2 Timothy 1:12
12 … I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. (ESV)
We need clear Conviction and clear Courage in this difficult time.
The Apostle Paul responded to his suffering in three ways.
1. A Clear Christ-centred Confession – “I know whom I have believed”.
Paul had a personal faith in a personal Christ.
The Church must have both Life and Organisation –
thoroughly knowing Christ, not only knowing about Him, our Friend, Saviour and Lord.
To know Him is to know God, because He is God.
2. A Confident Conviction – “I am convinced that He is able”
If you are to believe in Christ’s power, you must firstly believe Him.
We are convinced by His power in two ways:
a. By the Word of God.
b. By our experience.
3. A Concrete Commitment – “to keep that which I have committed unto Him…” (KJV)
It is unconditional surrender to Christ – an upward spiral of faith and commitment.
Christ should not be only part of our lives – He should be our lives.