This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Paul had described his ordination in verse 12.

He then went on to speak of the grace manifested in the call of such a person to the ministry (verse 13), and of the further grace by which he was sustained in that ministry.

Incidentally he was led to mention the message of his ministry.

We may profitably use the text on this occasion.*

I. HOW WE PREACH THE GOSPEL.

1. As a certainty. It is a “faithful saying.” We do not doubt the truth of our message, or how could we expect you to believe it? We believe, and are sure, because

   • It is a revelation of God.
   • It is attested by miracles.
   • It bears its witness within itself.
   • It has proved its power upon our hearts.

2. As an everyday truth. It is to us a “saying” or proverb.

   • The gospel affects us at home, in business, in sickness, in health, in life, in youth and age, in death, etc.

3. As having a common bearing. Therefore a “saying” to be heard by all kinds of people, especially the most sinful.

   • All have sinned, and need a Savior.
   • All who believe in Jesus have a Savior.
   • All believers show by their lives that Jesus has saved them.

4. As claiming your attention. “Worthy of all acceptance.”

   • You must believe it to be true.
   • You must appropriate it to yourself.
   • You ought to do so, for it is worthy of your acceptance.

II. WHAT GOSPEL DO WE PREACH?

1. The gospel of a person: “Christ Jesus.”

   • He is the Anointed of God: “Christ.”
   • He is the Savior of men: “Jesus.”
   • He is God and man in one person.
   • He died, and yet he lives forever.

2. The gospel of divine visitation. Jesus came into the world—

   • By his birth as a man.
   • By his mingling with men.
   • By his bearing our sorrows and our sins for us.

3. The gospel for sinners.

   • For such Jesus lived and labored.
   • For such he died and made atonement.
   • For such he has sent the gospel of pardon.
   • For such he pleads in Heaven.

4. The gospel of a finished work.

   • He finished the work of salvation before he left the world.
   • That work continues complete to this day.
   • He is ready to apply it to all who come to him.

5. The gospel of effectual deliverance. “To save sinners.”

   • Not to half save them.
   • Nor to make them salvable.
   • Nor help them to save themselves.
   • Nor to save them as righteous.
   • But to save them wholly and effectually from their sins.

III. WHY DO WE PREACH IT?

1. Because we have been saved by it.

2. Because we are now in sympathy with Jesus, and wish to save sinners, even the chief of them.

3. Because we believe it will be a blessing to all of you who hear it.

   • If you are saved by it, you will be happy, and so shall we.

4. Because we cannot help it, for an inward impulse compels us to tell of the miracle of mercy wrought upon us.

   • Will you not believe a saying so sure?
   • Will you not accept a truth so gladsome?
   • Will you not come to a Savior so suitable?

Sayings

A visitor to Rome says, “I was struck with the frequency with which the priests, and other exhibitors of church curiosities, use the phrase, “It is said”—on dit—when describing relics and rarities. They do not vouch for their being what they are reputed to be. “It is said.” Are they ashamed of their curiosities? Do they thus try to satisfy their consciences? They do not express their personal belief; but—it is said. Not thus do gospel preachers speak. “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.”

There’s a nice word in the text—it is the word “acceptance.” It’s all provided for you. It’s very much like a supper. You’ll find the table laid, and everything all ready. You’re not expected to bring anything at all. I was once invited out to tea by a poor widow, and I took something in my pocket. But I’ll never do it again. It was two cakes; and, when I brought them out, and laid them on the table, she picked them up and flung them out into the street, and said, “I asked you to tea; I didn’t ask you to provide tea for me.” And so with Christ; he asks, he provides, and he wants nothing but ourselves; and if we take anything else, he’ll reject it. We can only sup with him when we come as we are. Who will accept salvation? Who’ll say,

“I take the blessing from above,

And wonder at your boundless love”?

John Wold Ackrill, in “The Sword and the Trowel.”

Mr. Moody said, “I remember preaching on this subject—Christ as a Deliverer—and walking away, I said to a Scotchman, ‘I didn’t finish the subject.’ ‘Ah, man! you didn’t expect to finish, did you? It’ll take all eternity to finish telling what Christ has done for man.’ ”

Luther says, “Once upon a time the devil said to me, ‘Martin Luther, you are a great sinner, and you will be damned!’ ‘Stop! Stop!’ said I; ‘one thing at a time; I am a great sinner, it is true, though you have no right to tell me of it. I confess it. What next?’ ‘Therefore you will be damned.’ ‘That is not good reasoning. It is true I am a great sinner, but it is written, “Jesus Christ came to save sinners;” therefore I shall be saved! Now go your way.’ So I cut the devil off with his own sword, and he went away mourning because he could not cast me down by calling me a sinner.”

The Jews have a saying that the manna tasted to each one precisely like that which he liked best. The gospel is suited to every man, whatever his needs or desires may be.

One of William Carey’s last visitors was the Rev. Alexander Duff, who talked with him of his past life, and then knelt down and prayed by his bedside. Leaving the room Mr. Duff thought he heard himself recalled. He turned back, and the dying man addressed him in a whisper, “Mr. Duff, you have been talking about Doctor Carey, Doctor Carey; when I am gone, say nothing about Doctor Carey—speak about Doctor Carey’s Savior.”