2 Timothy 3:12
Verse
Context
All Scripture Is God-Breathed
11my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.12Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,13while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
All that will live godly - So opposite to the spirit and practice of the world is the whole of Christianity, that he who gives himself entirely up to God, making the Holy Scriptures the rule of his words and actions, will be less or more reviled and persecuted. "If religion gives no quarter to vice, the vicious will give no quarter to religion and its professors."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Yea, and--an additional consideration for Timothy: if he wishes to live godly in Christ, he must make up his mind to encounter persecution. that will, &c.--Greek, "all whose will is to live," &c. So far should persecution be from being a stumbling-block to Timothy, he should consider it a mark of the pious. So the same Greek is used of the same thing, Luk 14:28, Luk 14:33, "intending (Greek, 'wishing') to build a tower . . . counteth the cost." live godly in Christ-- (Gal 2:20; Phi 1:21). There is no godliness (Greek, "piously") or piety out of Christ. The world easily puts up with the mask of a religion which depends on itself, but the piety which derives its vigor directly from Christ is as odious to modern Christians as it was to the ancient Jews [BENGEL]. shall suffer persecution--and will not decline it (Gal 5:11). BISHOP PEARSON proves the divine origination of Christianity from its success being inexplicable on the supposition of its being of human origin. The nature of its doctrine was no way likely to command success: (1) it condemns all other religions, some established for ages; (2) it enjoins precepts ungrateful to flesh and blood, the mortifying of the flesh, the love of enemies, and the bearing of the cross; (3) it enforces these seemingly unreasonable precepts by promises seemingly incredible; not good things such as afford complacency to our senses, but such as cannot be obtained till after this life, and presuppose what then seemed impossible, the resurrection; (4) it predicts to its followers what would seem sure to keep most of the world from embracing it, persecutions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse,.... By "evil men" are meant, not sinful men in common, as all are by nature and practice; nor only open profane sinners but rather wicked men under a form of godliness, as before; and who are full of wickedness and malice against truly godly persons, even as the devil himself, of whom the same word is used, when he is called the wicked one; and this is a reason why true professors of religion must expect persecution, seeing as there ever were, so there ever will be such sort of men, who will not grow better, but worse and worse. The word for "seducers", signifies sorcerers, enchanters, a sort of jugglers; and as the other, it well suits with the ecclesiastics of the church of Rome, who pretend to miracles, and do lying wonders, and by their sorceries deceive all nations, Rev 18:23 and these "shall wax worse and worse"; in principle and in practice, in ungodliness, and in error, in wickedness and malice against the saints, and in the arts of deceiving; so the church of Rome is never to be expected to be better, but worse; at the time of the fall of Babylon she will be an habitation of devils, the hold of every foul spirit, and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird, Rev 18:2 deceiving: not God, but themselves and others even all nations, excepting the elect of God; which they do by their good words and fair speeches, and by their show of devotion and religion, and by their pretended miracles and lying wonders: and deceived by the old serpent, the devil, under whose power and influence they are, in whose snare they are taken, and by whom they are led captive, and will at last share the same fate with himself, and be cast into the same lake of fire and brimstone.
2 Timothy 3:12
All Scripture Is God-Breathed
11my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.12Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,13while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Messages) Pearl of Great Price
By Basilea Schlink7.8K53:45Jesus ChristMAT 5:11MAT 6:332TI 3:12REV 3:16In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges and difficulties faced by disciples of Jesus. They acknowledge that it can be hard when others look down on us or question our reputation. However, the speaker encourages listeners to find peace and harmony with others, both at work and at home. They emphasize the importance of following Jesus' way and the rewards that await in heaven. The sermon also highlights the power of hope and trust in God's promises, reminding listeners that God is faithful and will ultimately solve their problems or provide peace and comfort in difficult situations.
Human Rights
By Brother Andrew4.2K1:16:03Human RightsMAT 28:19ACT 4:12ROM 12:151CO 12:261TH 5:172TI 3:121PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful encounter with a street child who wandered into their church service. The child, barefoot and filthy, mistakenly believed he was the conductor of the choir. Despite his appearance, the child showed kindness by cleaning wilted flowers and offering them to the speaker. This encounter deeply impacted the speaker, highlighting the plight of street children and the suffering church in restricted countries. The speaker emphasizes the need for action and returning to the principles of God's word to make a difference in these situations.
