Transformative Power of the Gospel in Christ
Summary
As we gather on the first Sunday night of a new year, it is a time for reflection on the purpose and direction of our lives. In a world filled with endless words and promises that often fail to deliver, we yearn for something certain and reliable. The Apostle Paul, in his first epistle to Timothy, offers us such a word: "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." This statement is not just another voice in the cacophony of the world; it is a declaration of truth that has stood the test of time.
The reliability of this message is rooted in the historical facts of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. These events are not mere theories but are the foundation of the Christian faith and the Church's existence. The transformation of individuals like Paul, from a persecutor of Christians to a leading apostle, further attests to the power and truth of this message. The Church's survival through centuries of challenges is a testament to its divine origin and the truth of the gospel.
This message also speaks to our deep desire for change and deliverance. Many of us have experienced the futility of resolutions and self-improvement efforts. Yet, the gospel offers a new beginning, a transformation that is possible through faith in Christ. Paul himself is a pattern of this transformation, showing that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.
As we embark on this new year, let us focus on the centrality of Christ in history and in our lives. The gospel is not just a philosophy or a set of teachings; it is about a person, Jesus Christ, who entered history to save us. This salvation is not about reforming the world but about saving individuals from sin and its consequences. It offers forgiveness, a new life, and the hope of eternal life with God.
Key Takeaways:
- The world is filled with words and promises, but what we truly need is a reliable word. The gospel of Jesus Christ offers this certainty, rooted in historical facts and the transformation of lives like Paul's. It is a message worthy of our complete trust. [04:08]
- True change and deliverance come not from our efforts but from the transformative power of the gospel. Paul's life is a testament to the possibility of a new beginning through faith in Christ. This transformation is available to all who believe. [14:08]
- The gospel centers on the person of Jesus Christ, who entered history to save sinners. This is not just a historical event but the pivotal moment that offers us understanding and hope for the future. [19:12]
- A sinner is not just someone who commits obvious sins but anyone who does not see their need for Christ. Self-righteousness and unbelief are the greatest barriers to receiving the salvation Christ offers. [34:46]
- Salvation through Christ means forgiveness of sins and the gift of a new life. It is a free gift of grace, offering us a new nature and the hope of eternal life with God. This is the faithful saying that we are called to believe and accept. [44:58]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to the Faithful Saying
[01:03] - The Need for Certainty
[03:51] - The Reliability of the Gospel
[05:39] - The Transformation of Paul
[07:20] - The Foundation of the Church
[09:08] - The Word of God
[10:19] - The Desire for Change
[12:10] - Paul's Testimony
[14:29] - The New Beginning
[17:02] - The Centrality of Christ
[19:12] - The Pivotal Event in History
[23:23] - Understanding Sin
[27:40] - The Purpose of Christ's Coming
[29:16] - The Definition of a Sinner
[37:27] - The Need for Salvation
[41:53] - How Christ Saves
[44:23] - The Gift of Grace
[47:28] - Everlasting Life
[51:33] - The Call to Believe
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Timothy 1:15 - "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."
Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he refers to the statement as a "faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation"? [04:08]
2. How does the transformation of Paul from a persecutor to an apostle serve as evidence for the reliability of the gospel message? [06:37]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Christ Jesus coming into the world? [19:12]
4. How does the sermon describe the nature of a sinner, and why is self-righteousness considered a significant barrier to salvation? [34:46]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the historical facts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection as the foundation of the Christian faith? [05:39]
2. How does Paul's personal testimony of transformation illustrate the power of the gospel to bring about true change? [14:08]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the gospel offers a new beginning, and how is this different from self-improvement efforts? [14:29]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of Jesus Christ in history and our understanding of the future? [19:12]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the "endless words and promises" of the world. How can the certainty of the gospel provide you with assurance and hope in such moments? [03:51]
2. Consider your own life. Are there areas where you have relied on self-improvement rather than the transformative power of the gospel? How can you shift your focus to Christ for true change? [14:08]
3. The sermon describes self-righteousness as a significant barrier to receiving salvation. Are there areas in your life where you might be relying on your own righteousness rather than Christ's? How can you address this? [34:46]
4. How does understanding Jesus as the central figure in history change your perspective on current events and your personal future? [19:12]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of accepting the gospel message fully. What steps can you take to deepen your trust in the reliability of this message? [04:08]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need deliverance or a new beginning. How can you invite Christ into that situation for transformation? [14:29]
7. How can you share the message of salvation through Christ with someone who may not see their need for Him? What approach might you take to communicate this truth effectively? [34:46]
Devotional
Day 1: The Certainty of the Gospel
The world is filled with countless words and promises, many of which fail to deliver. In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers a certainty that is rooted in historical facts and the transformation of lives, such as that of the Apostle Paul. This message is not just another voice in the noise of the world; it is a declaration of truth that has stood the test of time. The reliability of this message is grounded in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are not mere theories but the foundation of the Christian faith and the Church's existence. The transformation of individuals like Paul, from a persecutor of Christians to a leading apostle, further attests to the power and truth of this message. The Church's survival through centuries of challenges is a testament to its divine origin and the truth of the gospel. [04:08]
1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself doubting the reliability of God's promises? How can you remind yourself of the certainty of the gospel today?
