Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:10-12
Timothy had experienced already some of what Christians should expect – misunderstanding, anger from others, and persecution. Why? Because we are sharing a controversial message that will include a demand for the hearer to change. While many will say yes, others will be offended by the person and message of Jesus Christ. Still others will try to distort His message. That’s why Paul finishes this plea to Timothy with the reminder… All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Thank God its His powerful Word we share, not our own.
Am I faithfully sharing the full message of Jesus Christ? Am I sugar-coating anything?
God, Your Word stirs within me. It brings a holy discontent for any sin in my own life and a desire for righteousness itself. How do I separate the passion for truth with the compassion for lost people? I want to enter the public discourse on so many issues to which You have spoken. I see people getting washed away into the entanglements of sin and sin itself being promoted. My mind and mouth are Your’s, I will speak whenever and wherever You lead. Until then, I will do my best to remain silent in preparation.