How Our Suffering Glorifies God
By John Piper3.1K37:36MAT 10:21MAT 16:24JHN 16:1ACT 5:41ROM 8:16PHP 1:292TI 1:82TI 3:121PE 4:12This sermon emphasizes the call to embrace suffering for the sake of Christ, highlighting the need to endure persecution and hardships in order to display the glory of God's grace. It challenges listeners to follow Jesus on the path of sacrifice and missionary sacrifice, rather than seeking comfort or prosperity. The message underscores the importance of rejoicing in sufferings, completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions through personal sacrifices, and being willing to endure hardships for the sake of spreading the gospel.
Are You Comforatble Yet?
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K07:28MAT 5:11MAT 16:24ROM 5:52CO 12:9PHP 3:102TI 3:12HEB 11:251PE 2:211PE 4:16This sermon emphasizes the contrast between the comfort and ease of modern Christianity and the sacrificial dedication of early believers, challenging listeners to consider their commitment to Christ in the face of potential persecution. It highlights the need to love Jesus personally rather than just adhere to a creed, and to be willing to endure affliction and suffering for the sake of following Him faithfully.
(In the Word) 06 - Hearing the Word of God
By Milton Green2.1K1:00:55ISA 29:13MAT 6:33MRK 7:6ROM 12:2COL 2:82TI 3:12JAS 5:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. They urge the listeners to listen to all the tapes in the series in numerical order to fully understand the teaching. The speaker also addresses the tactics of the powers of darkness to intimidate and discourage believers from embracing the Word of God. They highlight the need to stay firm in the face of pressure and fear, and not to water down the Word of God to suit personal preferences. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that God is the one who opens doors and works through believers, and that they should not strive to obtain things for God.
Christians Will Face Persecution
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:00:09MAT 5:6MAT 24:24MRK 10:29JHN 16:332TI 3:121JN 2:28REV 7:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles in the face of deception and diluted messages in Christianity. It warns against being misled by false prophets and the need to prioritize reading the Bible over other Christian literature. The speaker highlights the inevitability of persecution for those who desire to live godly lives in Christ, urging believers to persevere and stand firm in faith, even in the midst of tribulations and great trials.
Studies in 1 Corinthians-03 1 Cor 4:1-13
By William MacDonald1.5K44:13MAT 5:11MAT 7:15ROM 12:141CO 4:102TI 3:121PE 3:151PE 4:14In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Corinthians chapter 4 and specifically discusses the judgment seat of Christ. He explains that when the Lord comes, there will be a judgment seat where hidden things of darkness will be brought to light and the counsels of the heart will be revealed. The preacher also mentions four important judgments in the New Testament, including the judgment of the believer's sins. He emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of the mysteries of God and warns against thinking beyond what is written in the Bible to avoid pride and division among believers.
Persecution and the Underground Church in China
By Edgar Reich1.4K34:07Chinese Underground ChurchMAT 10:22MAT 28:19MRK 16:17ACT 2:4ROM 12:12TI 3:12REV 3:8In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts a personal experience of being in a prison and witnessing executions. The speaker describes being with the police and witnessing the execution of a prisoner who claimed to have supernatural power. The speaker then shares their own experience of being punished by being hung in the air for four hours, during which they prayed and felt a connection to Jesus' suffering on the cross. Despite the mistreatment and potential execution, the speaker expresses love for the Lord and a desire to share the gospel with those who do not know Christ. Eventually, the speaker is released from prison after a few hours of interrogation.
Some Things I Have Learnt in 50 Years Part 4
By Zac Poonen1.4K53:102TI 3:12This sermon shares 16 truths learned in 50 years of walking with God, emphasizing the importance of serving the Lord faithfully, trusting in God's provision, and accepting all whom God has received. It highlights the need to prioritize spiritual growth, embrace the new covenant, endure persecution, and be faithful in handling finances with integrity and dependence on God.
sermonindex.net Simulcast 2012: Learning From the Church in China
By E.A. Johnston1.4K01:481SA 4:21MAT 16:181CO 1:311CO 4:20PHP 2:102TI 3:12This sermon contrasts the state of the church in China, where believers face persecution and suffering as part of following Christ, with the church in the West, which has drifted from God's presence due to arrogance and lack of true power. It emphasizes the humility and dedication of Chinese believers who live out their faith in challenging circumstances, in contrast to the comfort-seeking attitude in the West. The message calls for a return to true worship and readiness to endure suffering for Christ, drawing a parallel between the East and West in their approach to faith.
