Alive to the Soul
A Sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12
Originally preached Jan. 5, 1958
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
In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “Alive to the Soul,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones draws encouragement from Paul’s life and resilience in the midst of difficult circumstances and takes the listener through how he or she can be at rest in the midst of difficult times. Paul underwent countless sufferings, and yet he was content and at rest in God. What accounts for Paul’s attitude? First, he had recognized the supreme value of the soul. It is a recognition that the soul will last forever and that there is an eternal reality. Second, he lived his life in view of what he called “that day,” the coming day of judgment. Third, above all, Paul had a personal knowledge of Christ and the love of God. He knew that God loved him and would keep His promises to grow Paul in his Christ-likeness, even if that meant difficult circumstances on earth. Yet Paul was at peace with that because he knew it was for his ultimate good. Christians have this same confidence — they have nothing to fear, not even death.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul expresses his view of life and philosophy in 2 Timothy 1:12. He is able to face difficulties with confidence because he knows Jesus.
- Timothy was fearful and despondent because of Paul's imprisonment. Paul encourages Timothy not to have a spirit of fear.
- Paul says "For 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."
- Paul uses a figure of speech called litotes which expresses something positive by negating its opposite. By saying "I am not ashamed", Paul means that he is rejoicing and glorying in his suffering.
- Paul realized the supreme value of the soul. Life is not just about the body or the mind. The soul is what links us to God and continues after death.
- Paul lived in light of "that day", referring to the day of judgment when we will stand before God. This gives perspective that our present lives are temporary.
- Paul's knowledge of Christ's love, salvation, power, and purpose gave him confidence. Jesus died to save us from our sins and give us eternal life.
- We can have the same confidence in facing difficulties if we know Jesus like Paul did. We must realize we have a soul, remember the coming judgment, and trust in Jesus's salvation.
- It does not matter what sins we have committed. If we turn to Jesus, he will receive us, forgive us, give us new life, and keep our souls safe.
- We can face anything, even death, without fear if we know Jesus. Our souls will be safe with him, and we will have eternal joy.
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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.