Man's Need of a Sovereign
E.A. Johnston teaches that true fulfillment and salvation come only when a person submits to Jesus Christ as their sovereign Lord.
In this sermon, E.A. Johnston explores humanity's deep need for a sovereign ruler and reveals that true satisfaction and salvation are found only in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that worldly pursuits fail to fulfill the human heart, and only through submitting to Christ's lordship can one experience abundant life. Johnston calls listeners to respond to Christ's invitation and live under His reign. This message challenges believers and seekers alike to recognize Jesus as the ultimate sovereign.
Full Transcript
Ever since mankind experienced ruin through Adam's sin, when man was cast out of paradise, he has wandered about in search of a sovereign. Man was made to be ruled by God. Man is at his happiest when he is enjoying unbroken fellowship with God by living in obedience to Him.
Man is at his most miserable when he lives his life in rebellion to God and sin. But the world does not satisfy. Money does not satisfy.
Fleeting pleasures for the moment do not satisfy. Only Jesus Christ can satisfy the human heart. In John 10.10, Jesus declares, I am come, that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Only Jesus can satisfy the deep longings of the human heart. In John 14.6, Jesus says, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me.
Here Jesus answers the three greatest questions of the human heart. How can I be saved? Jesus said, I am the way. How can I be sure? Jesus said, I am the truth.
How can I be satisfied? Jesus said, I am the life. Only Jesus can satisfy. And in John 6.35, Jesus declared, I am the bread of life.
He that cometh to me shall never hunker. And he that believeth on me shall never thirst. The gospel is for the hungry, the weary, and the thirsty.
Let me ask you, friend, are you hungry for God? Are you weary of your sins? Are you thirsty for Christ? Christ is the bread of life. He invites poor sinners to come to him and believe on him. The duty required is to come.
He has a pure gospel promise to all who come. And him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Come to Christ, friend, and surrender all you are to all he is.
Jesus is a living Lord who sits on a sovereign throne at the right hand of the Father. And he earned that right by way of a bloody cross. And he must reign till all his enemies are subdued.
A man's need of a sovereign is met when a man's heart gladly submits to his kingship. You will be fully satisfied, friend, when he becomes your sovereign. But until Christ is Lord of your daily living, your life will be lived in a vain pursuit of a sovereign.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Human Condition
- Man's ruin through Adam's sin
- The search for a sovereign
- Man made to be ruled by God
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II. The Futility of Worldly Satisfaction
- Money and pleasures do not satisfy
- Living in rebellion leads to misery
- The world cannot fill the human heart
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III. Jesus Christ as the Only Sovereign
- Jesus declares abundant life (John 10:10)
- Jesus is the way, truth, and life (John 14:6)
- Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35)
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IV. The Call to Submit to Christ
- Invitation to come and believe
- Christ's sovereign reign and victory
- Satisfaction found only in Christ's lordship
Key Quotes
“Man was made to be ruled by God. Man is at his happiest when he is enjoying unbroken fellowship with God by living in obedience to Him.” — E.A. Johnston
“Only Jesus Christ can satisfy the human heart.” — E.A. Johnston
“A man's need of a sovereign is met when a man's heart gladly submits to his kingship.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Examine your life to see if you are truly submitting to Christ as your sovereign Lord.
- Reject worldly pursuits that promise satisfaction but ultimately leave you empty.
- Respond to Jesus’ invitation by coming to Him in faith and surrendering all to His kingship.