LIVE GODLY. 2nd Timothy 3:12 When we look back, we can see much more of the hand of the Lord in deliverance than we could see when it was happening. God allows His servants to go through persecutions and afflictions for reasons that only He understands, so deliverance is about getting out of difficulty, not avoiding it. The suffering of the apostle Paul was not unique to him because all who "live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." This will happen. A godly life is lived in fellowship with God and faithfulness to Him and His Word. There is a communion with Christ Jesus that makes the god of this world and its people hostile to a godly person. People who live for God will face suffering, so don't be surprised. Don't give up. Live to please God. In words of gratitude and exaltation, Paul acknowledged that the Lord had rescued and delivered him from every crisis and suffering he faced. We learn from this that we will not always be spared from persecution and opposition, but we can be assured of deliverance through it.
God may use persecution to foster spiritual growth in His people and strengthen their faith. We are sanctified and matured when we endure tough circumstances in which our only option for relief is to trust the Lord, knowing He will sustain us. When called to pass through the “deep waters” of affliction, we must remember God’s promise to be with us.
Teaching doctrine and a godly way of living go hand in hand. Purpose and faith are linked. Our Lord defines our goals and gives us confidence to achieve them. He has commissioned and empowered us to do so. Staying faithful to God is one way to make the objective clear to others.
Living a godly life in Christ Jesus is the highest goal of a spiritual believer. However, persecution is to be expected when someone is a dedicated Christian. The reason for this is simple: godly living exposes sinful behavior. People who find joy in sin will try to get rid of a godly person instead of repenting and turning to Christ by faith for forgiveness.
Christians who live godly lives are not surprised when criticism, slander, and irrational behavior are directed at those who are Christlike in their words, attitude, and conduct. Instead, their consistent daily commitment to the Lord, efforts to spread the Gospel, carefulness in speech, and concern for others' spiritual and physical well-being drive them to please God and serve others.
The deep waters of persecution, opposition, and even death for being identified as a godly Christian should never cause a believer to think they have failed the Lord or that He is displeased with them. Like Paul and other faithful saints throughout the centuries, believers are allowed to share in Christ's sufferings. The signs of suffering are a badge of honor that will disappear when we see our Lord Jesus Christ. Only He will bear the marks of suffering in the household of God.