Dawn that Never Leads to Day
A Sermon on 1 Corinthians 2:6
Originally preached May 7, 1961
Scripture
6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
Sermon Description
Let no one glory in humanity as the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. The unusual confidence in human intelligence is the leading cause for rejecting the gospel. People deem the gospel useless and foolish. In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 2:6 titled “Dawn that Never Leads to Day,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines two positions of life and the true knowledge of the meaning of life. The achievements of civilization and discoveries of humanity are so small in comparison to the grandeur of this universe. Listen to the message of the Bible and consider the Tower of Babel, King Herod, the flood, and Job. The wisdom of this world can only understand a portion of life, and nothing beyond. God’s knowledge is far beyond humanity’s finite comprehension. Listen as history is explained as the progressive scientific discovery of the Medieval Ages, Renaissance, and the Enlightenment, which ultimately pressed God into the background and exalted humanity. Humanity is always dawning a new era, but never arriving. In God’s divine wisdom, He gives people great ability, but all of humanity’s achievements will ultimately come to nothing.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon begins by introducing 1 Corinthians 2:6 and 3:18-21 as the biblical passages that will be expounded upon.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones establishes that the prevailing characteristic of the current generation is man's pride in himself and his own wisdom. This is a result of the scientific and technological progress of the last 100 years.
- However, this progress has also led to a rejection of the Christian faith as man believes he no longer needs God. The Christian message seems irrelevant and foolish to the modern man.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that while scientific knowledge expands our understanding of the physical world, it does not provide insight into the "deep things of God." Scientific progress does not give one a better understanding of God.
- The wisdom of God and the wisdom of the world are contrasted. The wisdom of the world is limited to the physical realm while the wisdom of God encompasses all of life and eternity.
- The wisdom of the world leads to foolish conclusions, such as the belief that scientific progress will usher in a new era of human existence and solve all problems. However, history shows that periods of progress are often followed by decline. No civilization or era has endured forever.
- The wisdom of the world obscures the truth that the world is still under the control and judgment of God. God allows mankind to progress for a time but ultimately brings human achievements to nothing, as seen in the stories of the Tower of Babel and Nebuchadnezzar.
- To trust in the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God's sight. The world and all its works will pass away under God's judgment. The only true wisdom is to believe in the message of the Bible and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by urging the listener to become a "fool for Christ's sake" by believing in the Christian message, though the world may scorn it. This is the only way to escape destruction with the world and become truly wise.
Sermon Q&A
Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on the Wisdom of God vs. the Wisdom of the World
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the greatest characteristic of our generation's mindset?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the greatest and most outstanding characteristic of our present generation is "man's pride in himself and in his own wisdom." He explains that modern society is characterized by "man's confidence and pride in himself, and especially in his own wisdom and knowledge and understanding," which has resulted from the remarkable scientific advances and discoveries of the last 100 years.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the biblical view of the "wisdom of this world"?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the Bible condemns the wisdom of this world as being foolish, stating "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (1 Corinthians 3:19). He argues that worldly wisdom is limited, only pertaining to this physical world, and tends to lead people to draw false conclusions. Most dangerously, he says this wisdom stands between people and "the only true wisdom" which comes from God.
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones consider scientific achievements and human wisdom to be limited?
He considers them limited because they only represent knowledge about a small fraction of the universe. Quoting from Job 38, he reminds his listeners that despite impressive scientific achievements, humans still know very little about the foundations of the earth or the mysteries of the universe. Additionally, this knowledge is limited to the physical realm and cannot answer the deeper questions about life's meaning, death, or eternity.
What historical pattern does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify regarding civilizations and human achievement?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies a cyclical pattern in history where civilizations rise with brilliant achievements, appear to be on the verge of solving all human problems, claim they no longer need God, and then ultimately collapse or decline. He cites examples including pre-flood civilization, the Tower of Babel, ancient China, Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Renaissance, and the Enlightenment - all of which followed this pattern of progress followed by retrogression.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe is the ultimate fate of human civilization according to the Bible?
Based on passages like Revelation 18, Dr. Lloyd-Jones believes that the ultimate fate of human civilization is destruction. He states: "The world is already a doomed world. The world is already under the condemnation and under the wrath of Almighty God." He argues that despite appearances of progress, the world "is passing away and its time is a very limited one," and that even the greatest scientific achievements are "coming to naught and to nothing."
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones interpret 1 Corinthians 2:6 about "the princes of this world"?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones interprets the phrase "the princes of this world that come to naught" to mean that the great leaders, scientists, and achievers of our world are "declining to their end," "being brought to nothing," and "doomed to pass away." He sees this as God's verdict on human achievement and wisdom that functions independently of Him, suggesting that all such human glory is temporary and ultimately fails.
What false conclusion about scientific advancement does Dr. Lloyd-Jones specifically address?
He specifically addresses the false conclusion that modern scientific achievements (like space exploration) are opening a new era that will transform human life and bring untold blessings. He challenges the idea that these discoveries mark a fundamental turning point in human history that will lead to solving all human problems, arguing this is merely a repetition of claims made by previous civilizations before their decline.
What solution does Dr. Lloyd-Jones offer for those who want to be truly wise?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers the solution found in 1 Corinthians 3:18: "If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." He explains this means to do "the thing that the world regards as unutterable folly" - believe the Bible's message, recognize oneself as a sinner before God, and believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who came to save people from the coming destruction of the world.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast the permanence of God's wisdom with human achievements?
He contrasts them by emphasizing that all human achievements are temporary and passing away ("change and decay in all around I see"), while God's wisdom is eternal. He notes that civilizations that once seemed permanent have vanished, while the wisdom of God revealed in Scripture remains. The world's wisdom leads to destruction, but God's wisdom leads to salvation and eternal life.
What is Dr. Lloyd-Jones' response to the claim that Christianity is irrelevant in the age of scientific advancement?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones responds that Christianity is far from irrelevant - it's the only thing that addresses humanity's deepest needs. While scientific advancement can't solve moral problems, provide meaning to life, or answer questions about eternity, Christianity addresses these fundamental issues. He argues that the claim of Christianity's irrelevance represents the same pride that has preceded the fall of every civilization, and that true wisdom recognizes our need for God regardless of scientific progress.
Other Sermons
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.