Tuesday 6th February
Read 2 Timothy 3:12-13
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (NIVUK)
Suffering and persecution are non-negotiable aspects of a godly life. It is an essential part of a virtuous cycle that builds godliness, drawing on the power provided by God Himself. This is not simply a Pauline perspective. Consider Peter’s words in his second letter…
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:3-8) (NIV)
In fact, though it requires a little thought and study, it is the same message found in John’s revelation (cf Revelation 13) where we find the magical mimicry of the divine, much like the false teachers with whom Timothy must endure, deceiving many. We also find the same warning that those who oppose such teaching will suffer persecution. John’s warning to the church is something Paul himself was and would experience…
“Whoever has ears, let them hear.
10 ‘If anyone is to go into captivity,
into captivity they will go.
If anyone is to be killed with the sword,
with the sword they will be killed.’
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.” (Revelation 13:9-10) (NIVUK)
Paul was writing from ‘captivity’ and would soon ‘be killed with the sword’. (Roman citizens could not be crucified, they were instead swiftly beheaded). May we also have ‘ears to hear’ Paul’s, and Peter’s, and John’s warnings.
