The Way is Hard – 2 Timothy 3:10-13
Is 2 Timothy 3:12 in your Bible? “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” It’s a message. It’s hard to hear but it’s a biblical message. The Christian life is not the easy life. We are not promised health, wealth, and prosperity. We are promised persecutions. In this sermon Pastor David examines the reality of opposition for those who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:10–14 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed…
John 15:19-20 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own;
but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world,
therefore the world hates you…. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.
Luke 14:27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Matthew 16:24 “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you
Acts 14:22 Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him, but also suffer for His sake.
1 Peter 4:12–14 Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings… If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed.
Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.