The Persecuted Godly

Introduction:

We saw last week that in these last days, false teachers will arise from within the local church and will lead many astray. Godly leadership is to avoid such activities by shutting down and removing such men from their ranks.

When such actions are carried out as God commands, there will naturally be a backlash of persecution from outside and inside the church. It’s like the reaction you get when you turn the light on someone who is sleeping.

The expectation of persecution is part of the training of faithful men who have been given the sacred trust of the Gospel and are to use, protect, and pass it on to others as a part of their earthly existence.

Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-13

Main Idea: Since God's people are called to godliness, persecution will be spawned as a result in a godless world.

Persecution here is only seen in reference to the gospel, not ones consequence of sin.

1 Peter 2:20 ESV

20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.

1. The Godliness in Persecution (vv. 10-11a)

However, a contrastive conjunction, provides a transition from verses 1-9, and contrasts the godless false teachers with those who are godly.

a) Godliness is a direct result of obedience to God’s Word (v. 10)

have followed (parakoloutheo) - to actively follow to the minutest detail.

notice that this following begins with teaching, and seems to be the standard for the rest of the spiritual virtues.

note here that Paul sees himself as being an apostle of Christ and therefore an example to follow.

b) Godliness precedes persecution (v. 11a)

Note here that persecution, not health and welfare follow godly obedience.

The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version Chapter 3

3:11 Antioch … Iconium … Lystra. Three cities in the Roman province of Galatia where Paul preached the gospel on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:14–14:20). Against significant opposition, Paul succeeded in establishing a church in each city (Acts 14:21–23). Paul mentions these cities, including Timothy’s home of Lystra, in order to appeal to the roots of Timothy’s faith (vv. 14, 15; 1:5).

2. The Hope in Persecution (v. 11b)

a) The hope in the Lord’s presence

b) The hope in the Lord’s deliverance

3. The Surety of Persecution (v. 12)

Not that will be persecuted [fut, pass, ind] is clear on the surety of persecution, passively experienced as a natural outcome of godliness.

a) This surety begins with a hatred for Jesus Christ

b) This surety happens to all those who identify with Jesus Christ

4. The Deception of the Persecutors (v. 13)

a) Their deception will intensify

Note that Paul states that things will get worse, not better.

b) Their deception will be toward others and themselves

So What?

Do you seek to follow Christ and obey His word even though in so doing you know suffering will result?

Have you experienced suffering/persecution for the reason of a godly life lived in Christ Jesus?

Have you experienced the presence of God in the midst of suffering for Christ?

Philippians 3:10 ESV

10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,