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Bible knowledge in the song, ‘I know whom I have believed’
Written by Major Daniel Webster Whittle
Compared with 2^nd Timothy 1:8-12 – (Mark the correct answer)

In this quiz, we’ll examine how the lyrics to this song align with the scriptures that inspired them…

Refrain (Which answers the questions the song’s verses pose.)

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.”

(Circle the correct answer)

Let’s start comparing the refrain with 2^nd Timothy 1:8-9 (GNB) Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ’s sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it.

Q1. What factor can encourage us to “not be ashamed” of our faith in the Lordship of Jesus?

a/ Knowing whom we put our faith in.     b/ Trusting human leadership.

See how the refrain takes its lyrics right out of 2^nd Timothy 1:12 (KJV) …”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.”

Q2. Here the Apostle Paul states that, “(I) am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him…” – What has been committed to Jesus to keep?

a/ Paul’s savings account.     b/ Paul’s reputation.     c/ Paul’s faith in his salvation.

Q3. Paul continues, “I have committed unto Him against that day.” – What day is this about?

a/ The day of his retirement.     b/ The day of Judgment.     c/ The day of his trial.

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Onto Verse #1…

I know not why God’s wondrous grace To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love Redeemed me for His own.

& Verse #2

I know not how this saving faith To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word Wrought peace within my heart.

Relating this verse to 2^nd Timothy 1:9 (GNB) He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time…

Q4. How does this scripture answer the WHY of this song’s verse #1?

It’s because of…  a/ Paul’s high religious standing.     b/ Paul’s sacrifices.     c/ the grace of Jesus.

Q5. Further from 2^nd Timothy 1:9 Paul states, “He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time…”
– How can God’s grace be extended BEFORE the beginning of time?

Because…  a/ God saw the fall of man before He created man.

b/God’s plans included the crucifixion of Jesus to save mankind before He created Adam and Eve.

c/ Both a and b.

(See page #2 for the final verses)

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Looking into Verse #3…

I know not how the Spirit moves, Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word, Creating faith in Him.

Again we see the harmony of this verse with our scripture from 2^nd Timothy 1:10 (GNB) but now it has been revealed to us through the coming of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He has ended the power of death and through the gospel has revealed immortal life.

Q6. What does the word gospel mean here?

It’s…  a/ a type of music.     b/ the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.     c/ the traditions of the church.

We see that the Apostle Paul indeed is still proclaiming the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus as the Savior of mankind for it is recorded for us all to read in 2^nd Timothy 1:11-12 (GNB) God has appointed me as an apostle and teacher to proclaim the Good News,  (12)  and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.

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Closing with Verse #4…

I know not what of good or ill May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days, Before His face I see.

& Verse #5

I know not when my Lord may come, At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him, Or meet Him in the air.

Q7. How do most historians think that Paul died?

a/ Beheaded in Rome.     b/ Drowned in a shipwreck.     c/ Of old age in Patmos.

It is commonly held that Paul was beheaded in Rome under the rule of the cruel Roman Emporer Nero.

Q8. What do these lyrics of our song’s verse #4 say to you?
SEE: “I know not what of good or ill may be reserved for me, of weary ways or golden days, before His face I see.”

a/ We don’t know if life will give us good or bad days.     b/ We can expect only good days from God.

Q9. What about these lyrics of our song’s verse #5?
SEE: “I know not when my Lord may come, at night or noonday fair. Nor if I walk the vale with Him, or meet Him in the air.”

a/ We may someday also walk “The Valley of Death”.

b/ We may be taken up to meet Jesus as in the Rapture.

c/ It talks of the possibility of both of these occurrences.

Paul closes his thoughts in 2^nd Timothy 1:8-12 (GNB) But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.

— May we like Paul, hold fast to our faith so we may find our Savior’s welcome on the Day of Judgment. (KK)

(Click here for a PDF copy of Pg.#1)

(Click here for a PDF copy of Pg.#2)