Topical Bible: Persecution: All That Live Godly in Christ, Shall Suffer

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The concept of persecution for those who live a godly life in Christ is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the inevitable trials and tribulations faced by believers. This entry explores the biblical basis for this expectation, the nature of persecution, and its significance in the life of a Christian.

Biblical Basis

The apostle Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, explicitly states the inevitability of persecution for those who pursue a godly life in Christ Jesus: "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). This declaration underscores the certainty of suffering for believers, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that following Christ often entails facing opposition and hardship.

Nature of Persecution

Persecution can manifest in various forms, ranging from social ostracism and verbal harassment to physical violence and martyrdom. Jesus Himself warned His disciples of the world's hostility, saying, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). The early church experienced intense persecution, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, where believers were imprisoned, beaten, and even killed for their faith (Acts 7:54-60; Acts 12:1-5).

Purpose and Significance

Persecution serves several purposes in the life of a believer. It is a means of testing and refining faith, as Peter writes, "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold" (1 Peter 1:7). Moreover, suffering for Christ is seen as a participation in His sufferings, a privilege that deepens one's fellowship with Him: "But rejoice insofar as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory" (1 Peter 4:13).

Response to Persecution

The biblical response to persecution is one of endurance, love, and prayer. Jesus taught His followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). The apostles exemplified this attitude, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41). Paul encouraged believers to stand firm in their faith, reminding them that "our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Encouragement and Hope

Despite the inevitability of persecution, Scripture offers encouragement and hope. Jesus promised His presence and ultimate victory, assuring His followers, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). The book of Revelation provides a vision of the ultimate triumph of God's people, where those who have endured persecution will be vindicated and rewarded (Revelation 7:14-17).

In summary, persecution is an expected aspect of the Christian journey, serving as a testament to one's faith and a means of spiritual growth. Believers are called to endure with hope, trusting in the promises of Christ and the eternal glory that awaits.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 3:12
Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Dread of Ridicule.
... INTRODUCTION.""All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12.) This is what S. Paul says. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxi dread of ridicule.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... Paul was sensible of all this, and therefore so positively and peremptorily asserts,
that "all who live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.". ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

Because of Its Bearing Upon the Church.
... to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Yea, we are assured that "all
that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." The Lord's ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/3 because of its bearing upon.htm

Again on the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 28, "Come unto Me, all ...
... labour to rest, but from rest to labour rather; since the Apostle also saith, "All
who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution." [2324] So ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xx again on the.htm

September 1 Evening
... By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report."All that will live godly
in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."The offence of the cross. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/september 1 evening.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries.
... The apostle Paul declares that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution."(68) Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /2 persecution in the first.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries
... of today. The apostle Paul declares that "all that will live godly in Christ
Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. Why ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 2 persecution in the.htm

Cix. To Eusebius, Bishop of Ancyra.
... "Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution, but
evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cix to eusebius bishop of.htm

Prophets in their Country.
... skins, in goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted," and so on; [5281] "For all that
will to live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." [5282] And ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/18 prophets in their country.htm

Psalm LXX.
... is without persecution: and that is a true saying which the Apostle saith, "But
even all men that will to live godly in Christ, shall suffer persecution." [3034 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxx.htm