2 Timothy 3:10-17
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).

Another reason we need to study this topic is never to view persecution as a personal thing. It is part of the salvation
package.

The “Nelson’s Bible Dictionary” defines persecution as the “hatred and affliction that follows the witness and holy life of God’s people in a hostile world”. According to the “Merriam Webster Dictionary”, to persecute is “to treat someone cruelly or unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs”.

There is an increasing measure of persecution of believers in recent times. Comfortingly, the Bible has records of the use of the word “persecute” or “persecuted” at no less than 53 times. It mentioned “persecution” 14 times and “persecutor” 9 times. Its usage spans both the Old and New Testament times. Hence, the need to get real and face the reality of our times and faith.

Paul writes to Timothy saying, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus also said, “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me… What profit is there if you gain the whole world and lose eternal life?” (Matthew 16:24-27? Do we need another witness? May the Lord help us in Jesus Name. May we gain understanding and stand firm in our faith. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Pray for yourself and fellow believers to stand for Christ in this troubled times.

Hymn: Stand up, stand up for Jesus

Further Reading: Mark 4:13-20.