An Example from Paul’s Life
December 22, 2020
Commentary
Paul offers his own life as an example to Timothy (v. 10). Timothy has seen for himself how Paul has lived, taught and suffered for the sake of the gospel. Now he must also expect to suffer if he truly follows Christ. On his first missionary journey, Paul was expelled from Pisidia Antioch, had to escape from Iconium and was stoned and left for dead at Lystra (v. 11)). Lystra was where Timothy lived. This was Paul’s first running battle with persecution. It was also his first experience of God’s continuing protection in the face of many dangers. Paul sees that living the truth and being persecuted go together in this world.
Persecution is not something that Christians should deliberately encourage, but if they live godly lives, persecution will come automatically (1 Peter 4:12-19). “Yes, and all who desire to live godly" (v. 12). When our will is dedicated to God, then Satan will attack us. You can be sure that during these last days, it will be more and more difficult to live for Christ. As never before, we need Christians who will, like Paul, live for Christ completely. Some people today have the idea that godliness means escaping persecution, when just the opposite is true. Paul follows this explanation for such suffering (vv. 12-13). The persecutions of the godly by the world may vary in degree and take different forms in different countries, but the basic hostility of the world toward the godly is the same.
Application
I must stick with a plan to read, meditate, study and apply the Word of God everyday of my life. I am only kidding myself if I think I can operate on what I have learned in earlier years.
2 Timothy 3:8– 12 (NET)
8 And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people—who have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith —also oppose the truth. 9 But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.
10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, 11 as well as the persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, and in Lystra. I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all. 12 Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.