John — Chapter 1

In this sermon from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on John 1:16, listeners are told that joy is the mark of a Christian. This joy spoken of in the book of John is that God’s children receive joy when they receive the fullness that comes through salvation in Jesus Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones elaborates that the most effective evangelism program in existence is the joy of Christians. He argues that one of the biggest problems in the church is the lack of rejoicing among believers. He also says that any joy that is not in Christ is of a counterfeit nature. Since only true joy is to be found in God, any other joy is not genuine as it is found in the self. Paul tells in Philippians 3 that Christian confidence cannot be found in the flesh. If anyone could have been confident in the flesh, it was Paul who was a most educated and prominent man. Rather, confidence must be found in Christ. We must count any gain as loss for the sake of Christ. This, Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches, is the essence of Christian joy. Christians are to rejoice in the wonderful works of God’s Son on their behalf. They are to rejoice because in receiving the fullness of God upon salvation, they receive Christ’s righteousness.

What does it mean to receive Christ’s fullness? What sort of ambition is proper? In this sermon on John 1:16 titled “Our Ambition,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones exhorts his listeners that it is proper for a Christian to have ambition for knowing and loving the Lord. Nothing is greater than knowing the surpassing glory of Jesus Christ and sharing in His suffering. The difference between one who has not received God’s fullness versus one who has received God’s fullness should be night and day. He preaches that one who has indeed received God’s fullness will pursue knowledge of Christ each and every day. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also speaks of the emptiness of mere intellectual assent. One cannot only know the truths of God; one must worship and love the Lord to truly know Him. This, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues, is the difference between “head knowledge” and “heart knowledge.” He also addresses a misinterpretation of the passage in which Jesus says “take up your cross and follow me.” This, Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches, is not merely in the small hardships in life. To follow Christ, the Christian must accept mockery, revilement, physical suffering, and intense persecution. They must die daily for the sake of Christ in order to be raised with Him.

What is the Christian’s hope in life? Many people hope in many things, whether it is money, security, or power. But the Christian’s hope is quite different. For the hope of believers is in the power of Jesus Christ. It is His death and life that liberates His people from all sin and darkness. This is a hope outside of and greater than the individual; it is a hope received in the grace of God. Not only this, but Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones also tells that all believers can and should have assurance of this hope. The Christian can truly know that they are loved by God and are His children. The Christian must consider where they find their hope and if they are trusting in Jesus Christ or themselves. It is the most important question that any can ask because it is the question of eternal destiny. For all are either in the kingdom of heaven as the children of God, or in the kingdom of Satan as slaves to sin. Only the name of Jesus Christ saves and makes fallen sinners into new men and women.

The gospel of Jesus Christ brings peace to all who believe and trust in it. This is not only peace with God, but it also gives the Christian peace knowing that they trust in a God who can free them from sin and evil. In the sermon “The Peace of God,” listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that Christ can and will complete the work He began in His people. They have access to God on the basis of what Christ has done in their stead and through the working of the Holy Spirit. The glorious truth of this message is what grounds and upholds the Christian life. The Christian can abide in Christ because of what He has done for them as their great Savior. This is not to say that there are not any struggles in the Christian life. As the Savior’s life was marked by willful suffering, so too the Christian life is marked by a willingness to suffer for God. Therefore, when they suffer as Christians, they can do so knowing that they can always rely on God to give them strength to suffer in a way that honors God. They go before the throne of God on the basis of Christ, pleading their case before God Almighty. It is this gospel that grants true peace for all who believe.

The Christian must ask themselves if they are happy with what they have and if they experience deep contentment. These are indicators that they have tasted of the fullness of Christ. The Christian is able to be content in success or in suffering. Christians are able to actually possess contentment regardless of their circumstances, even in the loss of possessions, health, or loved ones. In this sermon titled “Living in Christ’s Fullness,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out that the disciples of Christ possess contentment despite thorns in the flesh, imprisonment, and persecution through living in His fullness. The Christian will find that when their affections are in Christ, they are secure and so is their joy. When suffering comes, it should push affections closer to Christ. In this discourse, Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses how the Christian can possess contentment in all circumstances. Moreover, he shows that prosperity can, like suffering, drive one away from true contentment and toward self-sufficiency. It can move one away from the Savior who is the only secure hope. Come, listen and learn how to find real and satisfying contentment in prosperity and in suffering and press into the fullness that is found in Christ alone.

