HOW TO HANDLE HATE (9 OF 14)
by Keith Krell
Scripture: John 15:18-27, John 16:1-4
This content is part of a series.
How to Handle Hate (9 of 14)
Series: Focus on Your Family
Keith Krell
John 15:18-16:4
Life is filled with choices and every choice has consequences. In grammar school, a student who befriends an unpopular boy or girl will lose friends and be made fun of. In high school, a student who refuses to give up his or her virginity will lose dates and be laughed at. In the workplace, if you live a life of integrity you'll be passed over for a promotion. In the senior years, if you invest your time and money in the church you'll miss out on various memories and material possessions. In the political realm, if you're vocal about your favorite candidate, there will be those who disagree with you. In the spiritual realm, if you follow Jesus Christ, you will be hated. That's right: HATED! Whether you like it or not, the Bible is clear that Christians will be hated and rejected by the world.
In John 15:18-16:4, Jesus explains why the world hates Christians. Naturally, I recognize that this will not be welcomed as a "feel-good sermon." However, it does feel good to know that Jesus warned us in advance. As you reflect on Jesus' words, ask yourself: Have I adopted a cultural Christianity or a cross-centered Christianity? Today, Jesus will say: It's better to be loved than liked. In other words, it's better to experience Jesus' unconditional and eternal love than to win a popularity contest and be liked by the world.
In 15:18 Jesus declares, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you." The particular form of the word "if" (ei) assumes something is true. Jesus is saying, "If the world hates you—and it does." There is a certainty in Jesus' words: "You will be hated! You can count on it!" Jesus then reminds His disciples that the world hated Him first. The NASB margin note offers a better rendering: "Or (imperative) know that." Jesus is commanding His disciples to remember that He was hated from the time of His birth to the time ...
Series: Focus on Your Family
Keith Krell
John 15:18-16:4
Life is filled with choices and every choice has consequences. In grammar school, a student who befriends an unpopular boy or girl will lose friends and be made fun of. In high school, a student who refuses to give up his or her virginity will lose dates and be laughed at. In the workplace, if you live a life of integrity you'll be passed over for a promotion. In the senior years, if you invest your time and money in the church you'll miss out on various memories and material possessions. In the political realm, if you're vocal about your favorite candidate, there will be those who disagree with you. In the spiritual realm, if you follow Jesus Christ, you will be hated. That's right: HATED! Whether you like it or not, the Bible is clear that Christians will be hated and rejected by the world.
In John 15:18-16:4, Jesus explains why the world hates Christians. Naturally, I recognize that this will not be welcomed as a "feel-good sermon." However, it does feel good to know that Jesus warned us in advance. As you reflect on Jesus' words, ask yourself: Have I adopted a cultural Christianity or a cross-centered Christianity? Today, Jesus will say: It's better to be loved than liked. In other words, it's better to experience Jesus' unconditional and eternal love than to win a popularity contest and be liked by the world.
In 15:18 Jesus declares, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you." The particular form of the word "if" (ei) assumes something is true. Jesus is saying, "If the world hates you—and it does." There is a certainty in Jesus' words: "You will be hated! You can count on it!" Jesus then reminds His disciples that the world hated Him first. The NASB margin note offers a better rendering: "Or (imperative) know that." Jesus is commanding His disciples to remember that He was hated from the time of His birth to the time ...
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