7 Things Paul Knew

~ The Apostle Paul Knew The Critical Essentials! ~

His Nature  ~  “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells” (Romans 7:18a).  Notice that Paul had gained spiritual vision.

His Savior  ~  “For this reason 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 what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul understood and was confident of his future.

His Knowledge  ~  “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). He also knew that one day he would have all the answers.

His Character  ~  “For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:4). Paul knew who his ultimate Judge was and he had confidence in His justice. 

His Ultimate End  ~  “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:19-20). He was keenly aware that his future was in the hands of God—and he was confident and happy that God would do best. 

His Plans  ~  “And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again” (Philippians 1:25-26). Paul lived a purpose-driven life. He knew what his calling was. 

His Place  ~  “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:12). Paul had learned to be content in whatever circumstances he might find himself in—he had complete trust in his Lord and Savior and viewed himself rightly as a tool in God’s hand. It is the Master Craftsman who chooses which tool for which job and how to use that particular tool. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Do You Know These Things?

~ John Tells Us of What We Should Be Sure ~  

We live in a time when there are so many questions asked, so many opinions expressed. Some declare that there is no such thing as absolute truth. Even some Christians fall for some “ism” or false doctrine. It is important to note how positive and confidently John, the beloved disciple, wrote concerning his knowledge of our Savior. 

We know that we know Him – 1 John 2:3 – “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”

We know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him – 1 John 3:2 – “we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”  

We know that we have moved from death unto life – 1 John 3:14 – “We know that we have passed from death to life”

We know we are loved and we know what true love really is – 1 John 3:16 – “We know love, because He laid down His life for us.” 

We know that He abides in us by the Spirit which He has given to us – 1 John 3:24 – “By this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”

We know the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error – 1 John 4:6 – “By this we know the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.” 

We know that we dwell in Him, and He in us – 1 John 4:13 – “By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.”

We know that we love the children of God – 1 John 5:2 – “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.” 

We know that we will receive divine answers to our prayers  – 1 John 5:14-15 – “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”  

We know that that whosoever is born of God does not continue in sin – 1 John 3:9 and 5:18 – “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.” 

We know that we belong to God – 1 John 5:19 – “We know that we are of God.” 

We know that the Son of God has come – 1 John 5:20 – “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding.” 

We know Him Who is true – 1 John 5:20 – “We may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ.” 

We know that we are of the truth – 1 John 3:19 – “This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence.”

MEDITATE:  Spend an hour or more this week contemplating the knowledge we find in the First Epistle of John. 

As a Christian you know the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life – John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ”