2 Tim. 1:12

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

We need to know they “why” of certain things: Paul knew why he had suffered many trials, and here he teaches us that there are several things we must know.

First, we must know whom we have believed. We do not cling to some whimsical hope in a man made god, but in he true Living God--the Almighty. We do not “know” Him by familiarity, but by experience--by diligently seeking Him. We must be sure of our vocation, and who our labors are for.

Secondly, we must be persuaded that He is able. Being persuaded means we know He is, and we will not be moved from that belief. Friends, our God is able, He is able to do all we could ask or think, and even beyond. In a sense, this verse speaks of eternal salvation, as God is able to keep us, and our faith, all that we commit to Him in honesty, and never let it go. He is more than able.

Since God is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him, we need to commit all unto Him. Our very lives and souls must be committed to His care. He has preserved us unto the day of redemption, as the verse implies, and we will not be deterred. So, we also must be assured (persuaded) that He keeps us by His Mighty power. That is the third thing we must know so that we might serve Him without fear, in the confidence of His grace.

Finally, we need to know that we have hope “against that day”. or the day of judgment. Our sins, having been committed to Christ, are gone, and we will not pay the required price--separation from God forever. We can take comfort that we will dwell in the bliss of the heavenly realm with our Lord forevermore.