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Sermon #5650

Come; Lord Jesus

A Sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12

Originally preached June 14, 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

Where a person puts their hope in times of great trial tells much about them. In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “Come, Lord Jesus,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the words the apostle Paul wrote when he was imprisoned and facing death. He encouraged Timothy to stand in the faith that was delivered to the saints: the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul had not lost hope in the face of dire circumstances, but he was encouraging others in the face of his own death. This is what it looks like to trust in Christ until the end. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares how this trust is at the heart of the Christian life and is a source of peace. This is because Christians do not have to trust in politics or any other earthly institution for hope. It is Jesus who will return on the last day and bring the new heavens and the new earth. It is Jesus who will banish all sin and darkness, bringing all Christians’ hope to completion. This sermon asks the questions: “Where is your hope? Are you like many who rest in the things of this world? Or are you like the apostle who trusts in the faithfulness of Christ to deliver him in the greatest times of suffering?” There is no more important question than where one’s hope is.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The sermon begins by introducing 2 Timothy 1:12 as the main text and focus for the message. Dr. Lloyd-Jones establishes that this verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian gospel.

  2. Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides context for the verse by explaining that Paul wrote this letter to Timothy from prison in Rome. Timothy was discouraged by Paul's imprisonment, so Paul wrote to encourage him.

  3. Paul tells Timothy to "stir up the gift of God" within him and to not be ashamed of the gospel. Paul says he is not ashamed of his circumstances because he knows "whom I have believed." This is the key assertion of the sermon.

  4. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says this assertion demonstrates that belief in the Christian message is the only way to overcome and master life. There are no "patent remedies" or psychological tricks. Only belief in the gospel can provide victory.

  5. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the gospel message can be known and stated in propositions. He criticizes those who say the gospel cannot be defined. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says creeds and doctrinal statements are important to prevent being misled.

  6. Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies "that day" as referring to the consummation of God's plan and purpose for the world. He says this is one of the most vital parts of the Christian faith.

  7. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says "that day" refers to the end of history and the end of time. It is the culmination of God's redemptive work in the world. Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines the biblical narrative from creation to the final consummation.

  8. Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies the second coming of Christ as the specific event referred to by "that day." He says Christ will return to complete the work of redemption and judge the world. Christ will purge the world of sin and restore the universe.

  9. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says belief in the second coming enabled the early Christians to endure persecution and hardship. Likewise, belief in the second coming should enable Christians today to face difficulties and not be discouraged.

  10. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by calling people to believe the gospel message about Christ as Savior and the coming consummation of His kingdom. Belief is the only way to share in the coming glory.

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.