What Does Lloyd-Jones Mean by "This Present Evil World" in Galatians?

What is the main text that Lloyd-Jones focuses on in this sermon?

Lloyd-Jones focuses on Galatians 1:4, particularly the phrase "that he might deliver us from this present evil world." He explains that he's examining just this one phrase from the larger passage (Galatians 1:3-5) to help his listeners understand what the gospel truly addresses.

According to Lloyd-Jones, what is the common misconception people have about the gospel's view of the world?

Lloyd-Jones identifies several contradictory misconceptions: some think the gospel is too personal and introspective, ignoring world problems; others think it's too focused on politics and social matters; some believe it's too ethereal and doesn't face facts; while others find it too depressing because it focuses too much on life's evils. He argues that these critics all miss the complete picture of what the gospel actually teaches.

How does Lloyd-Jones define "this present world" in his sermon?

Lloyd-Jones defines "this present world" as temporary, not permanent. He explains that God created a perfect world initially, but after man's sin and the flood, we now live in a temporary age that will eventually end. He emphasizes that "present" means this world is only for a while, under God's control, and will eventually be replaced by "the age to come" or "the world to come."

Why does Lloyd-Jones describe the world as "evil"?

Lloyd-Jones explains that the world is "evil" because it doesn't conform to God's pattern, is opposed to God, and is controlled by Satan. He describes it as having a "vicious principle" at work that leads to ugliness, disorder, lawlessness, and unhappiness. He points to increasing immorality, juvenile delinquency, and societal problems as evidence of this evil principle operating in the world.

Can the world be improved according to Lloyd-Jones?

No. Lloyd-Jones firmly states that the world cannot be improved despite thousands of years of human attempts to do so. He argues that while there might be minor surface improvements in some areas, the fundamental evil nature of the world remains unchanged. He cites Jesus's words comparing the end times to the days of Noah and Sodom as evidence that the world will remain evil until its destruction.

What does Lloyd-Jones say is the ultimate fate of this present world?

According to Lloyd-Jones, this present world is doomed to destruction. He states that the Bible "holds out no hope whatsoever for this world" and describes it as "under judgment" and "under the wrath of God." He references 2 Peter's teaching that the world will be destroyed by fire, with the elements melting "with fervent heat," to be replaced by "a new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness."

How can people be delivered from this present evil world according to the sermon?

Lloyd-Jones teaches that we cannot deliver ourselves from this evil world through our own efforts. He explains that Christ alone can deliver us, as stated in Galatians 1:4: "who gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world." He urges his listeners to cry out to Christ who can sever their ties to the world, put them in His kingdom, and separate them from the world's evil grip and ultimate doom.

What is Lloyd-Jones' view on human nature in relation to the world?

Lloyd-Jones teaches that humans are naturally part of this evil world system, with the world "in us" as well as us being "in it." He quotes Paul's words "in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing," describing humanity as "a mass of corruption." He explains that we cannot separate ourselves from the world's evil influence through our own efforts because we are so tied to it and involved in it.