2 Timothy 3:10-11 — Provision in Persecution

READ THIS: 2 Timothy 3:10-11

10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

Paul knows a lot about persecution, and his journeys to all these cities listed above show it. In Acts 13 and 14, Paul traveled to each of these places and was met with opposition each time. Let's check out what happened at each of these cities:

• In Antioch, Paul was kicked out of the city because he was telling people about Jesus (Acts 13:50)
  
• In Iconium, Paul was nearly given the punishment of "stoning until death" (Acts 14:5)
  
• In Lystra, Paul was ACTUALLY stoned by the people there and was left for dead (Acts 14:19)

Despite all of that, Paul is grateful for God's provision rather than bitter toward God for going through hard things. Jesus reminded His people often that being a follower of Him would mean trouble, and that doesn't remotely change for us. So let's learn from Paul's example to be grateful for God's provision, even when we are met with persecution.

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Persecution for being a Christian can look very different today for people like us. What does it tend to look like today?

2. Can you think of a time where God has delivered you from a dangerous situation? Did you thank Him for that?

 

TRY THIS:

 

If you have extra time to read some scripture, check out Psalm 40:1-3!

1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.