John — Chapter 17

Why did Jesus come into this world? In this Sermon on John 17:25 titled “Not of this world,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question by explaining that Jesus is not of this world, but simply laid aside his glory to accomplish his task on earth. Jesus did not come into the world to create peace, but to divide the world into two groups; the people who do not know God, and those who do whom he labels “these” in this verse. The world lives for pleasure, and is guided by the desires of the flesh, but “these” know God, who Jesus is, and why he has come into the world. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that the world is full of unhappiness, and is so unhappy because they do not know God. Once you have a glimpse of God you do not need anything else. He further analyzes the reason Jesus came into the world by explaining the two “Christmas gifts” he has given to the believer: the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. “These” have the gifts and are satisfied with these gifts. They are not of the world and will spend eternity with God in glory, because, Jesus came into the world to give us his gift of glory.

The tool used by God in the sanctification of His people is the truth of His word. In John 17:17, Jesus prays that the Father will sanctify His people with the truth. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones unfolds this text, he asks and answers two important questions: “What does it mean to be sanctified?” and “What is the first truth or doctrine the Christian must consider and study to be sanctified?” In this sermon on John 17:17 titled “Godliness,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ. The believer is striving to live a holy life and growing in godliness. This godliness that reflects the holiness of God is not just a removal or avoidance of sin in the believer’s life. Godliness that truly demonstrates sanctification is a life that loves God with all of one’s being. If that is the case, then what is the first doctrine or truth to be considered? It is the doctrine of God. The Christian cannot assume the truth about God. The truth or doctrine about God is the starting place of sanctification. As he explains from Scripture, Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates that this first truth is what ultimately leads to godliness.

What separates people from God and what keeps them from knowing Him on their own? The answer is found in understanding the sin that is within oneself. In this sermon on John 17:17 titled “The Doctrine of Sin,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that believers are sanctified in the truth, and sanctified from the ugliness of sin that keeps one in a wrong relationship to God. Sin is what separates people from God. It is not intellect or a cognitive problem. Disobedience to God places a person in a wrong relationship to Him because sin is centered on self and causes the pagan to be focused on themselves and not God. The sinner is not God-centered. How does he or she know this? The law is that which exposes one’s sin and the holiness of God. Therefore, the sinner must be converted from sin. They must receive a new nature and become a new person, a new creature in Christ. But conversion is only the beginning. Through ongoing sanctification, the believer is not cleansed from sin and made like Christ. The believer must consider if they have glossed over sin and crowded it out, or have dealt with their sin through repentance and belief and continue to deal with it in their sanctification.