39 lines
4.3 KiB
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39 lines
4.3 KiB
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<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
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Day By Day By Grace
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Bob Hoekstra
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August 27
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<h1>An "Unpopular" Promise Regarding Persecution</h1>
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<div class="block"><i>Yes, and <b>all</b> who desire to <b>live godly</b> in Christ Jesus <b>will suffer persecution</b>.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('2Ti', 3, '12-12');">2 Timothy 3:12</a>)</div>
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<p>For a final visit, we return to the category of "<b>unpopular</b>" promises. This promise guarantees <b>persecution</b> for serious believers in Jesus Christ. In a church world where many treasure comfort and popularity, this promise is not well-received.</p>
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<p>This promise is given to those who want to live a life of godliness: <i>"who desire to <b>live godly</b>."</i> Godliness is the will of the Lord for His people. <i>"But you, O man of God, flee these things and <b>pursue righteousness, godliness</b>, faith, love, patience, gentleness"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('1Ti', 6, '11-11');">1 Timothy 6:11</a>). Our Lord Himself declared that there is great blessing in having a passion for righteous living. <i>"<b>Blessed</b> are those who <b>hunger</b> and <b>thirst</b> for <b>righteousness</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Mat', 5, '6-6');">Matthew 5:6a</a>). The blessing is God's pledge to satisfy that heart which yearns for righteousness: <i>"for they <b>shall be filled</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Mat', 5, '6-6');">Matthew 5:6b</a>).</p>
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<p>Yet, we have seen that fullness of righteousness is not all that is promised to those who want to walk in godliness. Persecution is also promised. <i>"Yes, and all who desire to <b>live godly</b> in Christ Jesus <b>will suffer persecution</b>."</i> Notice the comprehensive, inescapable dimension of this promise. <i>"<b>All</b> who desire to live godly… <b>will suffer persecution</b>."</i> There are no exceptions. There are no exemptions.</p>
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<p>All who sincerely desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ will experience the consequences that He met as He walked in righteousness. <i>"Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' <b>If they persecuted Me</b>, they <b>will</b> also <b>persecute you</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Jhn', 15, '20-20');">John 15:20</a>). Jesus was not universally hailed for His righteous path. He was opposed, mocked, conspired against, and betrayed. We need not be startled when measures of similar persecutions befall us.</p>
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<p>Of course, this promise of persecution is <b>not</b> given to <b>discourage</b> us from pressing on down the path of godliness. Rather, it is offered to <b>prepare</b> us for the <b>difficulties</b> that are <b>guaranteed</b> as we seek to <b>grow</b> in <b>Christlikeness</b>. The Lord even adds gracious encouragements to righteousness, so we will be strengthened to pursue His holy will in this matter. <i>"<b>Blessed</b> are those who are <b>persecuted</b> for <b>righteousness</b>' sake, for <b>theirs</b> is the <b>kingdom of heaven</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Mat', 5, '10-10');">Matthew 5:10</a>). Persecutions can remind us that we are headed for heaven. Persecutions can bring us heavenly measures of sustaining grace along the way.</p>
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<div class="dbdbg_prayer">O righteous Lord, I long to walk in Your paths of righteousness. Strengthen my heart with Your grace that I might press on in godliness. Help me to never shrink back, even though persecutions are guaranteed. Help me to stand true, even though persecutions may become severe. Lord, I count on Your promises to see me through the battles, in Jesus' name, Amen.</div>
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