2 Timothy– Chapter Three XVIII

by Ed Urzi

“Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand]” (2 Timothy 3:12 AMPC).

Jesus once made an important statement that relates to the verse quoted above. That statement is found in the New Testament gospel of John…

“…this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God” (John 3:19-21).

This passage draws our attention to several key points, First, we should recognize that Christians inhabit a world that is populated by many who choose to live as if God did not exist. Because of this, a God-honoring man or woman is always under pressure to adopt a similar attitude. Since it is always easier to “go with the flow” of a world that isn’t interested in God, a person who seeks to follow Christ is bound to meet with resistance to that decision.

For instance, a person who represents the One who is “…the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) and “…the light of the world” (John 8:12) is not likely to be welcomed by those who prefer to remain in darkness. When such persecutions occur, it may be helpful to remember the following passage from Matthew 5:3-12…

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”