John (28)

Introduction: Read John 15:18-16:4

Point…

Jesus’ disciples will be helped by the Holy Spirit when hated by the world.

Transition: As we move through this passage please keep in mind that the application of this truth is for us today just as it was for Jesus’ disciples in His day. Certainly, the main thrust and preparations that Jesus is making apply directly to the 11 disciples who will soon be taking responsibility to spread the gospel across Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the utter most part of the world. And as they obey Jesus they all incur persecution and hatred from the world. The same is true for Jesus’ church today. As we love and obey Him, as we love one another and seek to spread the gospel across the world.... we will be hated. Why? Jesus answers that question starting in verse 18.

Transition: Notice 6 reasons, “Why Jesus’ disciples be hated by the world...”

1. Because the world first hated Jesus. (15:18)

We must consider: How has John used the word, “world” through this gospel? (61x) John 1:9-10, John 1:29, John 3:16-17, John 4:42, John 6:51, John 8:12, John 9:5, John 11:27, John 13:1, John 14:17,

Define “world” as :The beliefs, values, and behaviors of those who do not belong to Jesus. However, this world system is far more hostile than a difference of opinions. We cannot think about the world as Jesus is describing it, as people who think differently than I do, have opposing political view, or don’t accept one another because of various alternative lifestyles. No, these are superficial symptoms of a much deeper hatred. The world is not just a philosophy of life or some apathetic ideology that is in contrast to Jesus. The world is a kingdom of hatred, ruled by the prince of the power of the air, an agenda of death to fight against the eternal life found only in jesus Christ. Notice how Jesus describes this kingdom..

Those under the influence of the ruler of this world. (John 12:31, John 14:30-31, John 16:11, 1 John 5:19)

Example: Those Jesus said belong to their father the devil. (John 8:44)

Point: As the advocate of His people, Jesus is first in line to receive the hatred from the world. We may be on the front line of a spiritual battle field, but we still stand behind our King.

Application??? : We need never be so proud to think that the world hates the church because of moral issues, political values, or some other notion. No, the world hates Jesus’ people because the one to whom the world belongs has always hated the one to whom the church belongs. We need never wallow in the petty pride of thinking the hate directed toward us as Christians is wrapped up in superficial ideas that often distract us from the roots of the spiritual war that is going on. Hate against Jesus’ people is is always filtered through Jesus.

2. Because Jesus’ disciples are not of the world. (15:19)

A humble reminder.. that if Jesus had not willingly obeyed His Father at every point and initiated a love relationship with us and chose us out of the world, we would still remain in darkness. However, since He has according to His mercy and grace granted us salvation, those who repent of their sin and trust in Christ are adopted into His family. Sealed by His Spirit. And we stand in line to be subject to the same hate that we used to spew onto Jesus. (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Point: When we belong to Christ we do not belong to the world. There, we are no longer loved by the world.. but

Application of caution: Friendship with the world. James 4:4.

3. Because Jesus disciples are not greater than Jesus. (15:20)

There is a reminder that there will always be those who respond with persecution against those who teach the truths of Jesus. We need never think we will avoid persecution from the world.

There is also a reminder that there will be those who respond in obedience to our teaching.

4. Because the world does not know the Father. (15:21)

This has been an ongoing theme of Jesus’ teaching throughout John’s gospel. That He is God. That He came from the Father. That He is the Son of God. That to know Jesus and see Jesus is to know and see the Father. And so it is true as well, to persecute or reject jesus is to persecute and reject the Father.

Illustration?? What is this connection like?

They will be persecuted by being thrown out of the synagogue and killed in ignorance of serving God. (16:2-3)

5. Because the world is guilty of sin. (15:22-24)

Willfully rejecting the word and works of Jesus.

Many times, the world will react in hostility toward Christians because of righteousness bearing light on the guilt and darkness. Example: we speak truth to a friend or coworker and they put you on silent treatment or worse.. because the truth has made them feel their guilt. And they are trying to defend their guilt by reacting in hateful persecution.

6. Because Scripture must be fulfilled. (15:25)

Jesus is quoting from Psalm 35:9, and Psalm 69:4. Both of these Psalms were written by King David as prayers to God. He was asking God for vindication and rescue from his enemies. Now, Jesus, who is the perfect King, the linage of David, the better David… uses those scriptures as the authority to validate His true identity as the Messiah. Like David, Jesus is revealing how His enemies are coming against Him for no reason. They have no real justifiable cause to kill him.

We have discovered the real reason behind the Pharisees and chief priests for their hatred of Jesus. (John 11:48) Notice the connection here between “their” law and the world. Among those who belong to the world and do not are a variety of types and degree. Some are religious. Some are moral. Some are hostile. Some are apathetic. Some are active in their pursuit of false religions. Some are passive in their idolatry. However, all are guilty of hating Jesus. As a result we often experience a variety of hostility of persecution from those who hate Jesus.

Unfortunately, Jesus’ followers are not always hated simply because of the name of Christ. Jesus was innocent of any crime that He was accused of. However, because we still remain in the flesh, we are not always innocent of incurring negative responses from those outside the faith. We can be mean and nasty, proud and arrogant, full of spite and unnecessary rigged convictions about things that have no eternal value. What is it that we are ready to die for?

Transition: Jesus’ disciples will be hated by the world. However, at the same the Holy Spirit will help Jesus’ disciples.

The Holy Spirit will help Jesus’ disciples... (15:26-27& 16:1)

How will the Holy Spirit help Jesus’ disciples ? As a witness. The hatred of the world against Jesus is an opportunity for Jesus’ disciples to speak the gospel. (15:20)

Close with two key ways that the Holy Spirit helps us witness while being hated by the world.

Endurance (16:1, 1Cor 4:12)

To keep from scandalizing their faith.

Remember… Jesus has told us these things so that we will endure suffering and not scandalize our faith.

Love (Luke 6:27)

Consider this in the context of your own life. How have you been hated for the name of Christ? rejected? overlooked? uninvited? de-friended?

How might we respond in love to those who are enemies of Christ? How might we do good to those who revile Christ?

Closing: Am I offended or thankful for being able to suffer for Jesus? Will we be a people who rejoice under persecution? Will we be a church that with the Help of the Holy Spirit endures through suffering? Will we be a people for Christ who love our enemies and do good to those who hate us?

Close by reading the beatitudes together.