Now Unto The King

Temple Baptist Church - 4-29-2012

1 Timothy 1:13-17

Introduction:

A. As we finish the doctrine of salvation in this first chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul gives a summation of that doctrine that is to be so diligently protected in the local church. Along with God’s Word, the doctrine of salvation has been subtly attacked from within the church and viciously attacked from without.

1. The attack of works plus faith – That man can earn merit with God either for or after salvation through his goodness and obedience.

2. The attack of Calvinism – Jesus Christ died for the select elect and not for the sins of all humanity.

3. The attack of universalism – Everyone has his or her way of salvation and all lead to the same eternal goal, heaven.

B. Verse 15 destroys all three of these attacks:

1. Works – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!” Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Sinners, not the righteous! The saving is done by Christ Jesus.)

2. Calvinism - “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!” John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (The world, not to the select elect. John 3:16, 1 John 2:2)

3. Universalism - “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!” John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation! John 10:9)

C. We saw what Paul was in verse 13: hopelessly and helplessly lost in unbelief; we saw how Paul was saved in verse 14: by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord; and we saw who Paul continued to be in verse 15: still the chief of sinners but saved through he marvelous grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

D. Paul finishes his dissertation on biblical salvation with a Doxology in verse 17. A Doxology is an expression or hymn of praise. Paul sums up the doctrine of salvation with the word “now” and begins to glorify our Saviour by:

1. Describing salvation’s Sovereign – “unto the King” The word “King” is capitalized in this verse referring to THE King, not to a king. Here we find that the “free will” of man does not contradict the “absolute sovereignty” of God. To the contrary, free will actually glorifies His sovereignty. Jesus is the absolutely sovereign Potentate of the Universe! “I AM THAT I AM” completely and mysteriously gives His description. 

2. Setting forth salvation’s Attributes – “eternal, immortal, invisible”

a. Salvation is eternal! We are hid with Christ in God, already seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, and positionally “as He is” while remaining in this present evil world.

b. Salvation is immortal! As eternal speaks of unending or eternity, immortal speaks of incorruptibility or the absence of defilement caused by change. Perfectly pure and uncorrupt throughout all eternity! “Where we will never grow old” he old song says. We will be unchanging in both our person and personality. As we will not age, we will not decay spiritually either. You can say, “Well Glory” if you like!

c. Salvation is invisible! 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Though we cannot see heaven, we know that it awaits our coming. Eye may not see, ear may not hear, heart may not be able to conjure up, but the Spirit has revealed to you and I another “country” where we will live forever.

3. Glorifying salvation’s Author – “the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” 

a. His Wisdom – God knew before He set the stars in the sky that man would fall and need a Saviour. Jesus Christ, as a “lamb slain from the foundation of the world,” came to save those who could not save themselves and gave to them eternal life because they could not keep themselves. Oh the matchless, marvelous, wonderful, gracious wisdom and knowledge of Him who died for us!

b. His Honour – Biblical salvation honors Jesus Christ alone! If we could be good enough to be saved, then honor goes to us for our goodness; if we could be good enough to remain saved, then honor once again goes to us for our goodness but eternal salvation through Christ along honors only Him!

c. His Glory - Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Conclusion: And all God’s people said, “AMEN!”