When You Are Hated

What to do when you are hatedPhilippians 2:5-11 NKJV - Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Know Your God

We are at war!

1. Revelation 12:10 NKJV - Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

2. Revelation 17:14 NKJV - "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."

3. Revelation 19:11, 19 NKJV - Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. ... And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.

Our King tells us to Expect Persecution!

1. John 15:18-21 NKJV "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.

2. 2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV - Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

3. 1 Peter 4:12-13 NKJV - Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

The Victory is the Lord’s!

1. Revelation 20:7-11 NKJV - Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.

2. Deuteronomy 4:37-40 NKJV - "And because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their descendants after them; and He brought you out of Egypt with His Presence, with His mighty power, "driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land as an inheritance, as it is this day. "Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. "You shall therefore keep His statutes and His commandments which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the LORD your God is giving you for all time."

Know Your Enemy

PEOPLE are not the enemy; SIN is.

1. We hate the defilement, but defilement is not all we are. We are not just flesh and blood; in fact, our real identity is our SOULS.

2. Jude 1:22-23 NKJV - And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

3. What makes our enemies enemies?

a. Romans 12:18 NKJV - If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

b. 1 Timothy 2:1 NKJV - Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

4. May whatever enemies we have be enemies because THEY have chosen it.

a. If I arbitrarily decide that someone is my enemy, and begin to treat them in that way, I am using human judgment to set the terms of my interaction with that person.

b. However, someone can become our enemy because they put THEMSELVES into that position.

c. We must give God that place in our hearts. Just as he decides what is right and wrong, He determines the standards that we embrace or reject.

5. Ahab’s perspective on Elijah

a. 1 Kings 18:17-18 NKJV Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, "Is that you, O troubler of Israel?" And he answered, "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father's house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals.

6. David’s perspective on Absalom

a. 2 Samuel 15:12-13 NKJV - Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city--from Giloh--while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom continually increased in number. Now a messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom."

b. Absalom led a rebellion against David, the rightful king. David did not hold this against him in the end, but mourned his loss.

c. 2 Samuel 18:32-33 NKJV - And the king said to the Cushite, "Is the young man Absalom safe?" So the Cushite answered, "May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise against you to do harm, be like that young man!" Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: "O my son Absalom--my son, my son Absalom--if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!"

God defends us against our enemies.

1. Psalm 3 - David knows that God is his shield.

2. Psalm 9:3-4 NKJV - When my enemies turn back, They shall fall and perish at Your presence. For You have maintained my right and my cause; You sat on the throne judging in righteousness.

3. Psalm 17:1-2 NKJV - A Prayer of David. Hear a just cause, O LORD, Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.

Love The Lost

1. Even if someone has done you wrong, repay them with love. This does not mean you let people abuse you, but it means that whatever someone does against you has no true power over you. This is the freedom in loving others unconditionally.

2. Even if I am not able to forgive someone else (because they are not seeking forgiveness), I can still love them.

3. John 3:16 NKJV - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

4. Romans 12:17-21 NKJV - Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Know Yourself

The Christian is a Soldier.

1. A soldier in a deeper way than any soldier fighting for an earthly power.

2. 1 Timothy 1:18-20 NKJV - This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

3. 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 NKJV - Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

4. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 NKJV - You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

5. Titus 3:1-2 NKJV - Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

Live in the world; don’t be of the world

1. Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV - "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

2. Romans 12:2 NKJV - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV - Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."