January 1. In the Beginning
J.R. Miller emphasizes the eternal nature and divine identity of Christ as the unchanging foundation of our hope and salvation.
In this sermon, J.R. Miller explores the profound truth of Christ's eternal existence and divine nature as revealed in John 1:1. He contrasts the fleeting nature of human beginnings and relationships with the unchanging and eternal presence of Christ. Miller encourages believers to place their trust in Jesus, the Word who was with God from the beginning, as the sure foundation of hope and salvation.
Text
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." John 1:1
"In the beginning." Life is full of beginnings. We are now at the beginning of a year. But here is a beginning which carries our thoughts back beyond all years, all dates of history, all imaginable periods of time, beyond the beginnings of creation!
"In the beginning was the Word." Then Christ was. What a sublime stretch of being these words give to Him who is our Savior! We cannot grasp the thought — but we can find security and comfort in it when we think of Christ, and when we rest in Him as our hope and salvation. We trust in human friends — and the comfort is very sweet; yet we can never forget that they are but creatures of a day, and that we cannot be sure of having them even for tomorrow! But we trust in Christ, and know that from eternity to eternity — He is the same, and therefore our confidence is forever strong and sure.
Our trust is still more stable and firm when we read on, and find who this Person is, in whom we are confiding. "The Word was God." There is nothing doubtful in this language. No kind of exegesis can blot from this brief clause — the truth of Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The significance of 'In the beginning'
- Life's many beginnings contrasted with the eternal
- The eternal nature of Christ beyond time
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II
- Christ as the Word existing from eternity
- The sublime nature of Christ as Savior
- The incomprehensibility yet comforting assurance in Christ
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III
- Human friendships versus divine trust
- The unchanging nature of Christ
- Confidence and security found in Christ alone
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IV
- The clear declaration 'The Word was God'
- The certainty of Christ’s divinity
- The foundation of faith on this truth
Key Quotes
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” — J.R. Miller
“We trust in Christ, and know that from eternity to eternity — He is the same, and therefore our confidence is forever strong and sure.” — J.R. Miller
“There is nothing doubtful in this language. No kind of exegesis can blot from this brief clause — the truth of Christ.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Place your trust in Christ as the eternal and unchanging foundation of your life.
- Remember that human relationships are temporary, but Christ’s presence is forever.
- Find comfort and confidence in the truth of Christ’s divinity revealed in Scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'In the beginning' refer to in this sermon?
It refers to the eternal starting point beyond time and creation, emphasizing Christ's existence before all things.
Why is Christ called 'the Word'?
Because He is the divine expression of God, existing eternally and revealing God to humanity.
How does the sermon describe human friendships compared to trust in Christ?
Human friendships are temporary and uncertain, but trust in Christ is eternal and unchanging.
What assurance does the sermon offer to believers?
Believers can find strong and sure confidence in Christ because He is eternal and always the same.
What is the core truth about Christ highlighted in this sermon?
That Christ is God Himself, eternal and unchanging, the foundation of our faith.