relationship shapes our conduct as Christians. Darby contrasts the obedience of Christ with Adam's failure, illustrating that true obedience stems from a heart aligned with God's will rather than self-will. He encourages believers to recognize their position as sons of God and to rely on Scripture as the source of strength in resisting temptation. Ultimately, Darby reassures that through Christ's victory, believers are empowered to overcome the strong man, Satan, and live in the grace of their redeemed identity.
Washing the Disciple's Feet
2Christ's LoveServanthoodJHN 13:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound love of Christ as He washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating humility and servitude just before His departure to the Father. He explains that Jesus' actions were motivated by His love for His disciples and His knowledge of His divine authority, signifying that He would continue to serve them even in glory. Darby highlights that this act symbolizes the ongoing cleansing believers need from the defilements of the world, and encourages Christians to emulate Christ's humility by serving one another. He concludes by inviting those who have not yet experienced Christ's service to believe in Him for forgiveness and eternal fellowship.
The Red Sea and the Wilderness Exodus 15
2RedemptionTrials and Dependence on GodEXO 14:10John Nelson Darby explores the profound lessons from Israel's journey through the Red Sea and into the wilderness, emphasizing God's grace and deliverance despite Israel's fears and complaints. He illustrates how the Red Sea represents full redemption, contrasting it with the Passover, and highlights that true joy comes from knowing God as our salvation. Darby explains that trials in the wilderness serve to reveal our dependence on God and to teach us about His healing power, ultimately leading to a deeper communion with Him. He encourages believers to embrace their wilderness experiences as opportunities for growth and to trust in God's provision and purpose. The sermon concludes with the reminder that through trials, we learn to rejoice in God Himself.
Romans 1
2GraceJustificationROM 1:16John Nelson Darby explores the Epistle to the Romans, emphasizing its purpose in revealing God's righteousness and the relationship between man and God. He contrasts the focus of Paul's epistles on justification and the relationship of the redeemed with the divine life presented in John's writings. Darby highlights four key truths in the New Testament, particularly the manifestation of divine life, the fulfillment of promises to the Jews, mercy to the Gentiles, and the believer's identity as sons of God. He underscores the importance of understanding man's sinful nature and God's grace, culminating in the gospel of God that offers salvation through Christ. The sermon serves as a foundation for understanding the relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing the necessity of faith in receiving God's righteousness.
1 Corinthians 14
2Order in WorshipSpiritual GiftsACT 2:41CO 13:11CO 14:31CO 14:151CO 14:231CO 14:301CO 14:321CO 14:34John Nelson Darby discusses 1 Corinthians 14, emphasizing the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy. He highlights that while tongues were a sign for the nations, they were being misused by the Corinthians, who valued them for their own sake rather than for edification. Darby explains that prophecy serves to build up the church through understanding and comfort, contrasting it with the unintelligibility of tongues. He stresses the importance of order in worship and the moral responsibility of believers to exercise their gifts in a way that honors God and edifies others. Ultimately, he points to love as the guiding principle in the exercise of spiritual gifts.
The Feasts Leviticus 23
1Christ's Sacrifice and ResurrectionThe Feasts of IsraelLEV 23:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of the feasts outlined in Leviticus 23, interpreting them as earthly representations of spiritual truths. He explains that these feasts, including the Sabbath, Passover, and Feast of Tabernacles, serve as types that point to the work of Christ and the church's relationship with God. The Sabbath represents God's rest, while the Passover signifies the security and peace found in Christ's sacrifice. Darby highlights the importance of understanding these feasts in the context of both historical Israel and the church, illustrating how they foreshadow the ultimate rest and communion with God. He concludes by connecting the feasts to the believer's hope in resurrection and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
An Address on John 14
1Association with ChristThe Role of the Holy SpiritJHN 14:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound connection between Christ and His followers, illustrating how Jesus desires for us to understand our association with Him. He explains that despite Christ's rejection, He tirelessly works to assure us of His love and care, culminating in the promise of the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Darby highlights the importance of knowing Christ as the way to the Father and the necessity of obedience as a demonstration of our love for Him. He reassures believers of their blessed position in Christ and the peace that comes from this relationship, urging them to keep their hearts focused on Him. Ultimately, Darby calls for a deep, personal connection with Christ, encouraging believers to rejoice in His happiness as they cling to Him.
