I Know Whom I Have Believed
A Sermon based on
the hymn by Daniel W. Whittle
Introduction
“I Know Whom I Have
Believed” is a bold declaration of faith drawn straight from the apostle
Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 1:12. Written by Daniel W. Whittle in 1883,
this hymn reflects the unwavering confidence a Christian has in the
promises of God—even amid life’s uncertainties. Whittle was a Union Army
officer and later a gospel hymn writer whose songs often focused on
trust, faith, and redemption.
The strength of this
hymn lies not in knowing all the answers, but in knowing the One who
does. Each stanza humbly confesses a lack of understanding—about how
salvation works, why God chose us, how the Spirit moves—but the chorus
answers each confession with assurance: “I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able.”
This is the kind of
faith God desires. It’s not built on perfect knowledge but on perfect
trust. It is the faith of Abraham, who “did not waver at the promise of
God through unbelief” (Romans 4:20), and the conviction of Paul, who
committed his soul to Christ. Let us now walk through each stanza of
this hymn and anchor its message in Scripture.
Stanza 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.”
This stanza echoes
the humility of grace. Romans 5:8 says, “While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.” We did not earn His favor; we received it by mercy.
Ephesians 2:8–9 affirms that our salvation is by grace through faith,
not of works. Like Paul, we marvel at being redeemed.
Stanza 2
“I know not how this
saving faith to me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word wrought peace within my heart.”
Faith itself is a
gift, but how it grows and dwells in us is a mystery of divine and human
cooperation. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the word
of God. Philippians 4:7 says the peace of God surpasses understanding.
This stanza reminds us to trust even when we don’t fully understand.
Stanza 3
“I know not how the
Spirit moves, convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word, creating faith in Him.”
John 16:8–13 teaches
that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and guides us into truth.
Titus 3:5 says we are saved through the washing of regeneration and
renewing of the Holy Spirit. Though we may not fully grasp how the
Spirit works, we know He operates through the Word (Ephesians 6:17).
Stanza 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.”
This verse admits
life’s unpredictability. James 4:14 says we do not know what tomorrow
holds. Whether we face hardship or ease, our hope remains firm. Romans
8:28 reminds us that all things work together for good to those who love
God.
Stanza 5
“I know not when my
Lord may come, at night or noonday fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him, or meet Him in the air.”
This stanza points
to the second coming. 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 describes how we will meet
the Lord in the air. Matthew 24:42 urges us to watch, for we don’t know
the hour of His return. Whether in life or death, we long to be ready
when He appears.
Chorus
“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.’”
Straight from 2
Timothy 1:12, this chorus is the anthem of every faithful Christian. We
may not know how, when, or why—but we know who. And that is enough. God
is faithful to keep what we entrust to Him: our souls, our future, and
our eternal hope.
I Know Whom I Have Believed
Sermon Outline:
Introduction
-
Author: Daniel
W. Whittle
-
Key Scripture: 2
Timothy 1:12 – “I know whom I have believed”
-
Theme: Trusting
God despite unanswered questions
Stanza 1 –
Grace and Redemption
Stanza 2 – The
Gift of Faith and Peace
Stanza 3 – The
Work of the Holy Spirit
-
John 16:8–13 –
Spirit convicts and teaches
-
Titus 3:5 –
Regeneration by the Spirit
-
Ephesians 6:17 –
The sword of the Spirit is the Word
Stanza 4 –
Facing the Unknown
Stanza 5 –
Christ’s Return
Chorus –
Trusting the Keeper of Our Souls
Call to Action
Though we may not
know how, when, or why—let us fully trust in
whom we have believed. If you
have not yet obeyed the gospel through faith, repentance, confession,
and baptism, today is the day to commit your soul to Christ. He is
faithful. He is able. He will keep you to the end.
Scripture Reference List
2 Timothy 1:12 – I
know whom I have believed
Romans 5:8 – Christ died for sinners
Ephesians 2:8–9 – By grace you are saved
Romans 10:17 – Faith by hearing the Word
Philippians 4:7 – Peace beyond understanding
John 16:8–13 – The Spirit convicts and guides
Titus 3:5 – Renewal of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 6:17 – Sword of the Spirit is the Word
James 4:14 – Life is a vapor
Romans 8:28 – All things work for good
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – Meet the Lord in the air
Matthew 24:42 – Watch and be ready
1 Peter 4:19 – Commit your soul to God
Song History
Daniel W. Whittle, a
former Union Army major turned gospel evangelist, wrote “I Know Whom I
Have Believed” in 1883. Deeply influenced by Scripture, particularly 2
Timothy 1:12, Whittle’s lyrics express a faith that is not shaken by
life’s mysteries. His words have endured as a powerful confession of
trust, often sung in worship among churches of Christ and others devoted
to biblical truth.
Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
