"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
2 Timothy 3:12
“Yea,”
Paul reminded Timothy of his personal testimony in verses 10-11. He understood that some form or other of persecution was a normal part of life for the committed believer. He is saying, “yes, Timothy” you too will be persecuted if you live to serve Christ.
“And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus”
Timothy isn’t alone. Every believer who chooses to live a godly lifestyle, living in Christ Jesus, can expect this. These words, “that will,” mean you are “intending” to live a godly life. You are “planning on” it. You are “counting the cost” of living for Him.
Jesus taught, before you build, you “count the cost.”
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? (Luke 14:28).
If you are going to be a disciple for the Lord Jesus, “count the cost,” first!
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33).
“Live godly in Christ Jesus.” Without Jesus there is no “godliness.” “Religion” seeks to lift man up to God. Biblical Christianity shows how Christ stooped down to save man. To “live godly in Christ Jesus” is to live in a right relationship with Jesus. If He is our focus we can live godly though persecution comes.
“Shall suffer persecution.”
The world loves religion, but it hates Jesus Christ. If we are going to be faithful to Christ, the world will hate us too. The godly man/woman stands with Christ and will be out of place in this world’s culture. Do not be surprised when you face persecution. To walk with Jesus makes you out of step with this world and it will disown you.
The good news is that this same Jesus whom we love and serve, and that we are willing to suffer persecution for, is the same Jesus who walks with us in the fire! On that day when King Nebuchadnezzar tried to kill Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he saw God with them,
“He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God” (Daniel 3:25).
Believer, Jesus is with you when you are suffering for Him. Don’t lose heart, keep your confidence in Him!