I know and am persuaded
(adapted from E.C. Coffman)
I. Introduction
A. 2 Tim. 1:12 "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."
1. Our age is full of uncertainties, faithlessness, lies and betrayals, socially, politically, and even among brethren.
2. Much of the unrest and rebellion is a direct result of a lack of character, lack of integrity, lack of belief in Jesus Christ as well as a result of full-blown deception and cynicism.
3. Paul does not claim to know everything, but he was certain about the things that Jesus had shown him..
B. It is not arrogant for us to certain about what we believe in. It is not extreme to live devotedly according to the cherished beliefs that Jesus has taught us. 1 John 3:3 "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
II. We know that it is terrible thing to fall into the hands of a living God ... unprepared.
1. Hebrews 10:26-31 a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.. Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord.... Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
2. 2 Cor. 5:10, 11 We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath doe, whether it be good or bad... Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;
3. Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unreighteousness of men, whohold the truth in unrighteousness;
4. The flood of Noah, Gen. 6:7, 13, 17; 7:21-23
5. Nadab and Abihu, Lev. 10:1-2
6. Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5
7. Herod (Agrippa I), Acts 12:20-23
III. We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.
A. Rom. 8:28 (context of 26-30) all things that God does, He does for us and our good, that is, those of us who love God.
B. Love God is defined by 2 John 6, "and this is love, that we walk after his comandments"
C. Heroes of faith demonstrate this issue: Hebrews 11:13-16
D. Song that we sing, "The Cross Is Not Greater":
"The cross that He gave may be heavy,
But it ne'er outweighs His grace;
The storm that I feared may surround me,
But it ne'er excludes His face.
"The cross is not greater than His grace,
The storm cannot hide His blessed face;
I am satisfied to know
That with Jesus here below,
I can conquer every foe."
-- Ballington Booth.
IV. We know and are persuaded that we have a perfect Savior
A. 2 Tim. 1:12 Paul had suffered much, but it was worthwhile for he knew whom he had believed and was persuaded that Jesus is able to keep that which Paul had committed unto Him against that day.
1. He knew that "of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." Col. 3:24
2. We should be stedfast and unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as we know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58
3. We know that Jesus is able to save us "to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25
B. The apostle knew Christ in whom he believed. Do you know Him? Are you persuaded that He is able to keep all that you invest and entrust in Him until that last? Do you hope in Him? Are you persuaded or do you keep back your life from Him and invest yourself like the world in this world?
1. Abraham was fully persuaded that God was able to perform what He had promised. Romans 4:21.
2. Paul was "persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to coe, nor height, nordepth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us for the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
V. We know that God's child has a house not make with hands.
A. 2 Cor. 5:1
B. Phil. 3:20-21
C. We know not what tomorrow may bring, James 4:13-15, but we do know where we will be in the Great Tomorrow.