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.
Sermon Q&A
Understanding Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12
What is the main verse that Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on in this sermon?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones 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." The sermon explores Paul's confident attitude despite his imprisonment and impending death under Nero.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the meaning of "I am not ashamed" in the text?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, when Paul says "I am not ashamed," he is using a figure of speech called "litotes" - stating a positive by means of a negative. Paul doesn't merely mean he isn't embarrassed, but rather he is "exalting in this," "rejoicing in it," and is "tremendously proud" of the gospel. It's a stronger way of expressing his confidence and joy despite his difficult circumstances.
What are the three principles that explain Paul's attitude toward life and suffering?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies three principles that explain Paul's positive attitude:
- Paul had realized the supreme value of the soul (his "deposit")
- Paul lived his life in light of "that day" (the day of judgment)
- Paul had personal knowledge of Christ - not just knowing about Him, but knowing Him
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain what Paul means by his "deposit"?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones rejects the interpretation that Paul's "deposit" refers to the gospel. Instead, he argues that Paul means his soul or eternal destiny. He describes it as "something very precious, something very valuable, something that he puts into a safe deposit" that he entrusts to Christ for safekeeping. This represents the most valuable part of a person - their immortal soul that will continue beyond physical death.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about modern society and its failure to value the soul?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones laments that modern society lives primarily for the body, focusing on "clothing, food and drink, appearance, styles" as if these are everything. He states: "The whole world today is living the life of the body only" and "The tragedy of the modern world is that men don't know themselves. They've never awakened to this real self, this essential being that is within them." He challenges listeners to recognize they have an immortal soul far more valuable than physical or material concerns.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean by "that day" in this sermon?
By "that day," Dr. Lloyd-Jones refers to the day of judgment when history and the world will come to an end, and everyone will stand before God to give an account of their lives. He describes it as "the day of the coming of Christ, the day of judgment, the day of the ending of this universe as we've known it." He emphasizes that this coming reality should revolutionize how we view our temporary existence on earth.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain Paul's knowledge of Christ?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Paul didn't just know about Christ or have a philosophy, but knew Christ personally. This knowledge included understanding: - Christ's deity as the Son of God who "appeared" from heaven - Christ's love that motivated Him to leave heaven and come to earth - Christ's saving work that was "not according to our works" - Christ's power that "abolished death and brought life and immortality to light" - Christ's eternal purpose that was established "before the world began"
What application does Dr. Lloyd-Jones make for his listeners regarding facing the future?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones urges his listeners to face 1958 (and the future generally) with the same confidence as Paul by: 1. Recognizing the supreme value of their souls 2. Remembering the day of judgment that is coming 3. Turning to and trusting in Jesus Christ 4. Entrusting their souls, destiny, and future to Christ's safekeeping
He assures them that regardless of their past sins, Christ will receive anyone who comes to Him, enabling them to face any eventuality "without quivering or fearing or running away or becoming alarmed and desperate."
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.