Day 2: Transformation Through the Gospel
True change and deliverance come not from our efforts but from the transformative power of the gospel. Many have experienced the futility of resolutions and self-improvement efforts, yet the gospel offers a new beginning through faith in Christ. The life of Paul is a testament to the possibility of a new beginning, showing that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. This transformation is available to all who believe, offering a new life and the hope of eternal life with God. The gospel is not just a philosophy or a set of teachings; it is about a person, Jesus Christ, who entered history to save us. [14:08]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you desire transformation? How can you invite the transformative power of the gospel into that area today?
Day 3: The Centrality of Christ
The gospel centers on the person of Jesus Christ, who entered history to save sinners. This is not just a historical event but the pivotal moment that offers us understanding and hope for the future. The salvation offered by Christ is not about reforming the world but about saving individuals from sin and its consequences. It offers forgiveness, a new life, and the hope of eternal life with God. As we embark on a new year, let us focus on the centrality of Christ in history and in our lives. [19:12]
Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Reflection: How can you make Christ the center of your daily life? What practical steps can you take to ensure He remains your focus throughout the day?
Day 4: Recognizing Our Need for Christ
A sinner is not just someone who commits obvious sins but anyone who does not see their need for Christ. Self-righteousness and unbelief are the greatest barriers to receiving the salvation Christ offers. Recognizing our need for Christ is the first step toward receiving His grace and forgiveness. It is important to understand that salvation through Christ means forgiveness of sins and the gift of a new life. This is a free gift of grace, offering us a new nature and the hope of eternal life with God. [34:46]
Romans 3:23-24 (ESV): "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: In what ways do you struggle with self-righteousness or unbelief? How can you acknowledge your need for Christ's grace in those areas today?
Day 5: Embracing the Gift of Grace
Salvation through Christ means forgiveness of sins and the gift of a new life. It is a free gift of grace, offering us a new nature and the hope of eternal life with God. This is the faithful saying that we are called to believe and accept. Embracing this gift means living in the reality of God's grace, allowing it to transform our lives and guide our actions. As we accept this gift, we are called to share it with others, extending the love and grace of Christ to those around us. [44:58]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: How can you actively embrace and live out the gift of grace in your life today? What is one way you can share this grace with someone else?
Quotes
The world as I say is full of vises full of words never maral it's always been a place of much speaking but it's never spoken as much as it speaks today look at it doing it in the newspapers wireless television the means of communication have been so multiplied and the result is that the Modern Men finds himself literally surrounded by a Babel of ISS all hurling themselves at him speaking to him suggesting this and that to him but surely we all agreed in saying this that all these words seem to be of very little value to us we've heard them so often the word world goes on repeating them but what's come of them what's happened have they been fulfilled have they been verified all the promises what's become of them what of all the good advice we've been given what of all the schemes that have been put before us what about all the quick patent solutions that have been offered to us they all come to nothing and I believe that the world tonight is getting very tough tired of listening to all these words and all these vices and people are beginning to say oh is there nothing sure is there nothing reliable is there nothing certain is there no word anywhere that can come to us and give us a little confidence and give us some Assurance well now it's because this verse that we're looking at answers that question as you see that I call your attention to it this says the Apostle is a faithful say this is a reliable say and therefore worthy of all acceptation you can receive it with absolute confidence you can rely upon it you can commit yourself and your life and all you have and all you are and the whole of your future utterly and absolutely to this it is a faithful say and worthy of all acceptation you need Have No Reservations you need no qualification take it as it is take it absolutely commit yourself completely and entirely to it that's one reason for considering it but say somebody how can I know that is then Justice not one of these other words that you've already described to us and of which we're all we agree so utterly tired well now the Apostle says that there is something unique about this I mustn't take too much time in answering that particular difficulty tonight otherwise we shall do nothing else and I'm rather concerned to give you the content of this message but I must say this in passing that there is abundant evidence for saying that this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation what is the basis what's the evidence well the main evidence of course is to be found in the facts which I am going to put before you the facts concerning this person Christ Jesus now you notice I say facts I'm not saying theories I'm not saying teaching I'm saying facts the facts concerning him there is the fundamental basis for our assurance that this is a reliable word but not only of course the facts concerning him but in addition to that these further facts the facts concerning this Apostle Paul himself that's the very thing he's dealing with here he writing to Timothy was rather a frightened nervous kind of individual Timothy says you need have no doubt about these things at all this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation man he says if he'd had no other reason for believing that let this be enough for you look at me look what's happened to me there is no adequate explanation of