SAYINGS TO BE TRUSTED
By The Apostle Paul
I. TRUSTING FOR SALVATION
I Timothy 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
1. MAN’S CONDITION
Luke 19:10 The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
2. CHRIST’S CONCERN
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
3. GOD’S CARE
Romans 5:8 God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
II. TRUSTING FOR SECURITY
I Timothy 4:8 & 9 Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance
1. SALVATION IS PRESENT TENSE
John 10:10b I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
2. SALVATION IS PERPETUAL
Romans 8:35 & 38/39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword. -- 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
3. SALVATION IS PERMANENT
John 10:28-30 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no-one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no-one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.
III. TRUSTING FOR STATUS
II Timothy 2:11-13 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
1. OUR AIM
Romans 6:11 count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
2. OUR ATTITUDE
Philippians 2:5-8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
3. OUR ATTAINMENT
Romans 8:16 & 17 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
IV. TRUSTING FOR SERVICE
Titus 3:7 & 8 Having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
1. OUR PATTERN
TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST
Acts 10:38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
2. OUR PRACTICE
TO FOLLOW THE EXHORTATIONS OF JESUS
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
3. OUR PREVIEW
THE FINAL EXAMINATION OF OUR WORKS
I Corinthians 3:12 – 16 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. 16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?