What is the balance between the law and grace? How should a Christian approach the law of Moses? Do they live as though they are under the law? In this sermon on John 1:17, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones elaborates on the right perspective on the law. The law that came through Moses is something to be studied and appreciated. Without the law, there is no need for grace and no one would feel the full weight of sin. However, the Christian is no longer under the law. This is the balance that must be struck. The Christian must look at the law and study it ravenously, not to gain righteousness by it, but instead to know the depth of the grace and mercy that is received through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Christian’s confidence is not in what they can do to obey the law, but in the one who perfectly fulfilled the law on their behalf. If the Christian finds themself constantly trying to measure up and falling short of their own conscience, the solution is not merely to try harder, but instead to trust in Christ who forgives and who gives His Spirit for sanctification and empowerment.

Why must the Christian be confronted with the law of God? According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on John 1:17 titled “A Holy God,” it is so that they are confronted with God’s nature and character. God is holy and just. It is by being confronted with their own sin that they see how deep their need is for Him. The world needs to hear the message that God is holy, and His law is just and perfect. In the law, Christians see that holiness begins with love of God, not neighbor. For only by loving God rightly can they ever truly love their neighbor as God requires. The great error of sinful people is that they do not start with God, but with themselves. The gospel, however, starts with God as holy and loving. It starts with God sending His Son into the world to save sinners. This sermon asks the question: “do we start with God or do we see all of life from our own perspective?” This weighty question calls all to examine themselves and to look out to the holy God who has revealed Himself and given the gospel.

Why do Christians often live as if they do not have the benefits of salvation? In this sermon on John 1:17 titled “He Condemns and Convicts,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question by pointing toward a true understanding of what Christians are saved from. He says that essential to understanding salvation is a correct understanding of how Christians were condemned under the law of God. All were in bondage to sin and death and because they lived a life of unrighteousness, the law of God condemned them. The law itself is not sinful, but entirely righteous and holy. However, because humanity is sinful, they are condemned by breaking of the law. Christians must understand that salvation in Christ is freedom from the curse of the law. It is freedom from the just condemnation that befalls all who break God’s commandments. This means that now that believers are in Christ, they have the benefit of His righteousness covering them. The listener should ask themselves: “Do I have this benefit of salvation? Am I freed from the law of sin and death by the gospel of Christ?” It is only by trusting and believing in the gospel that anyone is saved for there is no other way to God than through His Son who has taken the place of those who believe in Him.

Why is the law of God so important? In this sermon on John 1:17 titled “The Law and Modern Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the centrality of God’s law for understanding the gospel, humanity, and Christ. The Bible teaches that all are under the condemnation of the law because they have all sinned and broken God’s law. This is why humanity, in its fallen state, is opposed to God’s law – it only condemns them and their sinful lifestyle. But this same law that condemns also shows the need for the gospel and for Jesus Christ. In this way, the law can lead to life. For it shows the Christian how inadequate they are and how much they need salvation in Christ Jesus. This convicting use of the law brings great opposition from many unbelievers who claim that the idea of sin and punishment is backwards and cruel. Yet the Bible tells that God is a holy God who requires righteousness from all. Jesus came to fulfill the law because humanity could not. This is the heart of the gospel: God sending His Son to redeem sinners who are unable to save themselves.

