2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Once we are born again, by the Holy Spirit by having faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, our desire becomes to live a godly life, wanting to please Jesus. GOD, by the Holy Spirit, starts the work of transformation so that we actually live a godly life. We know that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6 (KJV)). Have a read of Matthew 5:2-12 about he beatitudes. There are so many blessings through faith in Christ and godly living but there is one downside “persecution” as we see in 2 Timothy 3:12 and Matthew 5:10-12. We shouldn’t be surprised about that because when we be come part of the Kingdom of God we are still resident here on earth where, at the moment, the kingdom of darkness rules. These kingdoms are in opposition and we are in a battle. “Ephesians 6:10-12 (KJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Therefore godly living goes against that darkness. .
We are in a time were “2 Timothy 3:13 (KJV) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” What are we to do? Let us not be discouraged but keep on desiring and living the LORD GOD wants us to live. We represent Him and are to keep shining the light of Christ in this dark world “Matthew 5:14 (KJV) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
Therefore let us continue being steadfast and keep on walking in the light “2 Timothy 3:14 (KJV) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;” “Ephesians 5:8 (KJV) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”
How do we live godly life’s, stand strong and keep waking in the light? We do so by knowing and applying (obeying) the Word of God in our life’s “2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” And by sticking together “1 John 1:7 (KJV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Therefore let us be encouraged to pursue godliness no matter what stands in the way by knowing Jesus Christ, His word (the bible), walking in His ways and gathering together so we can support and help each other to grow becoming a greater reflection of jc in this dark world before He takes us home.