2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
If a verse is in the Bible then it is the word of God and it must come true whether we like it or not. Therefore, if a Bible verse seems to make uncomfortable truths, we may wish that it wasn’t in the Bible, but there it is, we must live with it and adjust ourselves to the truth taught. Are there Bible verses you are scared of their implications in your life?
Mark 11:14
Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
Mark 11:20-21
(20) In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. (21) Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”
Jesus saw a tree that looked like it had fruits. Jesus was hungry, Mark 11:12. Jesus went to the tree and found no fruits because it wasn’t its fruit season (in other words the tree was not to blame since it wasn’t its season), Mark 11:13. Jesus made a statement that seemed innocent and harmless. Jesus said that may no one ever eat fruit from that tree. The seemingly innocent words of Jesus came true and the tree withered and died within twenty-four hours. Anyone who takes lightly the words of Jesus and the words in the Bible does not understand the power of the word of God. When God speaks it happens! Are there words that Jesus spoke and others recorded in the Bible and we wish from our limited human perception that they were not in the Bible?
Matthew 19:24
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
What do you understand from this Bible text? This is Jesus speaking. Jesus whose words created the world, John 1:3. Therefore, His words still create what He states. Does this mean it would be much more difficult for the rich than the poor to enter into eternal life? Jesus didn’t say it’s impossible but He suggested some degree of difficulty. If you consider yourself rich, isn’t this one of those Bible texts you wish weren’t in the Bible?
Matthew 26:11
The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.
What are the implications of this verse? These are the very words of Jesus who is God the Son. Is it possible by human efforts to fully eradicate poverty? Are we stuck with poverty until the end of time? Is this wherefrom our limited human perception we say that I wish this verse wasn’t in the Bible?
There may be many other verses in Bible that make you uncomfortable but if it is God’s word we must obey. Love your enemies, Matthew 5:44 is not a sweet-sounding command but we must obey. We must forgive others or else we are not forgiven by God, Matthew 6:14-15, is not an easy one but we must obey. Hindsight has proved that God is always right and what we thought was uncomfortable has proved a blessing.
Our focus today is on a text written by Paul to Timothy. In this text, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit declares that everyone who lives a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. He doesn’t say, maybe persecuted but they will be persecuted. The Bible says everyone, not some, but everyone. Isn’t that very serious? If you think about the implications of this verse to everyone who chooses a godly life, you would probably agree with me from a human standpoint that, I wish this verse wasn’t in the Bible!
2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Amplified Bible
Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].
Contemporary English Version
In fact, anyone who belongs to Christ Jesus and wants to live right will have trouble from others.
Now that this text is in the Bible, it will remain true at all times that everyone without exception, who lives a life that pleases God will be persecuted. To persecute is to cause someone harm because you do not like or agree with them. Those who do not agree with the godly living will always seek to harm those who are godly.
1 Peter 2:20
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
Those who live godly lives will not escape persecution. When you face persecution after doing everything right and doing God’s will, count it normal and joy. Learn to examine yourself to be sure that you are not feigning persecution yet it is your own fault and wrongdoing.
Since we must suffer, we should change our attitude so that the persecution is bearable. Instead of asking why God has allowed this to happen, we should be glad that He has counted us faithful to suffer for Him. We should also be comforted by the fact that in whatever situation, God’s people will have the last laugh. Suffer if you must but do not give up hope. Even in persecution, God will never leave you nor forsake you!
May God help us to know whether we are suffering for wrongdoing or it is persecution for doing God’s will. May God grant us grace to endure persecution and may we have the last laugh, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
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