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Sermon #5651

His Forever

A Sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12

Originally preached June 21, 1964

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Scripture

2 Timothy 1:12 ESV KJV
which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. (ESV)

Sermon Description

What is the focus of Christianity? Some say that Christianity is about simply being a good moral person, while others say that it is about religious experiences. In this sermon from 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “His Forever,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that Christianity from start to finish is concerned with the person and work of Jesus Christ. This Jesus was delivered up for humanity’s sins, rose from the dead in victory, and now reigns in heaven. Christians must not be distracted by anything other than Christ, for when Christianity is no longer about Christ, it seeks to be true religion. They must not trust in themselves, but rest wholly in Christ. Christians must understand that their relationship with God is not about their works, but about Jesus Christ’s unchanging love for them. This puts the emphasis away from good works (which are important) and points towards the works of Christ. The Christian ought to live a life of good works not because they are seeking to justify themselves, but because they have already been justified in Christ and are secure because He loves them.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The sermon is focused on 2 Timothy 1:12. The verse states: "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."

  2. The sermon begins by explaining the context of the verse. Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Despite his circumstances, Paul was joyful because of his faith in Christ.

  3. Paul's victory was not due to his temperament or stoicism but because of his belief in the gospel. The gospel has the power to help people of any temperament or background.

  4. To have the same experience as Paul, we must hold onto the same truths that Paul taught Timothy. We must believe the gospel, be persuaded of its truth, and commit ourselves to Christ.

  5. The first essential is to believe in Christ, the Son of God who died to save us from our sins. We must believe that Jesus is the eternal Son of God who became man to redeem us.

  6. Mere intellectual belief is not enough. We must be persuaded of the truth of the gospel. It must become personal to us. We must realize we are sinners in need of salvation which only Christ provides.

  7. Being persuaded leads to committing ourselves to Christ. We entrust our lives and eternal well-being to Him. This results in peace and removes fear of death.

  8. Committing to Christ means He controls our lives. Our view of life changes. We realize the world is evil and hopeless without God. We expect trials and are not surprised by evil and suffering.

  9. Committing to Christ means being willing to suffer for Him rather than deny Him. Paul was imprisoned for preaching the gospel but considered himself a prisoner of Christ.

  10. Committing to Christ leads to rejoicing in suffering because it drives us closer to Him. Suffering makes us value His salvation and presence more.

  11. Committing to Christ leads to confidence in Him. We know His love shown through the cross, His promises to never leave us, His unchanging character, and His power over all things, even death.

  12. We must ask ourselves if we have been persuaded of the truth of the gospel and committed ourselves to Christ. If not, we must listen to the testimony of saints through the ages who have found Christ faithful. We must trust in Him.

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.