But Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain - Part 1533

"Yet if any [man] suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf ... wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." (I Peter 4:16-19)

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and a persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou has heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus -- the good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us." (II Timothy 1:12-13)

For those who love the Lord Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, (and by extension, seek understanding, as did the scribe), persecution can be expected. After all, we have responded to His invitation and learned of the riches of His goodness. We have experienced first hand His forbearance and long suffering in our own lives. We have seen the fruits which come from His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost dwelling within. We also know that our desire for the Lord should point us to repentance, and being water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:38)

Why? Because while we were still servants of sin, and condemned to eternal death, God willingly became our Saviour. He poured out His unending love for us on His cross, so that we might know the far reaching extent of His mercy that now makes us alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

"After His kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4)

"For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ -- who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:11-14)

Please don't get me wrong -- the world does not mind good works. In fact, the world is sustained by the good deeds of the faithful in Christ. Plus, they "which believe in God might be careful to maintain good works, because these things are good and profitable unto men." (Titus 3:8)

But the persecution comes when we begin to attribute the substance of our lives, and what we do as a flow through helping others -- to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- King of kings and Lord of lords. When we share with others that our hope and faith that gives us the strength to face this world comes only from the One who loved us enough to shed His precious blood, so that we might have life in Him.

The Lord Jesus speaks about laying down our lives for our brother, but He went one step further. Jesus laid down His life for us, whilst we were still His enemies. He gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done BUT according to HIS mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:5-7)

Thus, while we may desire to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour) there may be times in leading all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, that persecution will come. Don't waver as a consequence, but stand strong, knowing that the Lord God Almighty -- the Lord of glory will be victorious in all things, and that He never fails.

As Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope, said, "Howbeit, for this cause, I obtained mercy" -- because Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- "that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever, Amen. (I Timothy 1:15-17)

Thus hold the faith, and a good conscience, and know always from whence comes our hope and sustenance. Also know that we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. (I Timothy 4:10)

Stand in the offering plate.