Sometimes our culture and/or subculture, such as evangelicalism, allow words, thoughts and ideas to evolve untethered from their original meaning and purpose. This is why we have English words that were used to translate the Hebrew and the Greek of the King James Bible which now mean something very different, sometimes opposite of, what they did four-hundred years ago.
This is actually a normal process of language. The meanings of words and expressions change over time.
“I got screwed.” You would never have heard that expression thirty to forty years ago in contexts that we do today. The tricky part is that some of the influence hangs around and is still vivid in the minds of people who remember very specifically what it used to mean and still does at times.
The expression “living by faith” is an example of subcultural influence running the intended meaning off the track. It took me some time in my Christian life before I realized that all Christians are to live by faith, not just missionaries. It doesn’t mean that you live on a financial faith promise system. That may be one way in which a person lives this truth but the meaning is much greater and broader.
(2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV) We live by faith, not by sight.
(Habakkuk 2:4 ESV) Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.
So now back to persecution.
Persecution is one of those ideas that has slipped off the track because we have lost touch with its etymological and biblical roots. We have layered so much cultural influence on this concept that many (I think most) do not know what persecution actually means.
Is the idea of persecution really limited to living in a country where you may be punished for your religious expression? Or on a more personal level, is persecution really limited to incidents such as not being able to pray in school or not being allowed to have a copy of the ten commandments on my desk at work?
To find what God is really talking about we have to sort through and peel off some layers.
(2 Timothy 3:12 ESV) Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Why don’t we let the words of God scrub away our definitions and peel off a few layers.
Possibly two key expressions in this text: “all who desire” and “will be”
Boink! It hit me one day several years ago as I read through my Bible. It doesn’t say live godly, be persecuted. It says just think about it, dude, and you’re asking for trouble. Says nothing about government oppression.
When I hear the subject of persecution discussed, I can’t get over the absence of our main enemy.
(Ephesians 6:12 ESV) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Okay, let’s go for a little etymology now. The common thread you will see whether in the Strong’s Concordance or in any number of online resources is the idea of being pursued, followed, chased after, a persistant antagonism. (See YourDictionary.com, Online Etymology Dictionary, Dictionary.com and others.)
I can’t believe that we overlook the spiritual battle. Haven’t you ever sensed the dark forces pursuing you, threatening you concerning your next decision for God? Don’t you ever feel the enemy’s rage and accusations as you desire to live past the cliche?
I am not trying to be judgmental, but what does our inspired resource tell us? Desire to live godly life in Christ Jesus, will be pursued by the enemy.
News Flash: The spiritual forces of evil are not hampered by national boundaries.
I have some more thoughts but think I’m going to go to bed before long as 5:00 am will be here soon.
I’ll give you my list of verses and hopefully tomorrow or Saturday will probe some more.
(Matthew 5:10 ESV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:12 ESV) Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
(John 15:20 ESV) Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
(1 Corinthians 4:12 ESV) and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;
2 Corinthians 4:7-10 ESV But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. (8) We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; (9) persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; (10) always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
(Galatians 6:12 ESV) It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
(2 Timothy 3:12 ESV) Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
