Persecution for All that Will Live Godly 2 Timothy 3:12

In contrast to people who had “a form of godliness” but denied “the power thereof”, Paul told Timothy he had “fully known” his “doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto” him “at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions” he “endured”, and Paul continued, “but out of them all the Lord delivered” him. In chapter three and verse twelve, Paul included “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus” in the group of those who will be persecuted where we read:

Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

The verse begins, “Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus...” As though Paul needed to confirm those of whom he was about to speak, he began with the word, “Yes” which in this case means, “but, moreover, in addition” “and all” which is “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone” “that will” or “to will, have in mind, purpose and intend” “live” which means “breath, be among the living and enjoy real life” “godly” or “piously” “in Christ Jesus” who is “the anointed Messiah and Son of God whose name means Jehovah is Salvation”. Not only did Paul reference himself, but he included everyone who will live piously according to the manner of Christ Jesus.

The verse goes on to say, “...shall suffer persecution.” Paul continued his thought with the words, “shall suffer persecution” which is a single Greek word “diōkō” and means “to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away, be mistreated with the idea of hostility and pursued eagerly and earnestly with an endeavor to acquire”. In other words, not only would Paul the apostle “suffer persecution” but every person who lives “godly in Christ Jesus” will suffer as well.

While we meditate upon these words of Paul, we may find them some of the most difficult found within the Bible. “Persecution” for our faith and trust in Jesus Christ doesn't sound all that inviting, however, even Jesus said in the gospel of Matthew in chapter five and verse ten, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”, and no one knew persecution better than He. The promise from Paul the apostle to Timothy was that “everyone” who will “live godly in Christ Jesus” “shall” “suffer persecution”, so when it enters our path of living, may we rely upon the promise of Jesus that “the kingdom of heaven” is ours for the future, and His identification and presence will be with us in the now.

Next time Paul tells how “evil men will wax worse and worse”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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