I Know Whom I Have Believed

“And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:11-12)

Paul was facing execution for his faith. Can you imagine what that must have been like? He was chained up, probably in a dungeon. Dark. Dirty. Smelly. He owned nothing. He had nothing…

But he wasn’t ashamed. Why? “Because I know whom I have believed.” What a statement! Paul’s hope and identity and future had nothing to do with him or his strength or his accomplishments. Paul’s future had everything to do with Jesus Christ in whom he believed. That’s why he wasn’t ashamed.

Paul was convinced that “he is able…” God is able. That’s the truth! Think of what God is able to do:

God is able to create the whole universe in six days.

God is able to part the Red Sea so that people can cross on dry ground.

God is able to feed five thousand people with five small loaves of bread and two fish.

God is able to make the lame walk and the deaf hear and the mute speak.

God—Jesus—is able to die on the cross to pay for every one of our sins.

God—Jesus—is able to raise himself from the dead.

God is able to give eternal life to all who believe in Jesus.

God is able. That’s the truth! Despite his seemingly desperate circumstances, Paul had entrusted his life and his salvation into God’s hands. Since he knew whom he believed, he could face the future without shame or fear. “I know whom I have believed—the God who came into this world to save me!”

Do you know whom you have believed? Of course, everything that God has done has been done for you to, from creating you to dying for you to creating a home in heaven for you. That’s all true for you too!

So, like Paul, learn to confidently say: “I know whom I have believed.” When others mock, “I know whom I have believed.” When tragedy strikes, “I know whom I have believed.” When death draws near, “I know whom I have believed.” He is able!

Dear Lord, I entrust into your hands my body, soul, life, and salvation. You who lived and died for me—give me confidence in life and in death, because I know whom I have believed. Amen.

Pastor Nathan