Anabaptist History - Part 4
By Walter Beachy1.4K1:19:22Anabaptist HistoryPSA 119:105MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 2:38ROM 10:172TI 3:121PE 3:15The video mentioned in the sermon transcript is titled "And When They Shall Ask" and it focuses on the story of Israel entering the Jordan River and placing stones as memorials. The video starts by depicting the wealth and freedom enjoyed by the Russian Mennonite community. However, some young people studying in universities warned their parents about potential upheaval in Tsarist Russia, which the parents initially scoffed at. The video also includes a scene of a man being executed with a war axe, highlighting the unimaginable hardships faced by people in the past.
Persecution
By Keith Daniel1.4K1:06:37JOB 1:1PSA 34:19ISA 59:15MAT 5:102TI 3:12JAS 5:10This sermon delves into the concepts of Persecution, Affliction, and Tribulation as outlined in the Bible. It emphasizes the inevitability of facing these challenges as a Christian, the importance of finding hope and comfort in God's promises during times of affliction and tribulation, and the need to persevere in prayer and faith. The speaker highlights the significance of rejoicing in hope, being patient in tribulation, and continuing in prayer amidst trials, while reassuring that God's comfort and deliverance will sustain believers through all challenges.
Mighty Works of God
By Joshua Daniel1.3K28:00PSA 126:5MAT 19:26ACT 14:31CO 16:132TI 3:12HEB 10:35JAS 1:21PE 4:12This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the power of faith, perseverance, and witnessing in the face of opposition and challenges. It highlights the need for unwavering trust in God's ability to work miracles, heal the sick, and transform lives, even in the midst of societal issues like AIDS and tribal conflicts. The message encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, overcome obstacles, and continue spreading the Gospel despite persecution and tribulations, echoing the early disciples' dedication and courage.
He Was Despised and Rejected of Men
By Keith Daniel1.2K1:22:40PSA 119:105ISA 43:2JER 1:172TI 3:121PE 4:12This sermon emphasizes the need for preachers to brace themselves for rejection, persecution, and attacks, even from unexpected sources within the evangelical church. It calls for a return to the uncompromised Word of God, warning against the subtle ways truth is being withheld or perverted. The preacher is encouraged to trust in God through trials, knowing that God's grace will sustain and lead them, even in the darkest moments.
Godly People Will Be Persecuted
By Zac Poonen1.1K58:02ISA 41:10JER 29:11MAT 10:34JHN 15:18ACT 11:262TI 3:12HEB 4:15JAS 1:121PE 4:12REV 2:10This sermon emphasizes the inevitability of persecution for those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus, drawing parallels to biblical figures like Daniel, the apostles, and early Christians who faced persecution. It highlights the importance of standing firm for God, even in the face of opposition, and the strengthening and unity that persecution can bring to believers. The speaker encourages honesty before God, acknowledging weaknesses, and seeking His strength to remain faithful in all circumstances.
Are You Following Jesus or Admiring Him?
By Zac Poonen1.0K49:35MRK 7:6JHN 6:53JHN 14:61CO 10:132TI 3:12HEB 4:15HEB 6:20JAS 2:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of not just admiring Jesus, but also following Him. It discusses the need for balance in our Christian life, transitioning from admiration and praise to actively walking in His footsteps. The sermon highlights the challenges of following Jesus, including persecution, standing against unrighteousness, and choosing the narrow path of the cross. It encourages believers to live a life of gratitude, service, and godliness, even if it leads to being unpopular or facing opposition.
Trials
By George Verwer96716:30TrialsMAT 6:33ROM 8:181CO 10:132CO 1:42TI 3:12JAS 1:21PE 1:6The sermon transcript discusses the topic of suffering and trials in the life of a believer. It emphasizes that suffering is a part of the Christian faith and should not be avoided. The speaker refers to various Bible verses, such as 1 Peter 1:6-7 and James 1:2, which highlight the importance of trials in developing faith and character. The purpose of suffering is not only for personal growth but also to equip believers to help others who are going through similar difficulties. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need for believers to embrace suffering and find comfort in God's presence during trials.
