It is easy for a professed Christian to avoid persecution, if he yields every point in which religion is opposed to the world. But then another thing. The insult which comes from anger is bad but it is forgivable, for it is launched in the heat of the moment; but the cold insult which comes from arrogant pride is an ugly and an unforgivable thing. 2. That will = Who will live ( ) to desire, to want to, to wish. In either case home and family life were destroyed. It is not meant that the Scriptures are valuable for finding fault; what is meant is that they are valuable for convincing a man of the error of his ways and for pointing him on the right path. A man can reach a stage when, so far from controlling it, he can become a slave to some habit or desire. Storge is the word used especially of family love, the love of child for parent and parent for child. The apostle well knew that the God who had brought these glorious truths to man, the God that had manifested His grace, had given a witness of their reality in the man from whom he had learned them; and this was meant to have an enduring effect on the conscience and heart of Timothy. A. Characteristics of the last days 3:1-13. The world really doesn't admire true Christian traits. Aspondos ( G786) can mean two things. (3) if we are persecuted, we should carefully inquire, before we avail ourselves of this consolation, whether we are persecuted because we "live godly in Christ Jesus," or for some other reason. For him the light of eternity already shone strongly on present things, instead of taking him completely out of them. "Beloved, consider it not strange concerning the fiery trials which are to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you" ( 1 Peter 4:12 ). 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It means to follow a person physically, to stick by him through thick and thin. Now you get out your, you know, your green and blue pens and for the inspired ones, we'll underline those with blue and we'll use red, maybe, to underline those that are not inspired, you know and, and so here I am, I'm the authority.Well, the next liberal comes along and he says, Well, no, no, no, he was wrong on that one. 442.]. It is a great happiness to know the certainty of the things wherein we have been instructed (Luke 1:4); not only to know what the truths are, but to know that they are of undoubted certainty. The history of the Christian Church teaches us that falsity cannot live. That the scripture was given by inspiration of God appears from the majesty of its style,--from the truth, purity, and sublimity, of the doctrines contained in it,--from the harmony of its several parts,--from its power and efficacy on the minds of multitudes that converse with it,--from the accomplishment of many prophecies relating to things beyond all human foresight,--and from the uncontrollable miracles that were wrought in proof of its divine original: God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will,Hebrews 2:4. You have no authority.So if I tell you that some scriptures are not really inspired of God, then I become the authority, not the Bible anymore, because you can't just read the whole Bible and trust it because not all of it is inspired. Good to have pleasure but don't make it your God. (186) Et tous ceux aussi qui veulent vivre en la crainte de Dieu. And all those also who wish to live in the fear of God., (187) Que rien ne luy est advenu que tous fideles ne doyvent aussi attendre. That nothing has happened to him which all believers must not also look for.. I am reminded of the prophet of God who spoke concerning Israel, and he said, "They have sown the wind, and now they must reap the whirlwind" ( Hosea 8:7 ). And there's such a complete, total absence of love. It is our duty to use our minds and set them adventuring; but the test must ever be agreement with the teaching of Jesus Christ as the Scriptures present it to us. Men will be thankless (acharistos, G884) . In his own neighbourhood he had seen Paul suffer because of his devotion to Christ (10-12; cf. A man has sunk far when he finds even the presence of good people something which he would only wish to avoid. 2 Timothy 3:12, CSB: In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. The word here is makrothumia ( G3115) ; and makrothumia, as the Greeks used it, usually meant patience with people. When Carlyle's father was discussing the kind of minister his parish needed, he said: "What this parish needs is a man who knows Christ other than at secondhand." That's proper and you should have that desire. The Jewish Rabbis ranked high in the list of sins what they called the sin of insult. Because the true child of God brings the worldly person under conviction. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers," what singular language this from Paul! It is undoubtedly true at all times, and will ever be, that they who are devoted Christians - who live as the Saviour did - and who carry out his principles always, will experience some form of persecution. There is only one test for falsity--"You will know them by their fruits." He was driven from Antioch in Pisidia ( Acts 13:50); he had to flee from Iconium to avoid lynching ( Acts 14:5-6); in Lystra he was stoned and left for dead ( Acts 14:19). There were those who would revenge themselves on an enemy by informing against him. I am not at liberty of course to leave Christendom, I dare not get out of the great house at all; indeed I cannot (at any rate without becoming an apostate) leave the house of God, however bad its state may be. With his or her commitment to follow Christ faithfully the Christian sets the course of his or her life directly opposite to the course of the world system. And that is precisely what Christianity demands that a man should do. The study of the Scriptures must never be selfish, never simply for the good of a man's own soul. "He devotes himself specially to women, and those such as are well-bred, and elegantly attired, and of great wealth." [2.] And indeed the world easily wears that mask of religion which depends on itself; but the piety which flourishes directly from, is very hateful, as it was to the old Jews, so to the modern Christians, who are without any token of good, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. If, in any manner, or in any way, he is subjected to disadvantage on account of his religious opinions, and deprived of any immunities and rights to which he would be otherwise entitled, this is persecution. One day a visitor came to the ward and left a supply of gospels. "Much the greatest rogue of all is the man who has gulled his city into the belief that he is fit to direct it.". Robertson, Archibald Thomas. When we are tempted to do so, we should hear again the voice of our blessed Lord saying on the Cross: "Father, forgive them.". But the phrase may mean any future time, whether near or distant. But, if one confesses the name of the Lord, the word is imperative: "let him depart from iniquity." Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. Thus he comforts Timothy at the same time that he admonishes him. The ancient world set duty to parents very high. We must remember that Timothy's work lay in Ephesus, perhaps the greatest market in the ancient world. That which finishes a man of God in this world is the scripture. Narcissism is at an all-time peak, but with lovers of yourself comes. All who will show their religion in their conversation, who will not only be godly, but live godly, let them expect persecution, especially when they are resolute in it. If he does not hide the sorrowful view of an old fellow-labourer's cooling in zeal, with all its dangers, the consolation is also before Timothy both of those that go on in faithful labour, and of one at least restored. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." When God came on the scene and entered the conversation with his friends? And you will find as God's word becomes a very part of your life and you begin to be guided by the word of God, that God will begin to use you in very exciting ways. "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. human nature began to show itself out in indifference. He speaks of "all God-inspired scripture." So don't expect the world to speak well of you or to applaud you for your living a godly life and taking a righteous stand. [3.] It is the ability not to lose patience when people are foolish, not to grow irritable when they seem unteachable. God takes care of His people, and ensures them a blessed end. Second Timothy 3:12-13 "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being. The word is propetes ( G4312) , precipitate. In all life there is nothing so creative of really productive effort as a clear consciousness of a purpose. Thus we have everything cared for here; the state of confusion is clearly depicted, as it then was beginning, and as results have proved yet more. Titus, we know, did so; but God took care that it should never be positively stated about Timothy. The Christian leader will never lack his opponents. Paul said, you know, what kind of a life I've lived. Note, Those are wise indeed who are wise to salvation. Paul cites three instances when he had to suffer for Christ. The whole concept of redemption is wrapped up in the Old Testament. And a servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle toward all, apt to teach, forbearing, in meekness correcting those that oppose, if perhaps God may give them repentance for acknowledgment of the truth, and they may for his will wake up out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him." What is a man well taught in the truth for, if not to communicate his knowledge to others that are faithful, but not equally instructed in the word of God? That persecution which will properly furnish any evidence that we are the friends of Christ, must be only that which is "for righteousness sake" Matthew 5:10, and must be brought upon us in an honest effort to obey the commands of God. Be assured, that if you do not bring the Spirit of God into these matters, perhaps your cloak, perhaps a book, will become a snare to you. (v) Paul makes a final point. In the Testament of Issachar, one of the books written between the Old and the New Testaments, we get a picture like this: "Know ye, therefore, my children, that in the last times. But let him not infer, "therefore," that he is to be enrolled among the martyrs, and that he is certainly a real Christian. THE DUTIES AND THE QUALITIES OF AN APOSTLE ( 2 Timothy 3:10-13 ). Whose will is to live, or who are bent on living. If they had been more faithful, and more like their Master, would they have always escaped? We live in a fallen world, and there are many challenges that face the believer who has not only trusted Christ for salvation, but is also ready and willing to deny self, take up his cross, follow Christs example, and say without compromise Thy will, not mine, be done.The newbornbaby Christian has to grow in grace and mature in the faith over an unspecified periodof time, to reach this level of maturity in his faith, while other who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ may slip in and out of carnality and worldliness for many years, stunting their growth and even regressing in their faith back to spiritual infancy.Many, if not all believers, are called to become mature in the faith by walking in spirit and truth and living godly, Christ-centred lives, but few are willing to exchange the cosy blessings of early Christian infancy, for the difficulties that inevitably follow the mature believer. No matter what the reasons or excuses for joining with them, "turn away.". . The Kingdom had its price. In it we find the duties, the qualities and the experiences of an apostle. He nourishes an all-consuming, all-pervading pride; and in his heart there is a little altar where he bows down before himself. It has been pointed out that the writer of Revelation may well have been thinking of Ephesus when he wrote that haunting passage which describes the merchandise of men: "The cargo of gold, silver, jewels and pearls, fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, all articles of ivory, all articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls" ( Revelation 18:12-13). We usually try to avoid it on Friday evening if we can, but sometimes our schedules are such that we just don't have time to. When a man's language becomes filthy, obscene and crude, it shows that there's something wrong with him. In short, let us know that we are Christians on this condition, that we shall be liable to many tribulations and various contests. Accordingly, there is a depth of feeling that one may safely say far exceeds the first epistle, although it had shown so much tenderness and care both for Timothy and the faithful