An Example from Paul’s Life

II Timothy 3:8–12
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Paul offers his own life as an example to Timothy (v. 10). Timothy has seen for himself how Paul has lived, taught and suffered for the sake of the gospel. Now he must also expect to suffer if he truly follows Christ. On his first missionary journey, Paul was expelled from Pisidia Antioch, had to escape from Iconium and was stoned and left for dead at Lystra (v. 11)). Lystra was where Timothy lived. This was Paul’s first running battle with persecution. It was also his first experience of God’s continuing protection in the face of many dangers. Paul sees that living the truth and being persecuted go together in this world.

Persecution is not something that Christians should deliberately encourage, but if they live godly lives, persecution will come automatically (1 Peter 4:12-19). “Yes, and all who desire to live godly"  (v. 12). When our will is dedicated to God, then Satan will attack us. You can be sure that during these last days, it will be more and more difficult to live for Christ. As never before, we need Christians who will, like Paul, live for Christ completely. Some people today have the idea that godliness means escaping persecution, when just the opposite is true. Paul follows this explanation for such suffering (vv. 12-13). The persecutions of the godly by the world may vary in degree and take different forms in different countries, but the basic hostility of the world toward the godly is the same.

Application

I must stick with a plan to read, meditate, study and apply the Word of God everyday of my life. I am only kidding myself if I think I can operate on what I have learned in earlier years.