what happened to that man known as Saul of tssus whom we know better as the Apostle Paul there is no adequate explanation of what happened to that man save the facts which are recorded here in this verse that's why he's so sure about it that's why he says it's reliable it's a faithful saying you can Bank your all upon it not only that the same facts are to be found in the lives of the other apostles the people these other men who wrote These New Testament Epistles and were responsible for the for the four gospels there are further effects which show the reliability of this message in other words Christianity is a phenomenon in history and that is the proof of the solidity of this and of its reliability you've got the whole fact of the foundation of the Christian church with all the attendant circumstances there would never have been a Christian Church were it not for the fact of the Resurrection The Bible makes that perfectly clear even these Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ when they saw him dying on that cross and buried in a grave they lost her they were completely hopeless and there would never have been a church where it not that he literally did rise from the dead and that gave being and life and Power to the church so there is just a kind of outline very hurriedly for you of the reliability of this statement and the subsequent history of the Christian Church manifests and proves and demonstrates precisely the same point the Christian Church would have made shipri of herself oh almost a thousand times during the last 2,000 years were it not for the fact that she is the Church of God and that what we are looking at tonight is fact reliable fact if the church were not the Church of God she would have destroyed herself so many times and she'd have done so in this present Century she's still here and the message is still being proclaimed for one reason only that she is the Church of God and not the mere Church of men very well there's the first thing a certain word did you come into this service because you're perplexed because you're uncertain because you're looking for some leading some light some knowledge some understanding of life and the world and even yourself here it is my friend here's an authoritative word in other words I'm just expanding the scripture I don't stand here to give my views as to what should happen in 1962 I'm not here to give advice to the government I'm not here to give advice to labor or to Capital I'm not here to solve all the problems of society that would just be my thinking and who am I any more than you I'm not here to do this I'm here to expound this which claims to be the word of God the Apostle Paul never said it was his word he said it was given to him committed to him he' received it of the Lord that's the claim we claim that this is a message from God himself to men not a mere word from man to man and one man's opinion over against another the word of God very well there's one reason but a second reason surely any thinking person again is anxious for some kind of change change out of the hopelessness isn't there something that is true of the individual and of larger masses of people 7 you felt that you'd like to be different haven't you felt the need of some Deliverance in your life haven't you felt that you'd like to live a new kind of life well this is a fact this is true of all thinking men men's always proposing to be better tries to be better New Year New Year's resolutions he's going to turn over a new page he's dissatisfied with his life there's an element of failure there he's gone down to the same thing and he's ashamed as he look looks back and the whole question is this isn't there a new different life possible isn't there some change possible Hope Springs Eternal in the human breast men's always proposing to be better and always trying to be better by means of his resolutions and Endeavors and all these things yes but the question again is what happens to all these hopes what happens to all these resolutions what happens to our pledges what happens to our solemn vows havn't we all got to admit that it's but the same sorry tale once more our vows are made only to be broken we don't want to break them but we do break them and all our resolutions and results come to nothing we've done it so often and then begins to feel a sense of disp and he cries out and he asks is there no hope is there isn't there another kind of life possible isn't there some Deliverance well the Apostle answers that in this same verse he says look here this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save Sinners of whom I am the chief what does he mean well he's telling us his own story listen you've listened to it who was he says and I thank Christ Jesus our lord who ha enabled me for that he counted me faithful putting me into the ministry who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor and injurious but I obtained Mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief you see he's amazed at the thing that's happened to him here is a man who underwent a complete Revolution here he was a bitter persecuting Blasphemous in of Christ and of the church and yet here he is writing to Timothy as its leading proponent its greatest preacher it's unmatched teacher and the puzle here it is you see from being s of tus he's become the mighty Apostle Paul there was never such a change it's a complete change it's an utter Revolution very well says Paul listen this is how it happened this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save Sinners of whom I am the chief my dear friend have you come in tonight because you've begin you've been beginning to feel hopeless about yourself have you been on the point of saying I might as well give up the fight I can't do it I'm defeated I'm constantly defeated I'm always going down I can't put myself right I've tried the philosophies I've tried the moral schemes they all come to nothing is there no hope well is the answer there is Paul says I'm a pattern and an example that's what I am he says Christ Jesus showed his Mercy in me first for a pattern to them which should herea believe on him to life Everlasting it is possible for you my friend to have an entirely New Life to make a completely new start a new New Beginning now the fact that it's 1962 and no longer 61 doesn't make any difference does it we try to persuade ourselves