February 19, 2015

“Persecutions and Sufferings”

Blessings folk!

We can understand the Lord exhorting us to follow someone’s example in the area of…

• teaching
• conduct
• purpose
• faith
• patience
• love
• perseverance…

But...look at what is next...

2 Timothy 3:10-12
10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance,
11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!
12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

The Lord is telling us through Paul’s conversation with Timothy that we are to understand that persecutions and sufferings in Christ will come.

Persecutions: diōgmos

• means “persecution” LOL

Sufferings: pathēma

• external and/or internal
• misfortune
• calamity
• evil
• affliction

Paul gives specific examples of persecution he had endured…Antioch, Iconium, Lystra.
Timothy would have known the fullness of these.
Paul was telling him to fear not.

Realize that persecution and suffering will come.
Persecution is to be endured in the Lord.
He will rescue.
Sometimes to remain in this corporeal existence.
Other times to the reward of glory.
Be reminded of verse 12.

If one desires to live godly in Christ Jesus, persecution will come.

We know from the Word that persecution and suffering will increase in the last days.
Such has been true.
Such will be true.

Are you ready?