Want to live a godly life? You will be persecuted.

 “An Unusual Promise of God”

(2 Timothy 3:12)

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ...

Indeed, all

Paul has been writing about his own life as an imitator of Christ's sufferings. He did that in order to point out that Timothy was an immitator of him as he imitated Jesus. But now he moves on to making a shocking point that is not just about some, but about “all.”

who desire

The “all” that the apostle refers to are not all people, but all who have a particular desire of the will. They want something, and the Lord will not deny them this want, since their desire is part of His own will. They are eagerly seeking something that they will find. They are knocking with their hearts on the door of Jesus and he will open up His own heart to them and give them what they desire.

to live a godly life

What is it that they want? They want to live a godly life. Paul says in another place, “This is the will of God, your sanctification.”

God wants you to be holy. This is your calling, and that is why you have been given the name “saint.” You are set apart from the rest of the world, but set apart together with the church for a new world.

in Christ Jesus

Christ Jesus is the center of your new existence and the center of that new world. His person, His cross, and His resurrection have changed everything. And not everyone in Adam's world can understand that.

will be persecuted

More than that, many people cannot even tolerate it. Those who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus, in His church, in His kingdom, will face persecution.

Two thoughts:

1. Consider your persecution a gift from God and not merely a random trial. It has been granted to you not only to believe in Jesus, but also to suffer for His Name.

2. The sufferings in this life are not worth comparing with the glory that is coming. Fear not, little children, it is your Father's good pleasure to give to you the kingdom.