January 14, 2021 - Paul’s second letter to Timothy is the last of his letters that has been preserved for us. In chapter 1 and verse 12 he writes, “I know whom I have believed.” Dr. Moffatt’s translation reads: “I know whom I have trusted.”
Notice what Paul says. He does not say he knows what he believes. He says he knows the one he has trusted. It was personal with Paul. His trust was in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Paul trusted Jesus completely. No reservations. No hedging or contingency plans. No hesitation. He had placed his faith in a person, not merely a message.
A little later in this letter, chapter 4, he tells young Timothy that the time of his departure is at hand. However, he tells him that a crown of righteousness is waiting for him.
The faith that sustained Paul in his final imprisonment and execution is available to us. Paul had made Jesus Christ the Lord and Master of his life when he was obedient to the things Ananias told him to do. When we make Jesus the Lord and Master of our lives by our obedience and putting Him on in baptism and living obedient to His will, like Paul we can know whom we have believed, we can know whom we have trusted and we can face the end of life with the same confidence Paul had that a crown of righteousness is waiting for us.
It’s something to think about… tbp
Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.
