Aug 23, 2015
2 Timothy 3:10-17;
According to Scripture, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12; John 15:18-19; John 16:1-4; John 17:14; Luke 21:12; John 15:20
· Evil people will increase. These are the wicked. (2 Timothy 3:2-4)
· Imposters will increase. These are the pretenders. (2 Timothy 3:5-8)
“ . . . having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” 2 Timothy 3:5
Suffering As A Follower of Christ . . .
· Suffering should not be surprising, but expected. (1 Peter 4:12)
· Suffering happens because of our identity with Christ. (1 Peter 4:13)
“Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecutedMe, they will also persecute you . . .” John 15:20
· Suffering will expose the genuineness of your faith or the fakeness of your faith. (1 Peter 1:7; James 1:2-4; Mark 4:16-17)
How To Live In A World Gone Mad . . .
· Place your life under the authority of the word of God. (2 Timothy 3:14)
o Your position affects your perspective, and perspective shapes your understanding.
· Pursue holiness. (1 Peter 1:13-16)
o Pursuing holiness is the obedient response of a believer who is allowing the word of God and the Spirit of God to bring about spiritual transformation in his/her life.
· Pray continually. (1 Peter 4:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
· Live courageously. (1 Peter 3:14-17)
· Speak truthboldly, yet respectfully.
· Love fervently. (1 Peter 4:8)
· Show generosity. (1 Peter 4:9)
· Serve willingly. (1 Peter 4:10)
· Trust God fully. (1 Peter 4:19)