Hope in a Hate Filled World

Note: This sermon was given following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Our confidence is that suffering gives way to a far greater eternal glory.

Why Did It Happen?

The reasonable expectation of life is that if you do what is right you will be treated fairly.

However, we can suffer for righteousness sake as a believer. In fact, we have seen that take place over the last year in various places.

Why was a man shot for his beliefs? Because of evil in the heart of others.

1 John 3:10–12 NASB95

10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 12 not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.

Cain killed Able because he was convicted over his own sinful works by Able’s righteous faith in God.

Don’t be surprised if the world hates you for following Jesus! See John 15:18-25.

Instead love the Lord and the brethren! Don’t allow hate to fill your heart in response.

How Should We Respond?

Be Ready to Answer (3:15-17)

Don’t fear, have faith! Sanctify, honor, reverence Christ in your heart. Esteem Christ of so much value that following him is worth any temporary suffering.

This will cause people to ask why? That has been the case all throughout the history of the church.

Our confidence is that suffering gives way to a far greater eternal glory.

Romans 8:18 NASB95

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Be ready to share your hope in Christ! Be ready to witness!

Remember Christ’s Example (3:18-22)

Remember that Christ suffered on your behalf to reconcile you to God.

Remember that there is a spiritual reality that is greater than this temporary physical body.

Jesus went in his death to proclaim his victory over the fallen

Remember your salvation in Christ!

Just as in the days of Noah, this world is under sentence of judgement and is passing away.

You have been saved through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Baptism is a witness to this fact!

Remember that Christ is Victor! He is at the right hand of the Father. Satan and his demons have been defeated!

Remember that suffering in this life gives way to far greater eternal glory for those in Christ!

Be Resolved to Follow (4:1-2)

Suffering helps to clarify what is important. What really matters when all is said and done?

When asked four months ago what he wanted to be remembered for C. Kirk responded. “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith, That would be the most important thing. The most important thing is my faith.”

Suffering lessens them attractiveness of this world’s glittering toys as we see the far greater value of eternity with Christ.

So, the bottom line is to follow Jesus!