2 Timothy 3:10-12
“10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life,
purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch,
at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the
Lord delivered me.
12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall
suffer persecution.”
In Paul's second letter to the young preacher Timothy, Paul
reminds Timothy of what, he, Paul has stood for and preached in the ministry.
Paul also reminds Timothy of how he was made to suffer for what he preached.
As Paul was training Timothy for the ministry and
particularly for the position of pastor in one of the Lord's churches, Paul
reminds Timothy that if he will stand for the truth and preach the truth he
will suffer persecutions but the Lord will deliver him.
For those of us who have been called of our Lord to preach
and/or teach God's Word it is not always sunshine and roses. Even for those who
it seems on the outside looking in to be prosperous. Whether in health, wealth,
and all things physical. If they have been preaching the truth of God's Word.
If they have been standing in the faith and fighting the good fight. There are
persecutions. We don't always see the depression or the internal turmoil a man
goes through when he cares so greatly for the people the Lord has given him
charge over. We don't always see the strain these persecutions can put on his
marriage and his family and friends. Yet he trudges on because he knows his
duty to the Lord and to the Lord's people.
As the man of God preaches and teaches service after
service. To see the people in open rebellion against the very Word of God that
he has spent so much time in preparing to bring to them. To sit back and watch
as those very souls he has preached go out into the world with never a care for
what he has warned of.
O what a wretched lot we are!!! To go out in open rebellion
against what the man of God has taught and warned. What a disgrace we can be to
the Lord's church. His Bride!!! What a disgrace to our Heavenly Father!!! At
times it is as though we care not for the love of our Lord and Savior. O how we
can grieve the Holy Spirit with our sinful ways!!!
O child of God, don't be the a part of the persecution of
your pastor or teacher. Listen to the message our Lord has given him. Heed the
warnings he brings from God's Word. Pray for him. Pray God will guide him and
use him to preach the truth and to shun fables.
Preachers/teachers, stand for the truth. Put away the
doctrines that tickle the ears of the hearers and feed their worldly lust.
Preach the whole council of God. Be instant in season and out of season. Preach
the truth in love and when the persecution comes stand firm and seek the Lord
for comfort and guidance and strength.
Praise ye the Lord!!!
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