Salvation for Sinners
A Sermon on 1 Timothy 1:15
Originally preached Jan. 7, 1962
Scripture
15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
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
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sinners need to be saved from God’s wrath and judgment, the bondage of sin, and eternal punishment in hell.
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Jesus saves sinners by his perfect life, death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension. He took our punishment and gives us mercy and forgiveness.
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Salvation means forgiveness, new life, deliverance from sin and Satan, and eternal life. It is offered by grace through faith.
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Salvation is for all, no matter how sinful. Paul is an example. We must believe the message about Jesus to be saved.
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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.
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Believe in Jesus and his work to be saved. Call on him without delay.
Sermon Q&A
Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on 1 Timothy 1:15
What is the "faithful saying" that Paul refers to in 1 Timothy 1:15?
The faithful saying that Paul refers to is "that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this is a reliable, certain statement worthy of complete acceptance. He describes it as "the gospel in a nutshell" - a statement we can fully depend upon without reservation or qualification in a world filled with unreliable words and unfulfilled promises.
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say we need a "certain sure word" in our time?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that we live in a world full of words, opinions, and advice, but what we desperately need is something certain and reliable. He observes that modern people are "surrounded by a babel of isolates" from newspapers, television, and various communications, yet these words often prove to be of little value. People are tired of unfulfilled promises and failed schemes, creating a hunger for something truly trustworthy and reliable, which he identifies as God's Word.
How does Paul serve as evidence for the reliability of the Christian message?
Paul serves as evidence because of the dramatic transformation in his life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that Paul went from being "a bitter, persecuting, blasphemous enemy of Christ and of the church" to becoming "its leading proponent, its greatest preacher, its unmatched teacher and apostle." This complete revolution in Paul's character and life purpose can only be explained by the truth of the Christian message. Paul himself presents his transformation as "a pattern to them which should hereafter believe."
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the central event of all human history?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies the coming of Christ Jesus into the world as the central event of all human history. He points to our dating system (1962 at the time of the sermon, now 2024) as evidence that even the secular world acknowledges this reality by dividing history into BC and AD based on Christ's birth. He states that "the whole of human history revolves around this person, Christ Jesus" and that only in light of this fact can we truly understand history, the present world, and the future.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones define what it means to be a sinner?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides a comprehensive definition of what makes someone a sinner. Beyond just those who commit obvious moral transgressions (like murder, adultery, or theft), he emphasizes that the "chief kind of sinners" are self-righteous people who believe they can please God through their own morality and religious observance. He specifically mentions "the modern Pharisee" who claims to practice Christian ethics while rejecting Christian doctrine. Ultimately, "a sinner is a man who has never seen the need of Christ Jesus coming into the world."
What does salvation include according to this sermon?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, salvation includes several elements: 1. Forgiveness of sins - "God forgives you freely for nothing, just as you are at this very moment" 2. A completely new nature - "Everlasting life means a new life, a new beginning, a new start" 3. Freedom from bondage - "a life of deliverance from the shackles and the bondage of sin and Satan and the world" 4. Peace and joy in this world 5. The hope of eternal glory - "a life of glory beyond the veil, which surpasses any possibility of description"
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say Christ didn't come to reform the world?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that "there is not a single word in the whole of the Bible which says that Christ came to do anything to the world as such." Instead, Christ came specifically to "save sinners out of the world." He contrasts this with common assumptions that Christ came to reform society, end wars, solve industrial problems, or establish universal brotherhood. The preacher argues that these social improvements were not Christ's primary mission; rather, He came to address the fundamental problem of human sin and provide salvation to individuals.
What action does Dr. Lloyd-Jones call his listeners to take in response to the message?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls his listeners to simply believe and accept this faithful saying - to trust that Christ Jesus came to save sinners and died for their sins. He says: "You've got nothing to do, my friend, except to believe this message... I believe that God will give me free forgiveness now because his son has borne my punishment. I believe he'll give me new life." He urges them not to delay but to "Fly to him. Believe on him and be ye saved."
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.