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Persecution
“Yes and everyone who wants to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
2 Timothy 3:12 NLT
Persecute;
1) to persue with harassing or opressive treatment, esp. because of religion, race, or beliefs; harass persistently.
2)to annoy or trouble persistently. Webster's dictionary
What a bold statement to Christians living in America today. This scripture is truly a word in season for us. When this verse is studied, whatever methods or hermeneutics used, the conclusion should be this. It means exactly what it says. Let’s look at this with our hearts and minds open to this simple but sharp truth. Treat this verse as an equation. Use simple math. The will to live a godly life + persecution = a Godly life.
Now, looking at the verse this way helps us to see and understand that without persecution and the will to live a Godly life, you cannot obtain a Godly life. If either the willingness to live a Godly life or persecution are missing from the equation, the sum or outcome is different. If persecution is not present, it is only because the willingness to live a Godly life is also absent. When we are persecuted, who does this benefit? Us! Paul could see this very clearly. “You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation.” 2 Corinthians 1:5-6 NLT
There is no misprint here. Persecution as stated here is for my benefit. Boy, that sure doesn’t sound right does it? Let me explain with a practical example. A position is opening up at work. You and a co-worker are considered for it. The co-worker tells some lies about you to get the position and gets it. Not only were you not accepted for this position, but you may not be considered for any future promotions either. Here is the test. What is your reaction? How do you feel toward this co-worker? Are you expressing jealousy, bitterness, anger, or envy? According to Paul, in Galations 5:19-21, these are all works of our sinful nature, or will you desire to do what is Godly? Have you ever heard it said, “that to know what someone is really like, wait to see them in a heated moment.” It can be very revealing.
This is where the willingness to live a Godly life comes into our focus. When we are willing and yielding to the Holy Spirit, our reactions and feelings are different. “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Here there is no conflict with the law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another. Galatians 5;22-26
View persecution and injustice as a carpenter’s claw hammer. You can use it to pull that sinful nature off of that cross or you can use it to drive those nails tighter, keeping that nature crucified and allowing the character of a Godly life to be seen. I don’t believe our heavenly Father is happy when we are persecuted, but I know He is very pleased to see us imitating Him.
Let’s recap, we must become willing to live a Godly life and nail our sinful nature to the cross. Then we will see the persecution come. Until we put to death our carnal desires, we are no threat to the enemy. So there is no need for persecution. Don’t be surprised that the minute you begin to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead, the enemy will begin to trouble you in hopes of discouraging you so that you quit. But remember this, “the Spirit in you is greater than the spirit that is in the world.
“Yes and everyone who wants to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
2 Timothy 3:12 NLT
Persecute;
1) to persue with harassing or opressive treatment, esp. because of religion, race, or beliefs; harass persistently.
2)to annoy or trouble persistently. Webster's dictionary
What a bold statement to Christians living in America today. This scripture is truly a word in season for us. When this verse is studied, whatever methods or hermeneutics used, the conclusion should be this. It means exactly what it says. Let’s look at this with our hearts and minds open to this simple but sharp truth. Treat this verse as an equation. Use simple math. The will to live a godly life + persecution = a Godly life.
Now, looking at the verse this way helps us to see and understand that without persecution and the will to live a Godly life, you cannot obtain a Godly life. If either the willingness to live a Godly life or persecution are missing from the equation, the sum or outcome is different. If persecution is not present, it is only because the willingness to live a Godly life is also absent. When we are persecuted, who does this benefit? Us! Paul could see this very clearly. “You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation.” 2 Corinthians 1:5-6 NLT
There is no misprint here. Persecution as stated here is for my benefit. Boy, that sure doesn’t sound right does it? Let me explain with a practical example. A position is opening up at work. You and a co-worker are considered for it. The co-worker tells some lies about you to get the position and gets it. Not only were you not accepted for this position, but you may not be considered for any future promotions either. Here is the test. What is your reaction? How do you feel toward this co-worker? Are you expressing jealousy, bitterness, anger, or envy? According to Paul, in Galations 5:19-21, these are all works of our sinful nature, or will you desire to do what is Godly? Have you ever heard it said, “that to know what someone is really like, wait to see them in a heated moment.” It can be very revealing.
This is where the willingness to live a Godly life comes into our focus. When we are willing and yielding to the Holy Spirit, our reactions and feelings are different. “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Here there is no conflict with the law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another. Galatians 5;22-26
View persecution and injustice as a carpenter’s claw hammer. You can use it to pull that sinful nature off of that cross or you can use it to drive those nails tighter, keeping that nature crucified and allowing the character of a Godly life to be seen. I don’t believe our heavenly Father is happy when we are persecuted, but I know He is very pleased to see us imitating Him.
Let’s recap, we must become willing to live a Godly life and nail our sinful nature to the cross. Then we will see the persecution come. Until we put to death our carnal desires, we are no threat to the enemy. So there is no need for persecution. Don’t be surprised that the minute you begin to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead, the enemy will begin to trouble you in hopes of discouraging you so that you quit. But remember this, “the Spirit in you is greater than the spirit that is in the world.
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