MLJ Trust Logo Image
Sermon #1003

God's World

A Sermon on John 1:10-12

Originally preached Jan. 6, 1963

Scripture

John 1:10-12 ESV KJV
He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become …

Read more

Sermon Description

In this sermon on John 1:10–12, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows the firm foundation that gives those who are saved total security, peace, and even joy in the worst of trouble. All are living in God’s world and under His sovereign control. The meaning behind events is hidden, but it is known and designed by the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows how God permits evil to exist in the world as a means of teaching, instructing, and showing the need for salvation. No matter how dire the circumstances, the providence of God is at work to care for His world and show compassion for His children. The plan of God to save sinners will not be undone.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. This is God's world. God created the universe and everything in it. The world is not meaningless or purposeless.
  2. God permits evil to exist through his permissive will. God allowed evil to enter the world to show his glory and give us free will. We should not be surprised by evil and suffering.
  3. God is concerned about the world. God has not abandoned the world. He has a plan to redeem it.
  4. God's plan for the world is sure and certain. Despite evil and suffering, God's plan will be accomplished. Salvation comes in spite of us, not because of us.
  5. God's love and grace are shown through Jesus Christ. Jesus endured suffering and death for us. If God gave his son for us, he will surely give us all things.
  6. We can face the future with confidence by trusting in these eternal truths. God is in control, and his plan cannot be stopped.

The Book of John

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.