“The World’s Hatred Of Christ(ians)”
John 15:18-16:4
Sermon Series: “Getting Acquainted With Jesus”
Introduction: The church has been persecuted throughout its history. While we have been blessed with great religious freedom in America (at least to this point), the church throughout much of the world is being persecuted today in a greater manner than any other time in history. We generally want things to be smooth, easy, and conflict free; but Jesus teaches us that opposition and persecution from the world are part of the normal Christian life. Let’s examine the principles He shared regarding persecution/opposition:
1. A balanced view of following Jesus recognizes there are many benefits to following Him, but ultimately, it is no bed of roses.
Jesus bids us to come and die (Luke 9:23).
When we are saved, we enter a battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil.
God’s blessing is on us just as much (if not more) when things are painful instead of easy.
Jesus wants us to live for eternity and not for the here and now.
This truth absolutely destroys the prosperity gospel.
2. We are to be prepared for opposition/persecution because it is to be expected for true followers of Jesus (15:18, 16:1-4). Why?
The world hated Jesus first (v. 18).
We belong to Jesus instead of the world (v. 19).
Receiving opposition/persecution is part of being like Jesus (v. 20).
The world does not know and even hates the Father (v. 20, 23).
The unrighteous are provoked by righteousness (v. 25). Unbelievers want believers to sin order to be able to accuse them of hypocrisy and have an excuse. Obviously, Jesus was perfect and they had nothing to accuse Him of. It does show that it is only truly persecution when it is for righteousness’ sake.
3. Opposition/persecution comes from a rejection of the Word of God (v. 20, 22). However, this gives us no right to change the message.
4. People who do not really know God but think they do believe they are serving God by persecuting us (16:1-4). Jesus teaches us very clearly in these verses that persecution comes from religious people in addition to the world.
5. Our job is to proclaim Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 26-27). We are to bear witness to Jesus even in the midst of persecution. God used persecution to get the early church to fulfill the Great Commission (Acts 8).
Conclusion-Applications:
-Do we realize how easy we have it and how blessed we are?
-Are we thankful or do we complain about insignificant things?
-Do we tell others about Jesus even when we do not have to be particularly concerned about persecution?
-Do we care about our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted around the world?
-Are we ashamed to openly confess Jesus?
-Is Christianity another one of your hobbies or is Jesus your life?
-Are we enough like Jesus and bold enough to ever get persecuted?
-Do we love Jesus enough to sacrifice and suffer for Him?
-Do we value Jesus or our lives, security, and comfort more?
-Will it take persecution for the church in America to awaken from apathy and be set on fire?
