"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."2 Tim 1:12(K JV)
Paul knew the Lord. At least, the level of knowledge he had was enough for him to commit his whole life to God and His cause, endure sufferings of all sorts, taught others about God and ready to die for what he believed. That is what it means to be a disciple. To know God means:
1: To have an intimate love relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. This relationship is real, personal and practical. You cannot claim to know the Lord when you are not close to Jesus. You cannot claim to know God when you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the Way to the Father. You must receive Him as your personal Lord and Saviour. We daily come close to Him through personal Bible Study and prayer.
2: To obey God's commandments. We are to obey the Word of God we know. If we know Him, we will eschew evil. We cannot be living in apparent sins and claim that we know Him. You cannot be living in enmity with your neighbors and claim that you know Him. Some people argue and debate the Word of God trying to justify themselves. You can win your arguments with men but the truth remains that you do not know the Lord if you continue in your sins. If you know Him, you will obey Him. You obey because you know He loves you and has your best at heart. The knowledge of God must affect the way we live our lives. If you have obedience problem, you have love problem and definitely have relationship problem.
3: To trust Him completely. If you know God, You trust Him. You can entrust your life into His hands and go and sleep because you know He is able to keep and protect your life. We trust because He is faithful and trustworthy. He is able. God is love, His will is always best. His directions are always right because He is all-knowing and He can enable you to do His will because He is all-powerful. You trust Him because He can take care of the remaining rest of your life.
You experience peace and freedom when you put your trust in the Lord.
Paul said, "I know whom I have believed..." Can you say that confidently?
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