it does but it doesn't the change of the Year doesn't change the men's nature the new calendar doesn't make any difference to your circumstances it leaves you exactly where you were there's only one thing one thing alone in the whole universe tonight that really offers a new beginning it is what is told us in this faithful sight that's my second reason for calling your attention to it I have a third and this is a purely personal one I always like to start a new year in the right way and I always like to make it very clear as to what I'm proposing to do I come into this Pulpit Su by Sunday to do one thing only and that is to declare in some shape or form the this faithful saying which is worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save Sinners of whom I am chief God forbid that I should ever abuse this pulpit in talking about anything or anybody apart from Christ Jesus who came into this world I start the year with him if it be God's will I shall end it with him there is nothing nothing else that is worthy of my Endeavor and of my effort Christ Jesus the Lord very well now then there are our reasons forget that last one remember the other two a certain word an assured word a reliable word a word of Hope the possibility of a new life how is it possible well he tells us here it is only possible as we believe and give a thorough acceptation to this statement what is it well here it is here's the gospel in a nutshell and I'm just going to put it before you the first word is Christ Jesus you always start with him there is no gospel apart from him Christianity as has often been pointed out is Christ see it isn't just a teaching just a philosophy it's the person it's all about a person gospels they're nothing but an account of a person an individual who's lived in this world Christ Jesus it's all then I say about about him the facts concerning him now oh how people are confused about this but here we are looking at the greatest and the most crucial event in the whole of human history we are all very concerned about history at the present time and rightly so we are in an age of Revolution we're in an age of change we may be in the last age there are many people who think we are not only Christians but others as you know outside very well never should the world have been more interested in history than then just at this moment the great question is what's happening what is history where are we going whether are we heading what is the future now does it what what have we got to help us here does the past history help us I've just been reading a book this week which Bears a most significant title the poverty of historicism which more or less means this that the history of the past doesn't help us today because we're not mere gadgets We're Not Mere pieces of mechanism there is this imponderable which is called human nature so that though you may be an expert on past history doesn't help you to tell about the future very well there's only one clear guidance about history and it's here and it's about this person I've reminded you already that we're in 1962 but why is it called 1962 why isn't it called something else why does everybody talk about 1962 why do people who are not Christians talk about 1962 they shouldn't do so if they were really logical and consistent well the answer is of course that 1962 comes into being for one reason only that the whole of History revolves around this person Christ Jesus here's the center of History he has divided history history is divided into BC a the time before Christ Jesus came came into the world the time subsequent to Christ Jesus coming into the world the year of the Lord 1962 the whole of human history you see has been determined by this person here is the crucial event of all history and the world pays tribute to the reliability of this message by talking about 1962 had you ever realized it that by using this very terminology you are agreeing with Paul that it is a faithful saying that Christ Jes Jesus came into the world it's a fact and I'm here to say this in addition and this is much more important that this is not only an actual practice The crucial turning point of all history the dividing point the Watershed if you like of all history it is only in the light of this fact that you rarely can understand history and understand the world tonight and understand the future so that what we say is this that as we start 1962 the thing to do is not to try to look into the future not to borrow a telescope not to get some kind of super judal bank which will enable us to seed to some tremendous distance in the future that's not the way to understand history my friend if you want to understand history turn back yes I say that without any any apology in a world that's always looking forward hoping for some advance and development I say that's the fatal error there's only one way to understand the future it's to look back to the past and to look back to this person Christ Jesus he and he alone enables us to understand the whole of life and the whole of History so let's not look to some un uncertain future let's not attempt our prognostications not let indulge in vain hopes but let's look at him and what do we find well what we find is this we find a person standing out in history who's called Jesus Christ Jesus in other words at a given point in time a babe was born in a little place called Bethlehem and they called his name Jesus and then you read the story about him in the gospels these men began to teach at the age of 30 and had that extraordinary Ministry for 3 years working miracles making pronouncements such as men had never heard leading Roman soldiers to say never man spake like this man and then you remember taken and condemned and crucified dead and buried in a grave and then rose again and manifested himself as I've reminded you to these Apostles and 500 other chosen Witnesses and then in the presence of his disciples ascended into heaven now here's the whole question who's this Christ Jesus well he's a man Jesus born as a babe grew up as a Bo worked as a carpenter obviously a man quite right Jesus Jesus of Nazareth son of Mary known also as the son of Joseph A Man Called Jesus very well do we stop at that if we do we are just confronted by another human teacher whom you may put if you like into the category of Plato Socrates Aristotle some of the great prophets of the Old