Psalm 51, 2 Cor. 3 and 4
1RedemptionTransformationPSA 51:5JHN 21:15ROM 7:18ROM 8:12CO 3:182CO 4:72CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:81JN 1:8John Nelson Darby emphasizes two profound truths in his sermon: the utter ruin of our flesh and the incredible grace we receive through Christ's redemptive work. He illustrates how King David, despite his grave sins, recognized his condition before God, leading to true repentance and transformation. Darby explains that understanding our sinful nature allows us to appreciate the depth of our redemption, as we are transformed into Christ's image through gazing upon Him. He encourages believers to confront their true selves and embrace the freedom that comes from acknowledging their total reliance on God's grace.
Jehovah My Shepherd Psalm 23
1God as ShepherdAssurance of SalvationPSA 23:1HEB 10:19John Nelson Darby expounds on Psalm 23, emphasizing that the blessings from the Lord as our Shepherd are both spiritual and temporal. He highlights the significance of the veil being torn, allowing believers to approach God with confidence, knowing their sins are forgiven through Christ's sacrifice. Darby reassures that God’s care leads us to spiritual restoration and peace, enabling us to face life's challenges without fear. He stresses that true happiness comes from understanding God’s love and provision, which allows us to dwell in His presence forever. Ultimately, the sermon conveys that God's goodness and mercy accompany us throughout our lives, culminating in eternal fellowship with Him.
Hints on the Feasts of Jehovah
1Feasts of JehovahSpiritual Significance of WorshipLEV 23:1John Nelson Darby explores the significance of the Feasts of Jehovah as outlined in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, emphasizing their role in gathering the people around God for holy convocations. He discusses the distinct yet interconnected nature of the feasts, starting with the Sabbath as a symbol of rest, followed by the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which represent Christ's sacrifice and the removal of sin. Darby highlights the importance of the Feast of Pentecost, where the church is presented to God, and the Feast of Tabernacles, which signifies the fulfillment of God's promises. He also notes the spiritual implications of these feasts for both Israel and the church, encouraging believers to rejoice in their blessings while remembering their past bondage. Ultimately, Darby calls for a deeper understanding of these feasts as they relate to the Christian faith and the joy of salvation.
On Evangelism (Extracts)
1EvangelismLove for SoulsMAT 28:19John Nelson Darby emphasizes the vital connection between evangelism and the spiritual health of the church, arguing that love for souls should drive both personal and communal efforts in spreading the Gospel. He warns against neglecting evangelistic work, as it is essential for maintaining a vibrant faith community and reflects God's love. Darby believes that true blessing within the church is directly proportional to its commitment to evangelism, and he encourages believers to engage actively in outreach while remaining grounded in Christ. He stresses that both the care for believers and the pursuit of the lost are crucial and should coexist harmoniously. Ultimately, Darby calls for a return to the early church's fervor for evangelism to prevent spiritual stagnation.
Pilgrim Portions - Part 1
1Pilgrimage of FaithDependence On GodPSA 16:11PSA 32:8MAT 11:29JHN 14:16ROM 3:23GAL 2:20PHP 4:7HEB 12:61PE 5:102PE 3:18John Nelson Darby emphasizes the journey of believers as pilgrims, exploring themes such as sin, grace, faith, and the importance of communion with God. He highlights the necessity of recognizing our dependence on Christ and the transformative power of His love and grace in overcoming trials and conflicts. Darby encourages believers to grow in their relationship with God, to bear their crosses, and to look unto Jesus as the ultimate source of strength and guidance in their spiritual walk.
The Character of the Ministry of the Gospel 2 Corinthians 4:5
1The Ministry of the GospelThe Glory of God2CO 4:5John Nelson Darby emphasizes that the character of the ministry of the gospel requires that one must first possess the truth of the gospel in their own heart before sharing it with others. He explains that the glory of God is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, who has accomplished the work of salvation, allowing believers to see and reflect that glory. Darby contrasts the ministry of the New Testament with that of the Old Testament, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. He encourages Christians to remain vigilant and prepared for Christ's return, emphasizing the importance of being filled with the knowledge of God's glory and living in a way that reflects that light. Ultimately, he calls for believers to recognize their identity in Christ and the hope of eternal glory that awaits them.
