DAY 3: 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17
OVERCOMING PERSECUTION
Read 2 Timothy 3:10-12.
Paul mentions the persecutions he received in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra – these were among the first cities Paul visited on his first missionary journey. The persecution he and Barnabas suffered and their subsequent deliverance by God are described in Acts 13-14. If you have time, it might be helpful to read those two chapters to get a sense of Paul’s conviction and his willingness to endure hardship. It is in stark contrast to the false teachers who pursued notoriety and fortune.
Paul is quick to give God credit. Paul’s deliverance was not a result of his quick wit or political skills, but because of God’s intervention. Paul was merely faithful to proclaim the gospel, and God took care of the rest. That no doubt required much faith on Paul’s part since he didn’t know how the people would react to his proclamation. In fact, initially the people reacted with great acceptance, but by the end of their time in Antioch, for example, the people were forcing Paul and Barnabas out of the city. The same thing happened in Lystra where the people initially worshipped Paul and Barnabas, but by the end of the day, poor Paul was being stoned to death. You would think Paul might be a little apprehensive as he approached a new city (and maybe he was), but that’s where faith came in. And God delivered them.
Will God always deliver His faithful servants? Read v. 12 again. Paul only mentions that those who desire to live godly lives will be persecuted (and note that godly living alone is enough to bring persecution). Paul never says that those who desire to live godly lives will be delivered, only that they will be persecuted. I don’t think that is an oversight. We are merely called to live godly and faithful lives before God, and what He chooses to do beyond that is His prerogative. That requires a great deal of faith on our part.
Overcoming the fear of persecution and suffering requires faith on our part. We must trust that God will do as He sees fit for our situation. Our inability to see God’s deliverance in a situation in which we are striving to serve the Lord is not an indication of God’s displeasure. I suppose there may be some situations in which God is not pleased with our decisions despite our heart, but even in those times, God’s deliverance will take the form of mercy and redirection because a heart that is set on Him, God will not abandon (see 2 Chron. 30:18-20 for an example).
To consider: How do you see faith and persecution intersecting in your life? Pray that God would give you more faith as you consider His plans and directions for you in the coming days and months ahead.