Testament some of the great Originators of the great world religions they were all men they never claimed to be anything else they were just men who taught is he just one of them well now you see the Apostle makes it impossible for us to say that Christ Jesus and Christ means savior deliverer Messiah not only that he tells us that this is someone who has come into the world now he doesn't say you see that Jesus of Nazareth was born in Bethlehem that is a fact he was born in Bethlehem why doesn't he put it like that well you see he doesn't put it like that because he wants to bring out this great and all important point that Jesus of Nazareth is not only a man he has come into the world he doesn't start there he was before he was in another world he was in eternity as John puts it in his gospel in the beginning was the word and the Word was with God and the Word was God there never was a time when he wasn't he and the father are co-equal and coeternal we've been reminding ourselves about that over Christmas well now this is how he puts it this blessed person the second person in the blessed Holy Trinity has come out of Eternity into time here's the event here is I say the thing that constitutes The Watershed of all history that Christ Jesus came into the world now can't you see that this is the most astounding thing that has ever happened in history it's the whole basis of this message it's all about this person if we are not right about him there'll be no value in his teaching to us in other words it comes to this that the faithful saying which is worthy of all acceptation is that at a given point in time God the Father the Eternal God sent into this world of men and women into our world his only begotten beloved Son there in Bethlehem that greatest of Miracles took place the word was made flesh and dwelt Among Us the Incarnation now you see at once you've got an entirely New View we are familiar with history we've read about the great Statesmen the great Kings the great philosopher Kings the great philosophers the sear the religious leaders they've all been trying to solve the problem they've written their books they've given their teaching it all come to nothing it's of no value here is something that is entirely different God have visited and redeemed his people out of Eternity out of the bosom of God the Son of God has come and has entered into life has taken unto him Human Nature has lived as a man in this world Christ Jesus came into the world my dear friends can't you see that the whole world is as it is tonight because it doesn't believe this it doesn't realize its meaning it doesn't know its significance well all honor to your great captains your great Kings your great philosophers but none of them has been able to do what is necessary for the world but here God has sent his only son into the world in your perplexity says Paul in your uncertainty in your need for a word in your need for deliverance listen God has done something about the world God has done something about you that can make all the difference to you stop listening to men begin to listen to the word of God this faithful saying that is worthy of all acceptation the Eternal Son of God has entered into time has been in this world has walked up and down this world as it were has lived has died in it and has gone back out of it to the glory out of which he came there is the beginning of it all there is the basis of the message but wait a minute why did he come into the world that's the question isn't it is this just a phenomenon is this just a spectacle as such if God did send his only son into the world if the son did leave the Eternal bosom and dwell here as a man for those 33 years why did he do it now then here it becomes very practical you notice how the Apostle puts it he says Christ Jesus came into the World in order to put the world right in order to reform the world in order to introduce legislation that would abolish all the difficulties and the problems of the world Christ Jesus came into the world to put an end to war to solve all industrial problems to introduce a spirit of Brotherhood and we'd all live happily ever afterwards no no there is not a single word in the ho of the Bible which says that Christ came to do anything to the world as such that isn't what he came to do he came to do this he came to save Sinners out of the world here's the message Christ Jesus came into the world to save Sinners that's the object of the Incarnation that's why he died on the cross that's why he did everything he did he came to save sinners not to reform or improve the world but to save us out of the world to save sinners now then what does this mean oh here are the things you see which about which we must be absolutely certain here is God's answer to our perplexity to our uncertainty to our need of Hope and our need of Deliverance you've got to be clear about that person then you've got to be clear about yourself a sinner what's a sinner if he's come into the world in order to save Sinners the most urgent thing for me to know is what a sinner is am I a sinner who is a sinner what is a sinner well in this very chapter the Apostle has been giving us some description of what it means to be a sinner he says we know that the law is good if a man use it lawfully knowing this that the law is not made for a righteous men but for now here's the description of the sinner for the Lawless for the disobedient for the ungodly and for Sinners for Unholy and profane for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers for manslayers murderers for mongers for them that defile themselves with mankind for menstealers for liars for purered persons and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound Doctrine now there is a part of the definition of what it means to be a sinner what's a sinner well a man is a sinner who disobeys and breaks all the laws of God God made men in his own image and he meant him to live a righteous life he gave him an original righteousness what is sin it's departure from that it is a departure from the law of God there are many lists given here in this new testament of what it means to be a sinner I've just read one of them to you let me read you another one which will put it still more clearly and still more explicitly for us in one Corinthians 6 be not deceived neither fornicators nor idolators nor adulterers nor effeminate nor abusers of themselves with mankind nor thieves nor Covetous nor drunkards nor revilers nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God all those are sinners and I could easily add to the list ah very well says somebody that's what you you mean by a sinner in that case I'm very happy to think and to say that I am not a sinner I have never done any of these things at all I've never got drunk I've never committed adultery I'm not guilty of murder or any of the things nor abuse with Mankind and so on thank God I'm free I'm not a sinner wait a minute my dear friend listen to this man he says Christ Jesus came into the world to save Sinners of whom I Paul the Apostle and the chief he's the chief of Sinners so in my definition of a sinner I have somehow or another got to include this Apostle Paul well he was never a murderer he never got drunk he never committed immorality he was not guilty of any one of those things that he's mentioned he was a highly moral man always he was a very religious man always he was a phies a man who was trained in the law a teacher of others he lived as he thought to serve God and to please him and he did so with all good conscience but he never did any of those things and yet he says he's the chief of sinners now then what does this tell us oh I'll tell you what it tells us a sinner is a man who thinks that he's capable of pleasing God in and of himself and this is the characteristic of the chief kind of Sinners people who are much worse than the drunkards and the revilers and the adulterers the kind of person as this man s of tsas was who rarely believed that by being religious and living a good life they were satisfying God he was very pleased with himself he was self-righteous the world has many people like this tonight and they I would remind you are the greatest enemies of the Christian truth and the Christian faith your poor drunkard and prostitute is not an enemy to the Christian faith nobody defends that I'll tell you the kind of man who is the real enemy is the modern Pharisee the modern soul of tsus the man who says earily that he still believes in practicing the Christian ethic but has long since given up believing the Christian dogma and these are some of your very respectable people names greatly honored you listen to them on the television and on the wireless these Great Men Who find that they in their own strength and power can carry out the teaching of Christ they don't believe in his deity they don't believe in his atoning death but they do like his Sermon on the Mount and they're practicing this that's What Makes a Man the chief of Sinners that was exactly the trouble with s of tsus he was thoroughly satisfied with his good moral religious life and living he believed that that put him right in the sight of God and he was very satisfied and very pleased with himself he looks back and says that made me the chief of Sinners I can sum it up by putting it like this a sinner is a man who has never seen the need of Christ Jesus coming into the world a sinner is the type of men to whom it wouldn't make the slightest difference if it could be proved that Christ Jesus never had come into the world he's never seen any need of him he doesn't believe in it he rejects he may be highly moral as I said he may be a most excellent men very benevolent and all the rest of it but if he doesn't believe in this Christ Jesus he's a most terrible sinner this man was he was a blasphemer that mean by by which he means this that he when he was told that Jesus of Nazareth was the son of God he said there to blasphemy he was nothing but a man that's what he means by saying that he was a blasphemer he denied the deity of Christ he denied his godhead he said this is a carpent of this is just a fellow who is he he's not even trained as a Pharisee he ridiculed him that's what makes a men the chief of Sinners and he persecuted him he laughed at him he was an injurious person he mocked at him he derided him as the clever people are doing today that makes them Pharisees they think we are the Pharisees who come to church they are the Pharisees they don't see any need of church they don't see any need of Christ they don't see any need of Grace or of Mercy as they are they're perfectly satisfied and they reject him and they see no need of it there is no greater sin than that this is infinitely worse than murder infinitely worse what is a sinner well it's here in one phrase in that 13th verse I did it ignorantly says Paul in unbelief a sinner is a man who is in the grip of the devil to such an extent that he cannot believe in Christ is ignorant The Sinner tonight is the man who does know that he is a sinner he doesn't know anything about his utter helplessness before God and his final hopelessness he's ignorant in unbelief and so he doesn't believe in Christ Jesus as the one who's come into the world to save Sinners where are you my friend you are troubled about the problem of the world I ask you waiter for a moment and start with yourself can't you see that the world is as it is because it's full of sinners some of them living in the gutters others in their High respectability who think that they can make a perfect world by passing acts of parliament or by making protest they are the people who are making the world as it is they've got to realize that they are sinners any man who doesn't see his utter absolute need of the Son of God coming into this world is the chief of Sinners very well well now then why does this person need to be saved if that's our definition of a sinner he says Christ Jesus Jus came into the world to save Sinners why is this necessary what's he mean by this saving of Sinners well here it is a man who is a sinner needs to be saved from the wrath of God the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold down the truth in ungodliness Jesus Christ the son of God came into the world because the whole world is guilty before God that's why he came he didn't come to reform it he came because everybody born into this world is a sinner not a man of us has come up to the glory of God not one of us has honored God or Liv to his glory we've all sinned against him we've all done despite to his holy law we've trampled upon it we've all offended him we've all rebelled we are all sinners and remember God's Wrath is upon the sinner God is a holy God and he manifest his wrath partly while we're