You will be Persecuted
2Tim 3:12,13 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
This principle of persecution is an inevitable outcome of trying to live a godly life. Why is that? Primarily because the godly convict others of sin. Jesus said, "The world hates me because I testify that what it does is evil." John 7:7 And if the world doesn't hate you, that could likewise be the reason. Jesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:18,19 And thus if you are a genuine Christian, prepare to be persecuted, for Jesus Himself predicted, "You will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved." Mt 10:22 But take courage, "Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets." Luke 6:22,23
There are those who intentionally feign the faith, posing as imposters for the sake of misleading the Christian community. Eventually they believe their own lies. There was a cult in the church as Jerusalem which Paul confronted. He characterized them in this manner, "This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves." Gal 2:4 And whole denominations rise up built upon false doctrines, persecuting fellow Christians outside of their sect. Though in early stages of development it may be difficult to discern, but by their fruits you will recognize them.
2Tim 3:12,13 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
This principle of persecution is an inevitable outcome of trying to live a godly life. Why is that? Primarily because the godly convict others of sin. Jesus said, "The world hates me because I testify that what it does is evil." John 7:7 And if the world doesn't hate you, that could likewise be the reason. Jesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:18,19 And thus if you are a genuine Christian, prepare to be persecuted, for Jesus Himself predicted, "You will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved." Mt 10:22 But take courage, "Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets." Luke 6:22,23
There are those who intentionally feign the faith, posing as imposters for the sake of misleading the Christian community. Eventually they believe their own lies. There was a cult in the church as Jerusalem which Paul confronted. He characterized them in this manner, "This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves." Gal 2:4 And whole denominations rise up built upon false doctrines, persecuting fellow Christians outside of their sect. Though in early stages of development it may be difficult to discern, but by their fruits you will recognize them.
