235. Our Gospel.

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 Timothy 1:12

PAUL, much buffeted and persecuted, is sustained by faith and by a sense of personal security in Christ Jesus. The meaning, which may be in the text: The gospel deposited with Paul the Lord Jesus was able to keep until the judgment. This is well worthy of being explained. The gospel is safe in the care of Jesus.

Paul felt great comfort as the result of committing his soul to Jesus. Let us consider:

I. WHAT HE HAD DONE.

Feeling the value of his soul, knowing its danger, conscious of his own weakness, believing in the grace and power of the Lord Jesus, he had placed his soul in his hands.

1. His soul's case was there for Jesus to heal him as a Physician.

2. His soul's calls were there to be supplied by Jesus as a Shepherd.

3. His soul's course was there to be directed by Jesus as a Pilot.

4. His soul's cause was there to be pleaded by Jesus as an Advocate.

5. His soul's care was there to be guarded by Jesus as a Protector.

He had committed his soul to Jesus by an act of faith, which act he persevered in continually.

II. WHAT HE KNEW. "I know whom I have believed."

He speaks not of believing in him, but of believing him: a personal faith in a personal Savior. This trusted one he knew.

1. He knew the Lord Jesus by his personal meeting with him on the road to Damascus and at other times.

2. By what he had read and heard concerning him and made his own by meditation thereon.

3. By communion with him. This way is open to all the saints.

4. By experience, through which he had tried and proved his love and faithfulness.

He had received a practical education, by which he was made to know his Lord by entering into the fellowship of his sufferings and death.

Have we this personal acquaintance with the Lord? If so, we shall gladly commit our all to him.

III. WHAT HE WAS SURE OF. "That he is able to keep."

His assurance was reasonable and deliberate; hence he says, "I am persuaded."

Our apostle was persuaded of:

1. The ability of Jesus to keep all souls committed to him.

· He is divine and therefore omnipotent to save.

· His work is finished, so that he meets all the demands of the law.

· His wisdom is perfect, so that he will ward off all dangers.

· His plea is constant and ever prevails to preserve his own.

2. The ability of Jesus to keep Paul's own soul.

3. The ability of Jesus to keep his soul under the heavy trials which were then pressing upon him. "I suffer... I am not ashamed, for I am persuaded that he is able to keep."

4. The ability of Jesus to keep his soul even to the close of all things: "against that day."

Of this Paul was persuaded. Be this our persuasion.

Many would persuade us to the contrary; but we know, and are not therefore to be persuaded into a doubt upon the matter.

IV. WHAT, THEREFORE, HE WAS.

1. Very cheerful. He had all the tone and air of a thoroughly happy man.

2. Very confident. Though a prisoner, he says, "I am not ashamed." Neither of his condition, nor of the cause of Christ, nor of the cross, was he ashamed.

3. Very thankful. He gladly praised the Lord in whom he trusted. The text is a confession of faith or a form of adoration.

Let us seek more knowledge of our Lord as the Keeper of our souls.

Let us be of that brave persuasion which trusts and is not afraid.