sf108 - The Worlds Hatred For Christ And His Followers (John 15 18-27)
The World’s Hatred of Christ and His Followers
John 15:18-27
Introduction
The theme of this section is the world’s hostility toward Christ and His followers. The word “hate” or “hatred” is repeated seven times in the last half of John 15. The verses emphasize the difference between the world and Christ’s disciples. If we understand this difference, it will change the way we live. We will no longer flirt with the world and the things of the world, but we will seek to honor God in all things.
We will examine our text by answering three important questions. First, why does the world hate the followers or Christ? Second, why does the world hate Jesus? Finally, what is Lord’s answer?
1A. Why Does the World Hate the Followers of Christ? (15:18-21)
1B. Because His followers “are not of the world.”
The “world” referred to here is not a place or a people. It is a way of thinking, a mindset (1 John 2:15-17). It represents everything that is contrary to God and His word. Because the followers of Christ are different from the world (Romans 12:1-2), the world hates them.
2B. Because Jesus “chose” His followers “out of the world.”
This is a reference to the doctrine of election. “Nothing so stirs the enmity of the carnal mind as to hear of God’s absolute sovereignty: choosing some and passing others. It should be noted that it is the religious world which was so enraged against Christ: it was the synagogue-worshippers that sought to murder the Savior (Luke 4:28-29), because he pressed upon them the fact that God had compassion on whom He pleases. Nor have things changed for the better. Let any servant of God today expound the truths of Divine election and fore-ordination, and he will be assailed the most fiercely by those who claim to be the people of God”[1]
3B. Because Christians are identified with Christ.
It is Christ who chose them and the world hates Christ (15:20-21). The bottom line is the world hates Christians because it hates their Lord.
2A. Why Does the World Hate Jesus? (15:22-25)
1B. Because of His words (15:22-23)
Not because Christ’s words were evil, arrogant, selfish, mean, or hypocritical, because they were not. They hate Christ’s words because His words condemn them. “Before Christ came and spoke, men and women could get by with relative goodness. They could have a little arrogance, but not too much; a little selfishness, but not too much; a little meanness, a little hypocrisy. Moreover, they could be thought good because of the limitation. After Christ came, this was revealed for what it is: sin. People hated the exposure.”[2]
2B. Because of His works (15:24-25)
“Works” (ergon); refers to all that Christ does (John 17:4). What makes this significant is that the works are God’s works, and they were done perfectly. Christ came man’s works looked pretty good next to the works of other men. But now that Christ has come, man’s best works are “like a filthy garment” (Isaiah 64:6). [CAM1] The Lord Jesus’ perfect life reveals and condemns our sin.
3B. Because of His relationship with the Father
“The world hates Christ’s followers because it hates Christ, and the world hates Christ because it hates God the Father.”[3]
3A. What is the Lord’s Answer? (15:26-27)
1B. The witness of the Holy Spirit
In the inspiration of the Scriptures
The Scriptures are unique in that while they were written by men, they are the very words of God.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
2 Peter 1:21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
The internal witness of the Holy Spirit
This is the present ministry of the Holy Spirit whereby He speaks through the Scriptures to carry their truths to the heart of the person (John 14:26; 1 John 2:20, 27; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13).
2B. The ministry of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit gives comprehension.
Apart from the Holy Spirit no one can understand spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14). The reason the world hates Christ is because they cannot understand and receive Him. It is the Holy Spirit that gives understanding to man.
The Holy Spirit brings conviction.
Comprehension without conviction is not enough. We need to be convicted of our sin (John 16:8-11).
The Holy Spirit brings commitment
“Having comprehended the gospel and having been convicted of sin to the point of repentance, the one to whom the Holy Spirit bears His witness will commit himself to Christ as Lord and Savior.”[4]
Application
If you have heard the witness of the Spirit and have responded to it, you must bear witness to Christ (15:27). To be effective your witness must include…
1. An assurance that the gospel is true indeed.
2. A personal experience of that truth.
3. A verbal expression of the gospel message.
Preparing for Next Week
Read and meditate on John 16:1-15.
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[1] Pink, Arthur W., Exposition of the Gospel of John, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975), 844.
[2] Boice, James M., The Gospel of John, Volume 4, Peace in Storm, John 13-17, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1985), 1192.
[3] Boice, 1193.
[4] Boice, 1198.
[CAM1]This sentence doesn’t make sense, I don’t think