Hated But Helped
John 15.18-16.11
While followers of Jesus will face hatred and persecution from the world because they are no longer of it, they can find hope in the promise of the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to bear witness to Christ even in the darkest places.
Weekly Devotional
Day 1: Inherent Opposition to the World
Followers of Jesus are inherently at odds with the world because they have been called out of it and now follow a new Master. This opposition is not due to any wrongdoing but simply because of their allegiance to Christ. Understanding this helps us to accept and navigate the hostility we may face. Jesus warned His disciples that the world would hate them because it first hated Him. This hatred stems from the fact that believers no longer conform to the world’s values and systems but instead live according to the teachings of Jesus. This inherent opposition is a natural consequence of our new identity in Christ.
**Bible Passage:** “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19, ESV)
**Reflection:** Think of a recent situation where you felt at odds with the world because of your faith. How did you respond, and how can you better navigate such situations in the future?
The Exclusive Claims of Jesus
Jesus’ statements about His unity with the Father and the necessity of His sacrifice for salvation are profoundly offensive to other worldviews. This is why the name of Jesus often provokes a strong reaction, even when general belief in God is more widely accepted. The exclusivity of Jesus’ claims challenges the pluralistic and relativistic mindset of the world. His declaration that He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6) is a stumbling block for many, but it is also the cornerstone of our faith. Understanding this helps us to stand firm in our beliefs and articulate the gospel with clarity and conviction.
**Bible Passage:** “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, ESV)
**Reflection:** How do you feel about the exclusive claims of Jesus in a world that values inclusivity? What steps can you take to lovingly and boldly share this truth with others?
The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is at work in us, through us, and around us, even in a world that hates Jesus. The Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, continuing the mission of Jesus through His followers. This should encourage us to remain faithful and bold in our witness. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith and bear witness to Jesus, even in the face of opposition. By relying on the Spirit, we can trust that our efforts to share the gospel will be fruitful, as the Spirit works in the hearts of those who hear.
**Bible Passage:** “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” (John 16:8-11, ESV)
**Reflection:** In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s work in your life recently? How can you be more attentive to the Spirit’s leading in your daily interactions?
Perseverance in Persecution
Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution, not to discourage them, but to strengthen their resolve. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is with us and will bear witness through us provides the courage to endure and remain faithful even in the face of hostility. Persecution is a reality for many believers around the world, and while we may not face the same level of suffering, we are still called to stand firm in our faith. The promise of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power gives us the strength to persevere and remain steadfast in our commitment to Jesus.
**Bible Passage:** “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12-13, ESV)
**Reflection:** Reflect on a time when you faced opposition or ridicule for your faith. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from that experience to help you persevere in future challenges?
Hope in the Darkest Places
Even in the most hostile environments, the Holy Spirit is at work, and many will come to faith in Jesus. This should inspire us to continue sharing the gospel, trusting that the Spirit’s power is sufficient to bring about transformation. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the darkest places is a testament to God’s relentless pursuit of His people. No environment is too hostile for the Spirit to work, and this truth should embolden us to share the gospel with confidence, knowing that God can bring light to even the darkest situations.
**Bible Passage:** “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV)
**Reflection:** Think of a person or place that seems resistant to the gospel. How can you pray for the Holy Spirit to work in that situation, and what steps can you take to share the light of Christ there?
Sermon Summary
Followers of Jesus will face persecution and hatred from the world because they are no longer part of it, but they can find hope in the promise of the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to bear witness to Christ even in the darkest places
Today, we delve into the profound words of Jesus from John 15 and 16, focusing on the reality of persecution and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
We began by reflecting on the message to the church in Smyrna from Revelation 2, where Jesus acknowledges their tribulation and encourages them to remain faithful even unto death. This sets the stage for understanding the context of Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 15, where He prepares them for the hatred and persecution they will face simply because they follow Him.
We explored the distinction between persecution, trials, and tribulation, emphasizing that persecution is a unique form of suffering that comes solely because of one’s faith in Christ. Jesus makes it clear that the world will hate His followers because they are no longer of the world; they have been called out and now follow a new Master. This inherent opposition is not due to any wrongdoing but because of their allegiance to Jesus.
Despite this grim reality, Jesus offers a profound promise: the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Helper, will bear witness about Jesus and empower the disciples to do the same. This divine presence will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, continuing the work of Jesus through His followers.
We also examined the practical implications of these truths, noting that while we may not face the same level of persecution as some of our brothers and sisters around the world, the principles still apply. We are inherently at odds with the world because of our new identity in Christ. The rejection of Jesus by the world is rooted in His exclusive claims about His divinity and the necessity of His sacrifice for salvation.
Finally, we were encouraged by the reminder that the Holy Spirit is actively at work even in the darkest places. While not everyone will respond to the gospel, many will, and the Spirit’s power is sufficient to bring about transformation even in the most hostile environments. This should embolden us to bear witness to Jesus, trusting in the Spirit’s work through us.