2 Timothy 3:12-13

 2 Timothy 3:12-13 (ESV Strong's)

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.

Godly Life Equals Persecution

The world is falling apart. You can hear that thought from any person walking on the street these days.   In fact, as we compare over the last years and decades, things are going from bad to worse.  Deception is everywhere.  In politics, in business, in marriages, in friendships.   These are things you can read on the front of the news cycle everyday.   Yet, almost 2,000 years ago, Paul stated this would happen.   And, here it is.   He also stated that those who would live in Christ and want to live a godly life, will be persecuted.   We are seeing that, as well, on the streets of world.   Those who dare to stand for godliness are shamed, ridiculed and defamed.   Christians have become “shy” as a result.   To stand tall in a slouching world takes the power of Christ.   Paul is telling the church that there will come a day that standing tall of Christ will not be acceptable behavior to world around us.   We are in those days.   Saying you believe in Christ will probably not get you persecuted, as of yet.  Staying you believe in Christ and that means certain behaviors in our society are sinful and wrong, will get you in extreme trouble in our world.   We can believe in Christ but we can not speak about godly behavior.    In fact, we can believe in Christ and practice and allow ungodly behavior and be totally accepted in our society.   But, that is not Biblical Christianity.   If we live a godly life in Christ Jesus one of the earmarks of that walk will be persecution.   Expect it.  It comes with the territory.