Contentment, Commitment, and Confidence

2 Timothy 1:12; 4:6-8

In yesterday’s devotion we learned that contentment comes from committing oneself to an obedient relationship with Jesus Christ. Contentment, we learned, is happiness and satisfaction and that is what one desires for in life. But not only life, we also desire it at death. Paul here in our text is on the verge of dying for the cause of Christ and not only is he content, he is also confident!

Later on in the epistle he says that “I am ready to be offered for the time of my departure is at hand.” (4:6) What confidence! Where does this confidence come from? Himself? Not at all! It comes from his commitment to Christ. He says “I am persuaded that he (Christ) is able to keep that which I have committed unto to him against that day.” What did he commit? Himself to Christ in faith? What day is he referring to? The day he stands before Christ and gives an account of his life and ministry.

We notice that Paul’s confidence was not in himself. If it were he would be greatly disappointed, just like you and I would be. His confidence was in Christ and the way he achieved it was by putting his faith in Christ for salvation, forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life. By putting his confidence in Jesus he would not only live a committed and contented life but most importantly he would also have these in the face of death.

He says with the utmost confidence “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and have kept the faith.” (4:7) He was so confident that he knew that there was a crown awaiting him. Was his confidence in his own efforts? As he would say “God forbid!” No his confidence was in the promise of God the Father that he made with him and all of us who believe in Jesus Christ.

So I challenge you today be confident! But don’t be confident in yourself, let your confidence be in Christ. When you do that you can do all things through his strength and power in life and yes even in death.

Keep in mind this hymn we sing from time to time: “I Know In Whom I Believe”

I know not what of good or ill

May be reserved for me,

Of weary ways or golden days,

Before His face I see.

But “I know Whom I have believed,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.”