Go! And Trust in the Living God! - 1 Timothy 4:10
1 Timothy 4:10 (NLT)"This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers."
Introduction
Every one of us is placing our hope in something. Some put their trust in wealth, some in status, others in relationships. But as followers of Christ, we are called to place our hope in the living God. Paul’s words to Timothy remind us of the centrality of God’s faithfulness in our lives. In this sermon, we will explore what it means to trust in the living God, how that trust transforms our lives, and why it is the foundation of our perseverance.
I. Trusting in the Living God Requires Commitment
Paul tells Timothy, "This is why we work hard and continue to struggle…" The Greek word for "work hard" is kopio (??p??), meaning to labour to the point of exhaustion. The Christian life requires effort. It is not passive but active.
Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT) – "Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."
Paul is not saying we earn salvation, but rather that our effort in faithfulness is a response to God’s work in us. Trusting God does not mean doing nothing; it means actively engaging in His purposes, knowing He empowers us.
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) – "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."
The word "race" (agon, ????) suggests a struggle or contest. The Christian life is not a leisurely stroll—it is a commitment to endurance, pressing on in faith, trusting in God’s guidance.
John Piper says, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." Our commitment to Him should be driven by our trust in His character.
II. The Living God is Our Hope
Paul continues, "…for our hope is in the living God…" Our hope is not in a dead ideology, a temporary ruler, or fading pleasures. It is in the eternal, sovereign, living God.
Psalm 42:5 (NLT) – "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!"
The psalmist acknowledges struggle but finds renewed hope in God. Our hope is not in perfect circumstances but in the unchanging nature of our Lord.
Romans 15:13 (NLT) – "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
The Greek word for "hope" (elpis, ??p??) signifies expectation and trust. True hope is not wishful thinking but confident assurance in God’s promises.
Imagine a child jumping into their father’s arms at the pool. They jump not because they understand physics, but because they trust their father. So too, we trust God, knowing He will not fail us.
III. God is the Savior of All, Especially Believers
Paul ends with a profound truth: "…who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers." This does not mean universal salvation, but that salvation is available to all, and experienced fully by those who believe.
John 3:16 (NLT) – "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
The Greek word for "believes" (pisteuo, p?ste??) means a trust that leads to commitment. Salvation is available to all, but it is those who believe who receive it fully.
Acts 4:12 (NLT) – "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."
Jesus is the exclusive way to salvation. Trusting in the living God means trusting in Christ as the only hope for eternal life.
Charles Spurgeon said, "Faith is the key of heaven’s treasury." Trusting in Christ is the door to true salvation.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Trusting in the living God changes everything. It strengthens our endurance, fills us with hope, and secures our salvation. If you are weary in your faith, commit to pressing on. If you feel hopeless, place your trust in God’s faithfulness. If you have not yet surrendered to Christ, today is the day to trust in the only Saviour.
Invitation to Faith: If you have never placed your faith in Jesus, He is inviting you today. Trust in Him as your Saviour and Lord, and receive the eternal hope He offers.
Final Encouragement:
Go! And trust in the living God! He is faithful, He is our hope, and He is the Saviour who never fails.
May this message encourage you to place your full trust in the living God. Amen.
