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Sermon #5641

I Am Not Ashamed

A Sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12

Originally preached April 12, 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

In his sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that the gospel will benefit anyone who believes in Jesus Christ— it is good news for all people. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that the Apostle Paul was a natural pessimist, and yet, he found hope through the gospel. He boldly proclaimed “I am not ashamed.” Scripture’s promises are not dependent upon a person’s temperament or tendencies; it has power for all. Many today hold to a stoic view of life and believe that all are born to die, but this view provides no hope for people. Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts this with the Christian view, using the real-life example of songwriter Horatio Spafford who penned the well-known hymn, “It is Well with My Soul.” Spafford wrote this hymn soon after the tragic drowning of his children and losing most of his wealth. Though all here on earth could be going horribly wrong, and though evil and its results seem to prevail, followers of Jesus have hope. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that this is not automatic — though salvation is received through faith alone, the Christian journey is one in which its followers must play an active part in living out the gospel. He closes by stating that Christianity has no comfort or consolation if one does not believe its truth. Paul’s comfort was deduced from his faith — repent from sins and believe the gospel today in faith.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The sermon focuses on 2 Timothy 1:12 - "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. Dr. Lloyd-Jones introduces the verse and provides context about Paul writing to Timothy while imprisoned.

  3. Dr. Lloyd-Jones highlights that the verse shows Paul's triumph and overcoming spirit despite facing difficulties. This is a theme throughout the sermon.

  4. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks if we are able to live life with a "nevertheless" spirit like Paul. He says this is the key to mastering life.

  5. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says Paul's attitude can't be explained by temperament or stoicism. Only faith in the Gospel can produce this spirit.

  6. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the Gospel provides a complete view of life that covers all circumstances. It is not just about ethics or morality.

  7. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the Gospel is not a vague message of comfort. It asks us to face life's difficulties. It provides real comfort through belief in the truth.

  8. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the Gospel does not work automatically. It requires understanding and application.

  9. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the Gospel does not directly provide comfort. Comfort comes through believing the truth. There are no shortcuts.

  10. Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides 4 principles about the Gospel: 1) It can be defined. It is not vague. 2) It is based on authority - the apostles' teaching. 3) It is based on historical facts - the life of Christ. 4) It is unchanging but changes us by giving us a new perspective and power.

  11. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the Gospel gives a view of life that allows us to face difficulties with joy and triumph. It gives us power through belief in the truth.

  12. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by re-emphasizing that comfort comes through believing the Gospel message, not directly or automatically. We must know the essentials of the faith.

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.