The Light of God
A Sermon on Luke 1:76-79
Scripture
76And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby …
Sermon Description
If one begins the Christmas season by acknowledging that the world is in darkness without Christ, and admitting that there is fear of death, illness, pain, and, war, then they can truly praise the coming of the Son of God. In this sermon on Luke 1:76–79 titled “The Light of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on the father of John the Baptist, Zacharias, who understood the condition of the world and the significance of his son’s ministry in preparing the way for the Messiah. John the Baptist’s ministry brought a word concerning the world’s real need, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones. John’s message of salvation to the Jews was one that challenged the leading conceptions of how and from what God was delivering His people. Humanity’s sin and rebellion against God is the problem. Christmas, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is not about a principle but a person who brings peace—peace with God, peace with self, and peace with others. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains why Jesus Christ is the light of God in a dark and restless world.
Sermon Breakdown
- The world is in a state of darkness and hopelessness. Mankind cannot find purpose or meaning.
- The world is in danger of being attacked by enemies like sickness, old age, and death. There is no peace or security.
- The world's condition is due to sin and being estranged from God. The solution is not political or social but spiritual.
- John the Baptist's ministry was to preach repentance and point people to Christ. He gave knowledge of the real problem (sin) and the real solution (Christ).
- Christ is the "dayspring from on high" who brings light to those in darkness. He shows the way to God and salvation.
- Christ provides forgiveness of sins through God's mercy. He reconciles us to God and gives knowledge of God.
- The results of Christ's work are peace with God, peace within, and peace with others. There is hope and joy.
- The message of Christmas is that Christ came to bring light and life to those in darkness and death.
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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.