Why did God give the law? Even in the time of the apostles, there were those who believed that the law was the means of salvation. They thought that by keeping the law, God would save them. But in this sermon on John 1:17 titled “The Law, Our Schoolmaster,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that this is an entirely wrong way of understanding the law. It was given in order to show the need for salvation, not as a means of earning salvation. The apostle Paul tells that Christ alone is the way of salvation and it is only by believing in His life, death, and resurrection that there is salvation. This is a salvation of grace and grace alone. This sermon confronts with the questions: what does one believe about the law? What are the trappings of a life of legalism and works, one apart from the grace of God? The only way of salvation is not found in keeping the law, but in believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What is the purpose of God’s law to a fallen and sinful humanity? It cannot be a means of salvation, for all are born sinners and spiritually dead. For this reason, no one is able to fulfill God’s law as righteousness requires. So, if the law is not to obtain righteousness then what is the purpose? In this sermon titled “The Law and Grace,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question by expounding John 1:17 and the great truth of the law as a means of revealing a sinner’s need for salvation by God’s grace alone. The law always looked forward to Jesus Christ who came to die to fulfill it. By His death the Christian has been healed and by His keeping the law, they have been made new. To try to obey the law as a means of salvation is to deny the gospel and reject God’s grace in Christ. This is why the church must always be clear that all are to seek righteousness not as a means of salvation, but because Christ has made them new creatures by the power of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts and minds of all who believe. This gospel is the only way of redemption and restoration with God and humanity.

When one reads through the Old Testament, they find that a great portion of it speaks of the law. Since the old law is seemingly of great importance, what is its relationship to Christians today? For most Christians, the understanding of the law and the Christian either goes too far to the extreme or not far enough. In this sermon on John 1:17 titled “Not Under Law, but Grace,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the true answer to this question that reveals that Christ is the end of the law for Christians. Before Christ came to die on the cross, all were under the law. However, since humans are not perfect, they were unable to fulfill it. Because of this, Christ came to fulfill the law for humanity, allowing those who put their trust in Him to be delivered from the condemnation of the law. He goes on to explain that while it is important to think of salvation in terms of the law and realize that no one receives salvation from their own works, it is also important to realize that when anyone believes in Christ, they receive His righteousness and He enables them to keep the law through the Spirit. Because of this, Christians can have peace knowing that they are no longer under the rule of the law, but under the rule of Christ.

Does the Christian rejoice in God’s grace? Does what they learn about the Creator really fill them with joy? In this encouraging sermon titled “The Gift of Grace,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the contrast between the law of God and the grace of God. The law of God is designed to condemn. It brings conviction, correction, and ultimately serves as judge. Grace is God giving what is not deserved. It is His grace that forgives, supports, restrains, protects, and preserves. At salvation, the law of God becomes the guide by which to glorify God. The listener is encouraged to discover the riches of His glorious kindness, which puts the law inside hearts and minds, enabling the Christian to live the holy life God intends for His people. Enter into the joy of grace, to experience it as His children were meant to.

All throughout the New Testament, it is clearly shown that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law of the Old Testament. Therefore, a good question to ask is that if Jesus came to complete the law, then in what ways was the law incomplete? In this sermon on John 1:17 titled “Grace and Truth Through Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question by pointing out different ways where the law is incomplete on its own. The law only speaks in terms of types and shadows, while Jesus came to fulfill it and reveal the truth. The law only gave promises, while Jesus was the fulfillment of these promises. The law tells that the truth will come and that Jesus not only revealed the truth, but is the truth. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how truth in this sense is defined as the knowledge of God and the law was given to Moses as a divine revelation of who God is. However, this revelation only contained parts of this truth and therefore, the truth could not be understood fully until Jesus came and revealed who God is through grace and truth.

The Bible clearly shows that grace and truth came strictly through Jesus Christ. Unlike the old law, which did not need Moses, the revelation of grace and truth are fully dependent upon Jesus. A good question to ask, then, is why does grace and truth have to come in this particular way? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question in this sermon on John 1:17 titled “Veiled in Flesh” by showing that truth must be brought through Jesus because humanity is unable to see and understand God on their own. Furthermore, grace must also come through Jesus because He alone is able to represent and fulfill the law. He explains that in order for the law to be satisfied, Jesus had to become human. At the same time in order for Him to bear the weight of sin, He must be God. Therefore, the only way for grace to come was the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the Savior must be a God-man. This truth also brings hope to Christians in realizing that as a God-man, Jesus is able to sympathize with people in their temptations and struggles. Because of what Jesus has done to bring grace and truth, the Christian now can have hope and become new creations in Him.

