2 Timothy 3:12
“Yes, and all who desire to
live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
“Ang tanan nga nagtinguha sa
pagkinabuhi nga diosnon diha kang Kristo Hesus lutoson gayod.”
INTRO:
Christians are alerted to
the difficulties we would necessarily face that will enable us to see our
present experience in the light of the warning what will happen to those who
follow Jesus. Disowning ourselves as the center of existence and in our
readiness to follow Jesus even to giving up our life for Him is the condition
of true discipleship. By this, we will be repaid at the final judgment.
FOLLOWING
CHRIST AND PERSECUTED
a. Jesus
experienced opposition and unfriendliness and was scoffed at even persecuted to
death. We, as followers of Christ, will experience the same. (John 15:20)
b. It
is written that we are to go many tribulations to enter God’s kingdom. This
certainty must not dampen our spirits but rather intensify us to continue in
faith. (Acts 14:22)
c. We
also read from God’s word that we would suffer pain, suffering, distress,
ordeals, problems, trouble and misfortunes just as it happened and that we must
not be stunned by these afflictions for we know that we are appointed to this.
(1 Thessalonians 3:3F)
FOLLOWING
CHRIST AND PERSEVERED
a. We
are to deny, that is to renounce ourselves, take each of our crosses and follow
Jesus everyday (Matthew 16:24)
b. He
who doesn’t mind the word of the Lord and refuses to suffer for Christ, finding
his life more valuable than his Christian duty, is not worthy of Jesus. (Matthew
10:38)
c. If
we share in the suffering of our Lord here on earth, we will also be glorified
with Him. Our sufferings here is nothing compared to the glory to be revealed
in us (Romans 8:17F)
CONCLUSION:
The
glory believers are destined to share with Christ far exceeds the sufferings in
this present life. After patient endurance in steadfast expectation, the full
harvest of the spirit’s presence will be realized. Peter also writes, “For it
is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing
evil.” (1 Peter 3:17)
