S) "12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
2 Timothy 3:12 (NASB)
O) After a description of lawless character, the obvious immorality that would become more and more prevalent in the world, Paul invites Timothy to imitate his own character all the more. In the middle of his description of how Timothy had already followed him, and describing the persecution he himself had faced, Paul almost seems to get side-tracked and makes the statement above. He said evil men will be imposters, but Timothy should continue in the things he has learned of the gospel and of Christ, from Paul. The point of the verse above, injected as it was, is to remind Timothy that hard times are to be expected. In fact, persecution for doing what is right, is even promised.
A) The really interesting thing, here, is that I was initially going to mark this as a warning. After all, persecuted doesn't seem too good. But as I was reading this in context of the whole gospel, with Paul's words here, but also keeping in mind the words of Jesus, I realized that Paul did not at all mean this to be a bad thing, but good! Paul was asking Timothy to be like he was, to live a godly life. That was because Paul himself was trying to live as Christ did, in holy obedience to the Father. If Timothy was persecuted as Paul was, which was persecution as Christ had, then it was all for God's glory and their gain. To be more like Christ, I cannot pick and choose how I want that to look. I cannot want to be blessed as Christ was, called pleasing by the Father, if I don't also want the hardships Christ endured. I cannot desire to walk in righteousness like Christ walked, if I am not also willing to suffer for it as He suffered. I must be willing to accept the persecution that was upon my Master, to be upon me also, if I want to b just like my Master. So, if the goal is to be more like Christ, then I read this as a promise.
P) Father, I want to reflect glory in my Lord. I want to live a godly life, not that I would have more honor, but that it honors the name of Christ. I want to be obedient, because I love You. I want to be obedient, because I fear You. In every respect, to be more like Christ is a great gain. I pray that facing persecution for living a godly life in Christ, would not be something that makes me hesitate. On the contrary, I pray that the persecution becomes an encouragement to me. Open my eyes and ears, to be wise about my walk. Help me to be open to honest correction from brothers who know You, and seek You from a pure heart. At the same time, let me disregard those who oppose me because of the truth of the gospel. Let me fear You, and never fear man. Let me see persecution as another way I get to be more like my Lord. Let Your will be done in this. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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