Abundant Life
A Sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12
Originally preached May 31, 1964
Scripture
12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Sermon Description
What is humankind’s greatest need? Many modern thinkers say it is for people to be emotionally well. Others think that it is world peace. But what does the Bible say is humankind’s greatest need? In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “Abundant Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how the letter points out that the abundant life is not about material things nor emotional needs, but it is about being right with God. Humankind’s greatest need is to be made pure and free from sin in order that they might be reconciled to God almighty. For all are born slaves to sin and inheritors of unrighteousness. It is only in the gospel of Jesus Christ that any can be set free from sin and live according to God’s ways. Freedom is found in being made right with God through Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Jesus are now able to live a life of righteousness and holiness. Listen closely as Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers these vital questions: “Where is your hope? Are you like this passing world, hoping in the temporal and transient? Or do you trust in Jesus who has died for sinners?” This sermon concerns the most important truths anyone can ever know.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is writing to Timothy, a young preacher, who seems to have become discouraged and afraid.
- Paul reminds Timothy of the essential Christian message - that Jesus Christ came to give us life.
- Paul says that he is able to face imprisonment and death with confidence because he knows Jesus Christ.
- Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel but to hold fast to the message he has been taught.
- Paul summarizes the gospel message - that God has saved us and given us new life through Jesus Christ.
- This new life changes our view of ourselves, the world, and our purpose in life. We become children of God.
- The new life God gives us is a holy life, freed from sin and selfishness. We are called to live for God.
- The new life gives us a new perspective - we see that this world is passing away but we look forward to eternity with God.
- Paul is confident in God's power and love, and encourages Timothy to have the same confidence and trust in Christ.
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.