For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded thar He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 2nd Timothy
It is evident that many in the church today are wanting enough of Jesus to remain comfortably lazy, yet a relationship of obedience to the full Word of God is lacking. While only approximately 2% of churches today teach the whole word and counsel of God, many others continue to ignore basic Judeo-Christian teaching and values, even casting anger and contempt upon the ¼ prophetic portion of Scriptural teaching, including the prophetic foretelling’s of Jesus Himself! Amazingly, Paul writes that in the last days some people in the church will even be seduced by teachings inspired of demons (1st Timothy 4:1).
Being on
the vine but not connected and drawing from its lifegiving source is a serious
place to be. The disconnected branch dies and can only be cast away. Paul urges
us to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) abiding, and growing in the True Vine,
Christ Jesus.
Paul knew he
was abiding in that Vine and was fully convinced of his place in the Son. He
knew what he had committed to Him would stand at the Last Day. He also knew
whom he had believed and believed the One in whom he believed knew him.
I don’t want enough of Jesus to just be warm and fuzzy. I want to grow up in
His strength and vibrancy, blossom, and bear fruit!
We Gentiles were not part of the original tree. By God’s grace and mercy, as “wild branches” we were grafted into the Root of His redemptive purpose (Romans 11:17). We can do nothing to gain it except to ask to be grafted to Him and then abide in the full word of God. Believe, Abide, Grow, and Bloom. When you do, you’ll know in whom you have believed.
When we do when we finally meet our Savior face-to-face, we
will hear the blessed words, “Yes, I know you. Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter
into the Joy of your Lord!” Know and grow.
Ken