still in this world and in this life I'm never tired of saying that I believe the world is as it is tonight partly because the wrath of God is upon it in our cleverness we thought we could run life in the world without god well God's telling us get on with it I'll let you have a chance if you like and here's the result it's a part of the punishment the wrath of God but the wrath of God doesn't stop with this life and this world it goes on Beyond it and it is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that if a man dies as a sinner he just goes on to Everlasting ption is Liv to think on for 12 months isn't it it's much more difficult to think on for 12 years you can't think on for 12 centuries oh it's impossible to think of of 12 Millennia but what's that out of Eternity in Everlasting condition and the plain teaching of this word not my theory is that a man who dies as a sinner goes to Everlasting prti there is no end to it no hope whatsoever no end no termination what is the condition well it's not only like the world is today but it's much worse and it goes on and on and on without him he came to save sinners from the wrath of God and the punishment that sin so terribly merits not only that he came to save us from the B bondage of Sin from the slavery of Sin from the tyranny of the devil from the life of the world the World the Flesh the devil we're all in bonds to it and we can't set ourselves free he came to save Sinners how does he say I'm giving you the great headings of the Gospel tonight that you may review them as you've commenced this year how does he do it well he does it like this Christ Jesus didn't come in into the world to tell us how to save ourselves for the good and sufficient reason that we can't do it God had given the ancient Nation the Jews The Ten Commandments and he told them as he gave them them you keep those and you'll be all right but they couldn't keep them there wasn't a man who kept them not one so if Christ Jesus had only come into the world to tell me to save myself it would have been a useless message I cannot save myself all the best men have ever tried have come to realize if this man saw of tus that was his great realization he saw he was lost that all his righteousness was dung rubbish refug hopeless filthy rags he can't save himself to will is present with me but to perform I know not this La in the members dragging a maner he can't liberate himself Christ Jesus didn't come into the world to tell us how to save ourselves thank God he came to save us and how did he do it well here it is he did it by his perfect spotless life which he lived for us to honor the law of God that we'd broken he did it supremely by his death upon the cross where he gave his soul as an offering for sin where he received the punishment that our sins are deserved that's how he say we need to be delivered from the guilt of sin he took it on himself he came into the world to do it he submitted to baptism he told John you must baptize me I'm putting myself by the side of the sinner I've come to redeem him I'm taking on his sin and God smot him for me God dealt with my sins in him that's how he saves me he saves by dying upon the cross by giving his life a ransom for many and then by his glorious Resurrection Conquering the devil the death and the grave and everything and Rising triumphant over it all into the presence of God there ever to live be beside him and ever to make intercession for those for whom he's died thus he saves by coming by living by dying Rising again ascending being seated at the right hand of God Christ Jesus came into the world to do the thing himself he came to save and he saves in that way that's salvation but what does this mean to me says someone you say Christ Jesus came into the world to save Sinners of whom I am the chief what does this salvation mean to me then listen you notice his terms the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love I obtained Mercy he says how be it for this cause I obtained Mercy he goes on repeating these words Gra grace and mercy and longsuffering and kindness what's it mean oh let me hurriedly put it to you salvation my dear friend means this that because the Son of God received your punishment God forgives you freely for nothing just as you are at this very moment it's a free gift the grace of God grace means favor that is utterly unmerited it means god giving to people who are utterly unworthy and utterly undeserving that's the whole message because Christ Jesus has taken my guilt and received the punishment that it deserved God can righteously give me a free pardon he asks nothing of me except that I believe that this that I accept it that I believe it is worthy of all acceptation so he gives me pardon and forgiveness I received Mercy when this man soul of tsus came to see his unutterable sinfulness that he was the chief of Sinners he said what can I do where can I turn and altogether lost but the Son of God who appeared to him on the road to Damascus told him it's all right I came into the world because you are what you are and I've received your punishment and you can have mercy God forgives you the past can be blotted out oh what a wonderful thing to be able to say on the first Sunday night of 1962 if you have sinned until this very moment if you sinned all your life right away through 61 60 59 58 all your life has been a life of sin but if you believe this message do you know it'll all be blotted out at this moment as if it had never happened at all the books are cleared the past shall be forgotten Mercy a free pardon an utter Absolution an entire forgiveness is given immediately to those who believe this message but you know it doesn't stop at that we need not only forgiveness I don't want to make light of forgiveness there's nothing under Heaven that I know more wonderful that this moment than there just this that all my past has been cast into the sea of God's forgetfulness don't look back my friend if you're a Christian you never need to it's been dealt with it's gone God in Christ has blotted it out the past has been forgotten oh what a wonderful thing to know this is the faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation never look back again if you believe in Christ it's all gone God has forgotten it as far as the East is from the West so far has now removed our transgressions from us there's nothing further