The Sufferings of Christ Mark 14
1The Sufferings of ChristThe Weight of SinISA 53:5MAT 26:38MRK 14:33John Nelson Darby emphasizes the dual nature of Christ's sufferings in Mark 14, highlighting both the rejection He faced from humanity and the profound agony of bearing God's wrath for our sins. He urges listeners to recognize the gravity of sin, which caused Jesus to be 'sore amazed' and 'very heavy' in Gethsemane, and to understand that indifference to this suffering reflects a hardened conscience. Darby calls for a heartfelt acknowledgment of the love and sacrifice of Jesus, reminding us that our sins were the reason for His suffering and that we must confront our own state before God. He illustrates the depth of Christ's love and the necessity of His suffering for our salvation, encouraging believers to appreciate the cost of their redemption. Ultimately, he challenges the audience to either embrace the grace of Christ's sacrifice or face the consequences of their indifference.
The Two Ministries 2 Corinthians 4 and 5
1Ministry of the SpiritHope in ChristJHN 14:3ROM 8:172CO 3:182CO 4:72CO 5:1EPH 1:13PHP 3:20HEB 10:191PE 1:101JN 3:2John Nelson Darby emphasizes the duality of ministries in 2 Corinthians 4 and 5, contrasting the ministry of the Spirit with that of the Old Testament prophets. He explains that true ministry requires personal possession of the truths we share, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in revealing the glory of God through Jesus Christ. Darby illustrates how believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, are called to reflect Christ's glory and await His return, while navigating the trials of life as vessels of His grace. He encourages Christians to recognize their identity in Christ and the hope of eternal glory, urging them to live in light of this truth.
Faith and Its Footsteps
1Trust in GodFaithHEB 11:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of faith in the life of believers, illustrating how faith has been a source of both trial and triumph throughout history. He discusses the opposition faced by people of faith, as seen from Abel to the present, and how God does not intervene in worldly matters, allowing believers to walk by faith in an unseen God. Darby highlights the importance of trusting God's promises, even in the face of impossibility, and encourages believers to live as 'strangers and pilgrims' in a world that is not their home. He uses examples from the lives of Abraham, Enoch, and Noah to demonstrate how faith leads to obedience and a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, he calls for a faith that is active and public, reflecting a commitment to God's kingdom over worldly concerns.
1 Corinthians 3
1Building God's ChurchSpiritual Maturity1CO 3:1John Nelson Darby discusses the challenges faced by the Corinthian church, emphasizing their carnal state and inability to receive deeper spiritual truths. He contrasts the building of God's church with human efforts, highlighting the importance of being mindful of how one builds upon the foundation of Christ. Darby illustrates that while all believers are part of God's temple, the quality of their works will be tested, and those who introduce false teachings risk defiling the temple. He stresses the need for personal attachment to Christ to truly understand and communicate His message. Ultimately, the sermon calls for discernment in spiritual matters and a commitment to building according to God's design.
Luke 12:35-48 Lecture
1Christian IdentityWaiting for ChristLUK 12:35John Nelson Darby emphasizes the fallen state of the world due to man's sin and distrust in God, illustrating how worldly advancements do not equate to moral progress. He highlights that true Christians are called to be witnesses of grace, living in anticipation of Christ's return while remaining detached from worldly pursuits. Darby urges believers to keep their hearts focused on Christ, who serves them and redeems them from this present evil world. He stresses the importance of being prepared and vigilant, with hearts and actions aligned with their faith, as they await the Lord's return. Ultimately, he encourages Christians to find their identity and purpose in Christ rather than in the transient things of this world.
Peace John 20:19
1Peace in ChristThe Power of the CrossISA 26:3MAT 11:28JHN 14:27JHN 20:19ROM 5:12CO 5:18EPH 2:14PHP 4:7COL 1:201PE 5:7John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound peace that Jesus offers to His disciples, who were in fear and confusion after His crucifixion. He explains that true peace comes from recognizing our lost condition and the necessity of a Savior, which is fulfilled in the cross of Christ. The resurrection of Jesus is pivotal, as it assures believers that their sins are forgiven and that they can experience lasting peace. Darby highlights that the peace Jesus speaks of is not merely a comforting word but a declaration of victory over sin and death. Ultimately, he calls for a deep understanding of the cross and its implications for our salvation and peace.