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Sermon #5637

Salvation for Sinners

A Sermon on 1 Timothy 1:15

Originally preached Jan. 7, 1962

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Scripture

1 Timothy 1:15 ESV KJV
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (ESV)

Sermon Description

In this sermon on 1 Timothy 1:15 titled “Salvation for Sinners,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks that at the heart of the Bible is God’s saving message to sinners that promises salvation for all who come and trust in Christ Jesus. Who then are the sinners? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that in one sense, anyone who sins is a sinner, and the Bible gives many lists of sins. Adultery, lying, stealing, murder, and many other sins are mentioned in Scripture. While all sin is a violation of God’s law and will be punished, the sin that ultimately condemns to eternal punishment is rejection of Jesus Christ. Apart from Christ, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims, there is no way to be forgiven. Listen as he explains the nature of sin, and more importantly, shares the good news of salvation from all sin and forgiveness in Christ.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The sermon text is 1 Timothy 1:15 which states “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

  2. Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls attention to this verse because it is the first Sunday night of the new year. People have been reflecting on life and its purpose. There are two great needs: a certain and sure word, and hope for change.

  3. This verse provides a certain and sure word, a reliable message that can be trusted. The evidence for this is the facts about Jesus, the change in Paul’s life, the lives of the other apostles, and the establishment of the Christian church.

  4. People desire change and a new life. This verse provides hope that change is possible through Jesus who came to save sinners. Paul is an example of someone who was radically changed.

  5. Dr. Lloyd-Jones’s purpose is to proclaim the message of this verse. He will not give his own opinions or advice but will expound the word of God.

  6. Jesus Christ is the center of history. Dating systems revolve around him. He is the crucial event of history and the only way to understand the present and future.

  7. Jesus was a man, Jesus of Nazareth, but he is also the eternal Son of God who came into the world. The incarnation is the greatest miracle.

  8. Jesus came into the world to save sinners, not reform the world. Sinners are lawless, disobedient, and ungodly. They are morally good but reject Jesus. Paul was the chief of sinners as a self-righteous Pharisee.

  9. Sinners need to be saved from God’s wrath and judgment, the bondage of sin, and eternal punishment in hell.

  10. Jesus saves sinners by his perfect life, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension. He took our punishment and gives us mercy and forgiveness.

  11. Salvation means forgiveness, new life, deliverance from sin and Satan, and eternal life. It is offered by grace through faith.

  12. Salvation is for all, no matter how sinful. Paul is an example. We must believe the message about Jesus to be saved.

  13. The world is as it is because of sin. We must be saved out of the world. Jesus will return to establish his kingdom and destroy evil.

  14. Believe in Jesus and his work to be saved. Call on him without delay.

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.