Before the Beginning Began… MORE BELOW

Text: John 1:1–5 Big Idea: Before the creation of the world, the Father’s good plan for rescuing His children was to send Jesus to earth. Application: We can be victorious over our own darkness by receiving Jesus as the Word of God for ourselves.

John 1:1–5 ESV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

“When John calls Jesus ‘the Word,’ he’s saying Jesus is God’s mind, God’s message, and God’s meaning made visible.”

I. Jesus is The Preexistent Word

John 1:1 ESV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Jesus is Eternal

Explanation: Jesus existed before creation; He is eternal and divine.

Jesus is Eternally Present… never began to be

Hebrews 13:8 ESV

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Jesus is in Eternal Communion with the Father

Greek = “face to face with God”

Perfect Eternal communion and glory.

John 17:5 “5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.”

Jesus Appears in the OT / Prophecy

John 8:58 “58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.””

Proverbs 8:27–30 “27 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, 28 when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, 29 when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, 30 then I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always,”

Revelation 1:8 “8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.””

Revelation 22:13 “13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.””

Illustration: Like the architect who exists before the building, Jesus existed and planned redemption before the world began.

He was never plan B

Application: Knowing Christ existed before us gives confidence that His plan is perfect and intentional.

“Before you ever failed, before you ever questioned, before you ever even existed, Jesus already had a plan to rescue you.”

We can trust Him completely

We can follow Him fearlessly

This is part of the mystery of the Giodhead, that Jesus did exist before his incarnation along with the father from all time before and will exist in all time after.

Jesus the Son and God the Father are one in being and are yet seproate in personhood.

They borh along with the spirit exist in perfect harmony with one another and ahve and always will do so.

When God was walking in the garden to see Adam and Eve I believe that it was Jesus himself in bodily form who was able to do this.

II. Jesus is The Sovereign Word

John 1:2–3 ESV

2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Jesus Created All Things

Explanation: Jesus is not only eternal but also sovereign; creation itself came through Him.

Nothing exists apart from His creative power.

Not “a god” but Fully God

Only acceptable response is worship!

Colossians 1:16–17 ESV

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

1 Corinthians 8:6 ESV

6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

Jesus Rules All Things

“Because He made everything, He rules everything.”

Isaiah 66:1 “1 Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?”

Job 10:11 “11 You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.”

Psalm 139:13 “13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”

Revelation 4:11 “11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.””

1 Corinthians 8:6 “6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.”

Hebrews 1:3 “3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

Illustration: The world’s complexities hold together under His command, showing His authority over life, nature, and history.

Application: Trust Jesus in life’s chaos, knowing He is in control.

Jesus Rules and Reigns… Trust him in the “chaos”

Jesus has all power to do all things at all times in all cases

III. Jesus is The Redeeming Word

John 1:4 ESV

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Jesus is the Source of Life

Explanation: In Jesus is life—true, abundant life that overcomes death and sin.

He is the source of Physical and Spiritual life

He reveals God to humanity

John 10:10 ESV

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 14:6 ESV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 5:26 “26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.”

Jesus is the Light of Humanity

John 8:12 “12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””

2 Corinthians 4:6 “6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Illustration: Light shining in a dark room reveals the way out; Jesus illuminates our hearts.

Application: Receive His life personally through faith and repentance; let His light transform your heart.

IV. Jesus is The Victorious Word

John 1:5 ESV

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Darkness Cannot Defeat Him

Darkness cannot overcome, extinguish, or comprehend it.

Explanation: Darkness does not overcome Him; in Christ, we can overcome our personal darkness.

Jesus Grants Victory to His People

“If darkness can’t defeat Jesus, and Jesus lives in you… then darkness has already lost.”

1 John 1:5–7 ESV

5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Revelation 19:15–16 ESV

15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Colossians 1:13 “13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,”

John 11:25 “25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,”

Romans 1:21–22 “21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools,”

Illustration: Even a candle in a vast dark room dispels darkness locally; Jesus’ light brings hope where despair seems strongest.

Application: Surrender “darkness”—fear, sin, doubt—to Jesus, and walk in His light daily.

In Christ there is victory in the Past, Present, and Future

In Christ there is victory over Satan, Sin, and Death

Conclusion: Before the world existed, Jesus was the Word, the light, and the life. Our victory over darkness begins by embracing Him today.

Small Group Questions

What does it mean that Jesus existed “in the beginning” (John 1:1)? How does His preexistence affect your trust in Him?

How does knowing Jesus is eternal and unchanging (Hebrews 13:8) give you confidence in His plan for your life?

What does it mean that Jesus is the Creator and sustainer of all things (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16–17)? How does that impact the way you see Him in your daily life?

