2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed… Since the same source from whence Paul had all his high attainments is as open in all its fulness to each of us, as it was to him, let us consider the way in which that inexhaustible fountain was made available to him to draw supplies according to all his need, whether for support under the discouragement of his trials, or for direction under the perplexity of his difficulties. One word of the text will open the whole of this to us: "I know"; — "I know whom I have believed," says he. Knowledge was the substance of his power. Nay, then, says the unlearned Christian, it is too difficult for me. Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent. It is high, I cannot attain unto it. It is not for me. How discouraging! will the poor and busy man say. I have neither the leisure nor the means and opportunity of gaining it. How heartless the attempt, then, will the weak-minded and humble Christian say, conscious of his weakness. How can I ever hope to reach even a measure of that, when I feel my weakness and inability every step I take. But to the most unlearned, to the busiest, to the most feebleminded, I say, that this knowledge and all the power it contains is for you. Mark the text. The apostle does not say, I know the support I shall receive, or the direction that will be given me, for I am wise and experienced, but, "I know whom I have believed." His knowledge was not of things, but of a person, and that but one. I. Here is mentioned HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUSTEE. Let us consider some particulars of the more obvious but important kind, wherein the apostle knew, and we should know Him. 1. He knew that He was faithful, therefore he believed Him. 2. He knew Him to be able. 3. He knew Him to be willing. 4. He knew Him to be all-wise, both to see his trouble, and the best way to get him out of it. 5. Nay, though clouds and darkness surrounded him, Paul staggered not at this, for he knew the ways of the Lord, that this is His method of dealing with His children. In a word he knew Him to be the sum of all happiness, the source of all strength, the pledge and faithfulness of all the promises, the depository of all power, the ruler of all events, the head over all things to His people, the Saviour both of soul and body. II. WHAT WAS IT THAT THE APOSTLE COMMITTED TO HIM? What was that deposit (as it is in the original), he was persuaded He was able to keep? I answer in one word, his treasure. But that would assume many forms under different circumstances. 1. When the guilt of sin would come upon his conscience, it would be the salvation of his soul. 2. When the power of temptation would come over him, it would be his integrity in serving God. 3. When personal dangers surrounded him, and left him no way of escape, it would be his self-preservation. 4. When assailed by the malicious insinuations of false apostles, and attacks upon his motives, as at Corinth, it would be his character. 5. When he heard of the entering in of grievous wolves into the flock he had fed so carefully, it would be the care of all the churches. Whatever it was, in short, that at the moment most occupied his thoughts and attention, that was what he had deposited for safe-keeping in the hands of Christ, and which he was persuaded He was able to keep against all assaults until that day, when the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed, and every man shall have his praise of God. (G. Jeans, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
    |