How do Christians today compare to those in the days of the apostles? Do their lives reflect the fullness of God’s grace and forgiveness? These are important questions which are relevant for today’s day and time. The greatest need of the present time is for Christians to go back to living in light of being children of God and receivers of His full grace. Listen to “Knowing Christ” as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question through John 1:19–26 and the life of John the Baptist. In order to live in the fullness of God, Christians must have a strong foundation in knowing the person of their Lord and His work. They must know Jesus, not simply as a man or a prophet, but as Lord and Savior, the Son of God. This knowledge must not merely be head knowledge, but a God-given revelation that changes hearts. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains this through the life of John the Baptist, it took the revelation of God to reveal to John the knowledge of Christ as Lord. The Christian also can come to this knowledge of Christ and live as those who reflect the fullness of the Lord.

In this sermon “Second-hand Religion,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from John 1:26–33. He tells his audience that no one can merely receive the fullness of Christ from the tradition of religion. According to John the Baptist, passive participation in Christian tradition gets the soul nowhere. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that following practical religious steps are not enough for salvation. This can include baptism, church attendance, prayer, and even preaching. Dr. Lloyd-Jones communicates that without a true, heartfelt, and deep acceptance of the gospel in one’s soul, one gets no closer to heaven. He also condemns the idea that intellectual appreciation or acceptance are enough to be filled with Christ’s fullness. One who appreciates the Christian for his deep faith is not credited Christ’s righteousness for doing so. One who accepts the existence of God and the truth of the doctrines of the Christian faith is not a believer unless they have repented of their sins and turned to Christ to be filled. In this sermon, listeners are encouraged to be filled with the fullness of Christ by repenting of sins and obeying God’s decrees.

In the sermon “Christianity and Morality (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from John 1:26–33. He first explains that to be a Christian is to be filled with Christ’s fullness. This achieves righteousness and gives fuel for fighting remaining sin. The overarching theme of this sermon is to make a distinction between morality and Christianity. Morality is a wonderful thing, but outside of faith in Christ it is futile. He remembers the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector where the Pharisee deems himself extremely righteous but is not. The tax collector knows he is nothing but a sinner and he is justified. It is this point that Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks to drive home. In order to be a Christian, one must repent in “sackcloth and ashes,” knowing that they cannot achieve righteousness on their own and must put faith in Christ. To enter the kingdom of heaven, one must be like a child. They must be entirely poor in spirit, knowing that they cannot possibly bridge the gap to God without an intercessor. The Christian must rejoice in the fact that Christ has interceded on their behalf.

Christianity is moral, morality cannot in and of itself arrive at saving faith. People can be moral, but still rotting on the inside; the Pharisees exemplified this. Simple morality cannot make the crooked straight. Without the gospel, morality is merely a corrective. Christianity, however, produces true righteousness. Dr. Lloyd-Jones both exhorts and encourages hearers in this sermon that the only righteousness to be found is the righteousness of Christ Jesus. Christ’s exemplary life, substitutionary death, and miraculous resurrection give access to the righteousness of God. It is the reminder yet again that the greatest gift Christianity has to offer is the gift of God Himself. Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes what righteousness in the kingdom of God looks like. The kingdom of God is peaceful, holds the power of God, and gives life. The only way to get rid of the unrighteousness bestowed upon all at birth is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is the only remedy to humanity’s pervasive sickness. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds his hearers that Christ is making all things new, so they must use their gifts to glorify Him.

What does it mean to be a Christian and receive the fullness of Christ? Is there a difference between Christianity and religion? Listen in the sermon “What Baptism Did You Receive?” as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones walks through the stages of the Christian life and answers these pressing questions. Christ is the essential element to a new life and He alone characterizes the difference between having life and having life abundantly: “God deals with you not on the basis of your ancestors.” One cannot rely on those who’ve gone before. There is a thirst, hunger, and longing that is an essential pre-requisite to acquiring such life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones follows the life of Apollos who was instructed not just by way of books so as to imitate the religion of the Jews, but in the way of the Lord and salvation and being zealous in the Spirit. Christianity is not merely something that one must do or even know. It is a revival of the heart, one that requires honesty, instruction, and humility. To be mighty in knowledge is to be mighty in the knowledge of the Scriptures, growing in accuracy and in affection. These truths are rekindled in proclamation of Scripture from John 1:26–33.