How do you see God’s sovereignty at work in the world around you, even in chaos or difficulty?

Jesus is called the “light of men” (John 1:4). What areas of your life need His light right now?

How does Jesus’ promise of abundant life (John 10:10) contrast with the ways the world offers fulfillment?

In what ways can you actively receive and experience the life Jesus offers?

John 1:5 says the darkness has not overcome the light. How does this truth encourage you in times of fear, doubt, or sin?

How can walking in the light (1 John 1:5–7) change the way you interact with others?

After reflecting on this passage, what step can you take this week to embrace Jesus’ light and victory in your own life?

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Before the Beginning Began

Text: John 1:1–5 Big Idea: Before creation, the Father’s good plan for rescuing His children was to send Jesus. Application: We overcome our darkness by receiving Jesus—the Word—for ourselves.

I. Jesus Is the Preexistent Word

John 1:1

A. Jesus Is Eternal

“In the beginning was the Word”—Jesus never began to be.

He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8).

“Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58).

He shared glory with the Father before the world existed (John 17:5).

The eternal wisdom beside God in creation (Prov. 8:27–30).

Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13).

B. Jesus Is in Eternal Communion With the Father

“With God” = pros ton theon (“face to face”).

Perfect unity, harmony, and delight.

One in essence, distinct in personhood—Father, Son, Spirit.

C. Jesus Appears in the Old Testament

Possible theophanies (e.g., God walking in the garden).

Illustration:

The architect exists before the building. Jesus existed—and planned redemption—before the foundation of the world. He was never “Plan B.”

Application:

Before you ever failed or doubted, Jesus already planned to rescue you.

Therefore, we can trust Him completely and follow Him fearlessly.

II. Jesus Is the Sovereign Word

John 1:2–3

A. Jesus Created All Things

“All things were made through Him.”

Nothing exists apart from His power.

B. Jesus Rules All Things

Not “a god,” but fully God—worthy of worship.

Creator and sustainer (Col. 1:16–17).

One Lord through whom all things exist (1 Cor. 8:6).

Heaven is His throne (Isa. 66:1).

He forms life in the womb (Job 10:11; Ps. 139:13).

All creation exists by His will (Rev. 4:11).

Upholds the universe by His word (Heb. 1:3).

Illustration:

The world’s complexities hold together under His command—He governs nature, history, and life.

Application:

Trust Jesus in chaos: the Creator is still in control.

He has all power to do all things in all circumstances.

III. Jesus Is the Redeeming Word

John 1:4

A. Jesus Is the Source of Life

Physical and spiritual life flow from Him.

He came to give abundant life (John 10:10).

He is the way, truth, and life (John 14:6).

The Son has life in Himself (John 5:26).

B. Jesus Is the Light of Humanity

Light of the world (John 8:12).

Light of the knowledge of the glory of God (2 Cor. 4:6).

Illustration:

Light in a dark room reveals the way out. Jesus shines into the darkness of the human heart.

Application:

Receive His life through faith and repentance.

Allow His light to transform every part of your heart.

IV. Jesus Is the Victorious Word

John 1:5

A. Darkness Cannot Defeat Jesus

Darkness cannot overcome, extinguish, or comprehend His light.

“If darkness can’t defeat Jesus, and Jesus lives in you… darkness has already lost.”

B. Jesus Grants Victory to His People

God is light; walk in His light (1 John 1:5–7).

King of kings and victorious judge (Rev. 19:15–16).

Deliverer from the domain of darkness (Col. 1:13).

Resurrection and life (John 11:25).

The world’s “wisdom” leads only to darkness (Rom. 1:21–22).

Illustration:

Even a single candle overwhelms darkness in a room. Jesus’ light brings hope where despair dominates.

Application:

Surrender fear, sin, and doubt to Christ.

Walk in His light daily.

In Christ there is victory over Satan, sin, and death—past, present, and future.

Conclusion

Before the world existed, Jesus was already the Word, the Light, and the Life. Victory over darkness begins with embracing Him today.

Small Group Questions

What does it mean that Jesus existed “in the beginning” (John 1:1)?

How does Christ’s eternal nature (Heb. 13:8) strengthen your trust in Him?

How does Jesus being Creator and Sustainer (John 1:3; Col. 1:16–17) shape your daily view of Him?

Where have you seen God’s sovereignty at work, even in chaos?

Where in your life do you need the light of Christ right now?

How does abundant life (John 10:10) differ from the world’s version of fulfillment?

What are practical ways you can receive and experience Jesus’ life?

How does the truth that darkness cannot overcome the light encourage you today?

How does walking in the light (1 John 1:5–7) affect your relationships?

What step can you take this week to intentionally embrace Jesus’ light and victory?