Godliness & Persecution: Two Inseparable Companions

Godliness and persecution has been inseparable companions for every true believer since that first day when Cain murdered his brother Abel, because his works were righteous and Cain's evil. Yet, in the hands of Christ, this strange companionship has been sovereignly ordained a "blessed union."
"Yea, and all those who WILL LIVE GODLY, shall suffer persecution," there is a distinction made as though not all would be willing to "live Godly" and therefore know nothing of this "blessed union."
Paul would have Timothy, as well as, every true believer know the blessedness of this great, inseparable companionship.