of those days. When we know the afflictions of good people but in part, they are a temptation to us to decline that cause which they suffer for; when we know only the hardships they undergo for Christ, we may be ready to say, "We will renounce that cause that is likely to cost us so dear in the owning of it;" but when we fully know the afflictions, not only how they suffer, but how they are supported and comforted under their sufferings, then, instead of being discouraged, we shall be animated by them, especially considering that we are told before that we must count upon such things (2 Timothy 3:12; 2 Timothy 3:12): All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution: not always alike; at that time those who professed the faith of Christ were more exposed to persecution than at other times; but at all times, more or less, those who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It may be that, since we are only human, we cannot live entirely without differences with our fellow-men, but to perpetuate these differences is one of the worst--and also one of the commonest--of all sins. Consider of whom thou hast learned them; not of evil men and seducers, but good men, who had themselves experienced the power of the truths they taught thee, and been ready to suffer for them, and thereby would give the fullest evidence of their belief of these truths." So we find that God knows how to temper the bitter with the sweet, always doing the right thing in the right place and time. Timothy fully knew Paul's good character, which he might gather from his doctrine, manner of life, and purpose; for he gave proofs of his faith (that is, of his integrity and fidelity, or his faith in Christ, his faith concerning another world, by which Paul lived), his long-suffering towards the churches to which he preached and over which he presided, his charity towards all men, and his patience. Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 3:6-7 For from among these there come those who enter into houses, and take captive foolish women, laden with sins and driven by varied desires, ready to listen to any teacher but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Why then yield to the enemy? They're profitable for doctrine. If they had been more faithful, and more like their Master, would they have always escaped? We have sown the wind, now we're going to reap the whirlwind. (1) it teaches the only way to the Father is through Jesus; (2) it teaches a morality (a way of life) unpopular with the world; (3) it teaches a miraculous creation, a miraculous end; and a miraculous Savior who was resurrected; (4), Why does the world hate Christians? And so Paul is warning Timothy of certain things that will be transpiring in the last days. and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us. THE QUALITIES OF GODLESSNESS ( 2 Timothy 3:2-5 ). 3 f I thank God g whom I serve, as did my ancestors, h with a clear conscience, as I remember you i . God is right. Others must do that kind of work in future. "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. Verse of the Day , 2 Timothy 3:12 Treasury of Scripture Knowing, God, My Praise (Study In God - All I Need-19). If they contradict the teaching of the Bible, they are to be refused. The result would often be either that the woman broke off married relationships with her husband in order to live the ascetic life, or that she gave the lower instincts full play and abandoned herself to promiscuous relationships. They will follow after their own wicked devices. It was not then an indifferent matter to God. What a blessing. And come up a hundred days later and be deposited at a port. We should not be any more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive,Ephesians 4:14. He had fought the good fight of faith. When our Lord was pleased to take upon himself the form of a servant, and to go about preaching the kingdom of God; he took all opportunities in public, and more especially in private, to caution his disciples against . Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But we have also been supplied with many precious promises which reassure us that His grace is sufficient, His strength is perfected in our weakness, that suffering for Christ's sake is a privilege for the child of God, and that no amount of trials, tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or the sword, is able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.May we grasp this truth in His strength, and remember that in this world we will have tribulation but that if we fellowship in the suffering of Christ, we will also be glorified with Him Who loved us so much that He died for us, that we might live for Him forever. One dark night in a forest in Sicily a brigand held up a colporteur at the point of a revolver. "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." Their own word would eat as a canker, and do harm to others as well as to themselves, "who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." And I filed many scriptures in that file. But you see, if you start whacking away at the story of Jonah, and say, oh, I can't really buy that. It should be considered as one of the proper qualifications for membership in the church, to be willing to bear persecution, and to resolve not to shrink from any duty in order to avoid it. Don't start trying to cut out certain stories because they don't fit your scheme because you have a little hard, you have a hard time sort of believing that. Men will be ungovernable in their desires (akrates, G193) . Those who are well instructed in the Scriptures will always be ready when an opportunity arises to do good (16-17).Since Gods servants must give him an account of their service, they should not miss any opportunity to teach the Scriptures, though they must always speak in a manner suited to the circumstances (4:1-2). It is a great happiness to know the holy scriptures from our childhood; and children should betimes get the knowledge of the scriptures. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. Though his life was a life of great usefulness, yet it was a life of great sufferings; and none, I believe, came nearer to their great Master for eminent services and great sufferings than Paul: he suffered almost in every place; the Holy Ghost witnessed that bonds and afflictions did abide him, Acts 20:23.
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