Audio Sermon: Biblical Nonresistance
By Dean Taylor9061:37:18PSA 23:4PSA 46:10ISA 9:2ISA 9:6MAT 5:102TI 3:121PE 4:12REV 2:10This sermon emphasizes the light of God shining in the darkness, bringing joy and breaking the burdens of oppression. It highlights the prophecy of a child being born, who will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The message also delves into identifying the true Church in the last days through distinct marks, focusing on perseverance and faith amidst chaos and persecution.
Radio Interview From Sudan Eritrea Border - Part 5
By Kevin Turner77115:03Radio InterviewISA 6:5MAT 6:33ACT 2:422TI 3:12HEB 5:121PE 2:2REV 3:16In this video, Kevin Turner, President of Strategic World Impact, discusses the issue of watered-down discipleship and lukewarm Christianity in America. He attributes this problem to the desire to increase church numbers by lowering the standards of discipleship. Turner shares a personal experience of realizing his own hypocrisy and the need for genuine repentance. He emphasizes the importance of seeking a true relationship with God and being willing to be a failure for Him rather than seeking personal success. Turner also highlights the contrast between the prosperity and lack of persecution in America, urging Christians to examine their faith and strive for a deeper, more authentic walk with God.
No Backing Up (Part 2)
By Jim Cymbala74826:18Christian LifeMAT 6:33JHN 15:20JHN 16:21TH 3:22TI 3:12In this sermon, the preacher describes a moment when people in downtown Brooklyn were curious about him and gathered to see what he was about. Despite the temptation to say something that would make them stay, the preacher felt compelled to speak the truth. He shares a personal story of receiving threats for his faith and the pressure he faced to deny Jesus. The preacher also discusses the early church's poverty and affliction, emphasizing that God knows and understands their struggles.
Let Epiphany Come
By Thaddeus Barnum62620:51ISA 42:1MAT 5:44MAT 10:16LUK 23:34ROM 5:3PHP 1:292TI 3:12This sermon delves into the theme of conflict as seen in Matthew 12, highlighting the opposition faced by Jesus from the Pharisees and the promise of conflict for believers. It emphasizes finding epiphany and peace in the midst of unresolved conflict, drawing from biblical passages that speak of suffering for Christ and loving one's enemies. The sermon underscores the importance of responding to conflict with gentleness, sensitivity, and a focus on carrying out God's mission, even in the face of opposition and persecution.
Broken Alabaster Boxes
By E.A. Johnston59924:14Christian LifePSA 23:4MAT 16:24JHN 12:25ROM 8:172CO 11:23PHP 3:102TI 3:12In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of individuals who have experienced suffering and how it has shaped their faith. One example is Dr. Rosevere, a white woman who was captured and brutally beaten during a rebellion in the Congo. Despite her pain, she found solace in the belief that she was sharing in the fellowship of Christ's suffering. The speaker also discusses a conversation with Adrian Rogers, who believed that the turning point in his ministry was the loss of his baby boy. The sermon emphasizes the importance of suffering in the Christian life, drawing from biblical passages that highlight Christ's own suffering and the lessons learned through it.
Promise Believers #4 - Unpopular Promises
By Bob Hoekstra54157:20MAT 6:33ACT 20:292TI 3:12In this sermon, the pastor discusses the unpopular promises of God, specifically regarding the consequences of sin and the standards of righteousness. He emphasizes the prevalence of pride and self-exaltation in the world, using the example of Muhammad Ali. The pastor also mentions the belief in the new age thinking of humans evolving into gods. However, he reminds the congregation of the biblical promise that in the last days, perilous times will come, with evil men and imposters growing worse and deceiving others. The sermon concludes with a mention of a verse that haunted a godly man in Dallas, Texas, highlighting the importance of standing on God's promises.
