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2 Corinthians 1:12
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

1 Timothy 2:2
For kings, andfor all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

shall.

Joshua 17:14
And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given mebut one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing Iam a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

Psalm 37:12-15
The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth…

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessedare they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…

all who desire to live godly lives
This phrase highlights the universal nature of the message. "All" indicates that no believer is exempt from this truth. The desire to live a "godly life" reflects a commitment to holiness and righteousness, aligning one's life with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. This pursuit of godliness is a central theme throughout the New Testament, as seen in passages like1 Peter 1:15-16, which calls believers to be holy as God is holy.

in Christ Jesus
The phrase "in Christ Jesus" signifies the believer's union with Christ, a foundational concept in Pauline theology. This union is not merely a spiritual connection but encompasses the believer's identity, purpose, and destiny. Being "in Christ" means that one's life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3), and it is through this relationship that believers receive the strength and grace to pursue godliness.

will be persecuted,
The certainty of persecution is a recurring theme in the New Testament. Jesus Himself warned His followers of this reality inJohn 15:20, where He stated that if they persecuted Him, they would also persecute His followers. The early church experienced this firsthand, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Persecution serves as a refining process, testing the faith of believers and strengthening their reliance on God. Historically, persecution has taken many forms, from social ostracism to physical harm, and it continues to be a reality for Christians around the world today.

- This opening word carries a note of certainty and emphasis. Paul is not speculating; he is stating a settled reality.

- His own life backs up the claim. Just two verses earlier he reminds Timothy of “my persecutions and the sufferings that came upon me” (2 Timothy 3:11).

- Jesus prepared His followers the same way: “Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well” (John 15:20).

- The promise (or warning) is universal. It applies to every believer whose heart is set on honoring Christ.

- Desire indicates deliberate intent, not mere admiration. InActs 11:23 believers in Antioch are urged “to remain true to the Lord with purpose of heart.”

- Peter echoes this call: “Therefore, beloved, since you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace with Him, spotless and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14).

- Godliness is practical holiness—attitudes, words, and choices shaped by God’s character.

•Titus 2:11-12: “The grace of God… trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”

•1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

- Such living confronts the world’s values, exposing darkness (Ephesians 5:11), and that clash invites resistance.

- The phrase roots godliness in union with Christ, not in self-effort.

• “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

• “Abide in Me, and I will abide in you” (John 15:4).

- Our identity and strength come from Him, yet the world’s hostility toward Christ spills over onto those who bear His name (Galatians 2:20).

- This is a promise as sure as any blessing.

• “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10-12).

• “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

- Persecution ranges from social rejection to physical suffering, but God uses it to refine faith (1 Peter 4:12-14) and advance the gospel (Philippians 1:12).

Paul’s words in2 Timothy 3:12 set clear expectations: earnest followers of Jesus, anchored in Him and committed to holy living, will encounter opposition. Rather than discourage us, this reality affirms that we belong to Christ, aligns us with the testimony of Scripture, and reminds us that God turns persecution into eternal gain for His people and glory for His Son.