1. “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.” (II Tim. 1:12)

Myriads of people, all cross Nigeria, Africa and the world know whom they have believed.
Some believe that their ancestors are able to hear them from the grave when they call. Some have gone to anthills to tie white cloth round them. There are some that go to a particular type of tree of tie a red cloth round the stem.

Some believe that they have to go the bar beach at night to speak with some spirits. Some even believe in the idol that said any child allowed to go to school at the coming of the white man would die. Some believed that those who embraced schooling brought by the white man would not be able to produce children. Myriads of people know what they have believed.
Apostle Paul knew whom he believed and for which cause he also suffered many things.
He believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and for that he was flogged and imprisoned.

2.Paul knew whom he believed and allowed himself to be tortured for the sake of the Gospel of Christ: “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep… in perils of robbers, in peril by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen…” (II Cor. 2:24-26)

Christians still suffer today for whom they believe. A priest was once attacked by masquerade in the vicarage. He was undaunted. He knew whom he believed – in Jesus Christ. He is today a Bishop. He knew whom he believed.

Times without number, the Lord Jesus Christ told people to believe in him. Those whom believe in Christ also commit all they do to his hands. Hear Apostle Paul: “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.” (II Tim 1:12)
When we believe in Jesus, we should be able to commit our work to his hands. He should be our only helper.

3.Abram believed in the Lord. See the reward: “And he brought him forth abroad, and said, look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, so shall thy seed be.” (Gen. 15:6)

When you believe the Lord with your whole heart, it would be recorded for you as righteousness. Abram experienced it: “And he believe in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” (Gen. 15:6)

The disciples of the Lord believed in him even as they saw the numerous miracles he performed. Christ told them that would also lead to eternal life: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:30-31)

This is why Christ speaks: “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

So forget about all other idols or powers people may believe. Stand today for Christ and believe only in him to give you eternal life, salvation when you leave this world.

4.Let us not be driven to other beliefs apart from Christ Jesus because of the thirst and hunger for unrighteousness, for love of money and desire for power. Many who went that way had ruined their lives: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgivings.” (Col. 2:6-7)

The Church should keep on teaching people to believe only in Jesus Christ and be established in that faith so that they would be well rooted. That too would not make people fall any more through philosophy and vain deceit. It would also protect them from the tradition of men and the rudiments of the world. (Col. 2:8)

Rudiments, tradition of men and philosophy are dangerous because they do not give room for the teaching of Christ rather they teach vain, curious and unprofitable things.

Our Lord Jesus Christ showed his great love to us by telling us the truth: “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6).

From now, know whom you have believed and do not run to idols again.