It happens many times in life to all of us. Life throws a curve, and something unexpected now stares us in the face. What do we usually say in response? Maybe something like, "Oh, I didn’t know." Quite often, we find comfort in such a response, believing it relieves us from any accountability. After all, how could we be held accountable for something we didn’t know, right??

However, such refuge will not be available as we stand before Him who will judge us (Jn. 12:48; Rom. 14:12). Confidence is expected of us all, and ignorance will not be excused. We should "know" some things.

Some claim "You just can’t know what the Bible says." Jesus would differ with them. He plainly says we can know (perceive, understand) truth which sets us free from sin. All is contingent upon us being His disciples (followers). And that itself depends on our continuing in His word, or obeying Him (v. 31).

What did Paul mean? Clearly, he is referring to all that he suffered in life because of the stand he took for Christ (vv. 8-12). Paul didn’t despair when life became tough on him because of his loyalty to God’s Son. Rather, he relied on what he knew — he knew that what he committed unto Jesus (his faith and trust) would be kept until that Day. How many of us become upset to the point of hysteria when we suffer in some way for Christ? Maybe we don’t know what we think we do.

Let's not kid ourselves any longer. We all know the right things to do. Some of us know more than others, but we all know the basics, like assembling with the saints, studying to grow, talking to others about the gospel, etc. Yet, why do some of us continue to act as if we haven’t got a clue in the world? Knowing to do good and not doing it is no small, inconsequental mafter. It is sin, and we know sin will keep a soul out of heaven.

I know you know these things.