*GODLY LIVING IN CHRIST *By Pastor John McKay

*GODLY LIVING IN CHRIST *
*By Pastor John McKay*
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Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3:12
A Greek proverb states, "He who does not get thrashed, does not get
educated." Depending on the student's attitude, of course, discipline is
vitally important in any achieving or learning process.
The Lord teaches us how to live. He first gives us the warning, "
....let none of you suffer as ... an evildoer ... " and " ... what glory
is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it
patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it
patiently, this is acceptable with God" (I Peter 4:15 and 2:19-20). It
is evident that the Christian exercised by discipline from God's Hand,
has profit, holiness, and the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Being
"thrashed" by the Lord's gracious and tender Hand is proof that we are
His children. It is definitely a part of the Christian life ("godly
living"). See Hebrews 12:6-11.
Our own passage, II Timothy 3:12, has a second consideration. " ... all
that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. " Each
believer will have a differing degree of suffering or trouble according
to the will of God. To know who we are "in Christ" and what we have in
Him, will not only bring us to conflict with evil (the spiritual
warfare), but will enable us to "abide under the will of God" and not
try to get out from under what He appoints. We must hold up in a
courageous manner when suffering to obtain the benefit that Christ wants
us to have. "If we suffer ('go through suffering' patiently'), we shall
also reign with Him ... " (II Timothy 2:12). Don't thrash yourself, but
accept God's thrashing. It will teach us godly living, and provide more
reward for God's glory. See I Peter 3:17.
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*Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery,
which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created
all things by Jesus Christ *
*Real integrity stays in place whether the test is adversity or
prosperity. *
*Chuck Swindoll *