Promised Persecution

“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  -2 Tim. 3:12

This is not many people’s favorite Bible verse.  I rarely hear devotions or sermons on 2 Tim. 3:12.  We like to remember God’s promises of well-being and good fortune our way, but when do we ever receive persecution and rise up and thank God.

We should.  Persecution in your life is a sign that you are doing something right.  I didn’t say pain was a sign.  Persecution is a sign.  Pain or trials might be in our lives because we put them there by not following God.  We often have to live with the natural consequences of our actions.

But when was the last time you received genuine persecution from someone due to your obedience to God’s Word?  God promises that if we follow him, if we obey his word, we will face persecution, but we will also endure it.

I have never been persecuted as a Christian by playing it safe.  When I am merely a religious spectator, it seems like all is well in the world.  When I decide to truly take God at his word and not only be a hearer of his word, but a doer, that is when the most persecution has come my way.

Why do people persecute Christians that are truly following God?

  • You take away one of their excuses for not being obedient.
  • Biblical living makes people uncomfortable.
  • When risk is involved, true colors are shown.

If persecution is promised, why go all out?  Because it is a sign that God thinks you are living godly.  You are like him.

“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”  -1 John 3:1

If it’s getting hard following Jesus, don’t stop.  Christianity didn’t begin with things being easy, but it won’t always be this way.  Endure.  Persevere.  Hold fast.  Sorrow may come for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Ps. 30:5).

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