very well but it isn't the only thing listen how be it for this cause I obtained Mercy that in me first Christ Jesus might show forth all longsuffering for a pattern to them which Hereafter believe on him to life Everlasting here's the other side pass entirely forgiven completely blotted out well where am I now then oh I need a new life I need a new nature I'm not content with just being forgiven because I know I'm going back into that same old sinful world and I'm still the same weak creature and it I'll go down again I'll sin again I'll be exactly where I was no no everlasting life is offered you what's this well well I need keep you I've already reminded of you in my reminded you of it in my introduction everlasting life means a new life A New Beginning a new start you know this gospel offers you a new nature it offers to make you a new man it's not surprising that Paul says it's a faithful saying and worthy of all except he was a living proof of it if there was one thing that was quite inconceivable it was that Saul of TSA should ever be a preacher of the Gospel he was a blasphemer he was a persecutor he was injurious he was the chief of Sinners how can such a man ever become a preacher of the Gospel how can he ever be a Christian the thing is inconceivable his whole nature is against you here he is preaching it what is it oh he's been born again so it's not surprising that in writing The Second Epistle to the Corinthians in chapter 5 in verse 17 he says if any man be in Christ he's a new creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new he was a new man he couldn't recognize himself he's no longer Sol of tsus he's the Apostle Paul he's made a new start a new man in a new world everything's new that's the thing that's offered you he says this has happened to me that I might be a pattern and an example you needn't be afraid he says it can happen to you you can start a new life a life of deliverance from the shackles and the bondage of sin and Satan and the world and the Flesh and the devil a freedom from fear of death in the grave a life of Joy a life of peace all that immediately in this world and you can begin to look forward to a life of Glory Beyond the Veil which surpasses any possibility of description to be with Christ Which is far better to see God to spend eternity in the glory all offered you for nothing everlasting life eternal life that is what salvation means not that you decide to take a New Year's resolution in this service that you're going to be a better man or a better woman that you're going to drink less or smoke less or do this that whatever you regard us sin I'm not here to mention things no no that isn't Christianity this it's this believing in this Christ as the Son of God believing that he died for you and bore your punishment believing that he can create you a new make a new man of you infuse new life into you give you everlasting life believing it and receiving it here and now who is it for is there somebody in this congregation who says well well that's very wonderful but it isn't for me less I'm an old man I'm an old woman and I've lived all my life hither to in sin it's been foul it's been vile it's been evil or some may say I've been very self-righteous as you've said I've dismissed Christ I haven't seen the need of him is there hope for me the answer is Everlasting hope what do I do you say I'll tell you how be it for this cause I obtained Mercy that in me first Christ Jesus might show forth all longsuffering for a pattern to them which should Hereafter believe on him to life Everlasting you've got nothing to do my friend except to believe this message to say yes I believe it I believe it is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that the Son of God came from Heaven to Earth to save me I believe it that he died for me and for my sins 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 I accept your statement that's all you've got to do to believe this faithful saying which is worthy of all acceptation and if you've got any lingering doubts let me say this to you the case of the Apostle Paul proves that none is too bad he says that he is the chief of Sinners the save ERS the chief of whom am I the self-righteous proud Blasphemous arrogant Pharisee that ridiculed the Christ of God and even thought he was doing God's service by massacring Christians there's nothing worse that's the very depth of Hell in sin he says I've been forgiven I've been given new life and if it's happened to me it can happen to anybody very well then my friend the question I ask you this first Sunday night in 1962 is this have you believed on him have you accepted this faithful reliable sure certain statement that God sent his son into this world to deliver you to save sa have you believed it have you accepted it if and when you do you're immediately forgiven you made a new man and you'll begin to understand the whole CA of life you're already saved out of this world you're saved for God you're saved for the world which is to come for this Christ is coming back he's going to establish his kingdom and those who believe in him will be with him the others will be destroyed that's the future cause of history there is no promise here that Wars are going to end I'm told the exact opposite there shall be wars and rumors of wars there shall be pestilences there shall be earthquakes I expect nothing from this world so I can never be disappointed but I do look forward to a glorious day that is coming when the Son of God will come back again into this world finally to destroy evil and sin to purge every relic of it that's in the cosmos out of existence and to make the world perfect again and to dwell in it with all who believed this faithful say who believed on him there's the certain world the world is as it is because it's full of Sinners and the one thing we need is to be saved as Sinners out of the world into the kingdom of God and then with patience to wait for the Great and the final consummation which is coming when the Son of God will again appear in all his glory to set up his Everlasting Kingdom it is a faithful s and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world he's being he's done it he will come again to receive unto himself all who so believe in him do you make no ter fly to him believe on him and and be ye saved [00:02:48]
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