“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
2 Timothy 3:12-13
Paul warned Timothy repeatedly to be on guard against dangerous people who would wish to deceive and harm God’s people. That danger continues to be with us in this life, and along with it the certainty that we will suffer at times for the sake of godliness.
You may find that because of your faith, neighbors exclude you from their circles. A teacher or fellow students in a classroom may want to silence you when you speak about Jesus and the Bible. In some places, the persecution turns violent. We must pray for brothers and sisters in foreign lands who are at risk and where the church is underground.
If you are in union with Jesus and desire to live a life of holiness and godliness in this present, dark world, persecution is certain. The only way to avoid this is by not seeking godliness at all. Jesus told His disciples, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). In this way we follow in the path of our master who experienced suffering before us and now calls us to walk in His steps.
You may find that because of your faith, neighbors exclude you from their circles. A teacher or fellow students in a classroom may want to silence you when you speak about Jesus and the Bible. In some places, the persecution turns violent. We must pray for brothers and sisters in foreign lands who are at risk and where the church is underground.
If you are in union with Jesus and desire to live a life of holiness and godliness in this present, dark world, persecution is certain. The only way to avoid this is by not seeking godliness at all. Jesus told His disciples, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). In this way we follow in the path of our master who experienced suffering before us and now calls us to walk in His steps.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 5:10-12
Insight
Father, help us who seek to live godly lives despite persecution. For those in danger because of their faith, give endurance and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 19-20
- Psalm 113
- 1 Corinthians 1-2
