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.
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.