Persecuted
By Leonard Ravenhill601:42:30PersecutionSpiritual Awakening2CH 7:14ISA 60:1MAT 5:10MAT 5:13JHN 16:33ROM 12:2EPH 6:12PHP 2:152TI 3:121PE 4:12Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound need for spiritual awakening in a world filled with darkness and confusion. He calls for believers to recognize their responsibility in a society that often prioritizes materialism over spiritual truth, urging them to seek a deeper relationship with God. Ravenhill highlights the importance of being 'salt' in a decaying world, reminding the congregation that true persecution comes from living righteously for Christ's sake. He expresses a longing for revival, where the name of Jesus is proclaimed and the hearts of many are turned back to God. Ultimately, he encourages believers to live out their faith boldly, knowing that they are in a spiritual battle against the forces of evil.
Persecution - What You Need to Know
By Shane Idleman856:39PersecutionFaith in TrialsPSA 29:11ISA 41:10JER 29:11MAT 16:24JHN 16:33ACT 6:8ROM 8:18PHP 1:292TI 3:121PE 4:12Shane Idleman addresses the reality of persecution in the Christian life, challenging the notion that God guarantees a comfortable and carefree existence. He emphasizes that true faith often leads to trials and tribulations, as seen in the early church and the lives of martyrs. Idleman urges believers to redefine what a 'wonderful plan' means, focusing on God's presence during hardships rather than the absence of suffering. He encourages Christians to prepare for spiritual battles and to strengthen their relationship with God through prayer and reliance on His power. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of faith that embraces both the blessings and challenges of following Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
All that will live godly - So opposite to the spirit and practice of the world is the whole of Christianity, that he who gives himself entirely up to God, making the Holy Scriptures the rule of his words and actions, will be less or more reviled and persecuted. "If religion gives no quarter to vice, the vicious will give no quarter to religion and its professors."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Yea, and--an additional consideration for Timothy: if he wishes to live godly in Christ, he must make up his mind to encounter persecution. that will, &c.--Greek, "all whose will is to live," &c. So far should persecution be from being a stumbling-block to Timothy, he should consider it a mark of the pious. So the same Greek is used of the same thing, Luk 14:28, Luk 14:33, "intending (Greek, 'wishing') to build a tower . . . counteth the cost." live godly in Christ-- (Gal 2:20; Phi 1:21). There is no godliness (Greek, "piously") or piety out of Christ. The world easily puts up with the mask of a religion which depends on itself, but the piety which derives its vigor directly from Christ is as odious to modern Christians as it was to the ancient Jews [BENGEL]. shall suffer persecution--and will not decline it (Gal 5:11). BISHOP PEARSON proves the divine origination of Christianity from its success being inexplicable on the supposition of its being of human origin. The nature of its doctrine was no way likely to command success: (1) it condemns all other religions, some established for ages; (2) it enjoins precepts ungrateful to flesh and blood, the mortifying of the flesh, the love of enemies, and the bearing of the cross; (3) it enforces these seemingly unreasonable precepts by promises seemingly incredible; not good things such as afford complacency to our senses, but such as cannot be obtained till after this life, and presuppose what then seemed impossible, the resurrection; (4) it predicts to its followers what would seem sure to keep most of the world from embracing it, persecutions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse,.... By "evil men" are meant, not sinful men in common, as all are by nature and practice; nor only open profane sinners but rather wicked men under a form of godliness, as before; and who are full of wickedness and malice against truly godly persons, even as the devil himself, of whom the same word is used, when he is called the wicked one; and this is a reason why true professors of religion must expect persecution, seeing as there ever were, so there ever will be such sort of men, who will not grow better, but worse and worse. The word for "seducers", signifies sorcerers, enchanters, a sort of jugglers; and as the other, it well suits with the ecclesiastics of the church of Rome, who pretend to miracles, and do lying wonders, and by their sorceries deceive all nations, Rev 18:23 and these "shall wax worse and worse"; in principle and in practice, in ungodliness, and in error, in wickedness and malice against the saints, and in the arts of deceiving; so the church of Rome is never to be expected to be better, but worse; at the time of the fall of Babylon she will be an habitation of devils, the hold of every foul spirit, and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird, Rev 18:2 deceiving: not God, but themselves and others even all nations, excepting the elect of God; which they do by their good words and fair speeches, and by their show of devotion and religion, and by their pretended miracles and lying wonders: and deceived by the old serpent, the devil, under whose power and influence they are, in whose snare they are taken, and by whom they are led captive, and will at last share the same fate with himself, and be cast into the same lake of fire and brimstone.