May 1, 2024

St. John 15:20 – 16:3 – If They Hate You; Know They Hated Me First!

CleanHeartOutReach
CleanHeartOutReach
St. John 15:20 - 16:3 - If They Hate You; Know They Hated Me First!
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Show Notes

Summary of the Message

The core teaching centers on John 15:20 and surrounding verses, where Jesus warns His followers that just as He was persecuted, so will they be. The world hates Christ because He is not of the world and embodies truth, which the world rejects. Consequently, believers, who serve Him, will also face rejection and hatred—not for their own sins but for Christ’s sake, since many do not know God the Father.

The message highlights the importance of understanding the spiritual battle behind the persecution—recognizing that those who oppose believers are often manipulated by a demonic spirit, sometimes without their knowledge. The speaker warns believers not to become worldly or blend into the culture, which leads to compromised faith and vulnerability to deception.

Relationships, even with family and church members, can be challenging because many professing Christians do not truly know God or Jesus Christ. This lack of spiritual knowledge can lead to betrayal and persecution. The message urges believers to speak the truth of the Gospel boldly, knowing that not everyone will receive it. The gift of the Holy Spirit is emphasized as key to enduring persecution by providing truth and comfort.

A personal testimony about standing firm against workplace pressures (such as taking a vaccine) underscores the call to prioritize God’s kingdom over earthly demands and “not belong to the world.” The message concludes with the paramount importance of love, drawing on 1 Corinthians 13, emphasizing that without love, all spiritual gifts and sacrifices amount to nothing, because God is love.

Finally, the speaker exhorts believers to prepare for Christ’s return, live in love, speak truth, withstand persecution without offense, and know the Father and Son intimately for eternal life.

Key Scriptures from the Message

  1. John 15:20
    “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you…”

  2. John 15:21
    “But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.”

  3. John 15:23-25
    “He that hateth me hateth my Father also… it is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.”

  4. John 16:1-3
    “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended… they shall put you out of the synagogues… because they know not the Father nor me.”

  5. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
    The chapter describing the primacy of love (charity) over all spiritual gifts and works.


Takeaways from the Message

1. Amazing, Unfailing Love of God is Found in Jesus Christ

The foundation of the Christian life is God’s amazing love demonstrated through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. This love not only offers forgiveness and eternal life but also conquers fear and grants peace to believers. Understanding and embracing this love is essential.

2. Persecution is Inevitable for Followers of Christ

Based on John 15:20, followers of Jesus must expect persecution because the world hates Christ and therefore hates those who align with Him. This rejection is not personal but rooted in spiritual blindness and ignorance of God.

3. Stay Separate from Worldly Influences to Avoid Deception

The message warns against conforming to worldly ways or associating closely with those who reject God’s truth, even if they are loved ones or church members. Worldly influence can lead to compromise or spiritual entrapment, while discernment protects believers.

4. Knowing God and Jesus Christ is the Key to Endurance and Eternal Life

Many who claim Christianity do not truly know God or Jesus. The message stresses that eternal life comes by knowing God as the Father and Jesus Christ as sent by the Father. This knowledge helps believers to stand firm despite opposition.

5. Love Must Govern All Actions and Relationships

Referencing 1 Corinthians 13, the speaker points out that all spiritual abilities, sacrifices, and gifts mean nothing without love. Love is patient, kind, not self-seeking, and enduring. God Himself is love; thus, believers must reflect that love in all circumstances, even when persecuted.

6. The Holy Spirit Provides Truth, Comfort, and Boldness

The role of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth is underlined as essential for believers. He teaches, recalls Scripture, helps confront opposition, and offers comfort amidst trials, enabling Christians to testify effectively.

7. Be Prepared and Not Offended by the Inevitable Opposition

Jesus warned believers not to be surprised or offended by hatred and persecution, which is meant to prepare them for challenges ahead. Remaining steadfast and loving rather than reacting with bitterness is part of spiritual maturity.

8. Boldness to Speak Truth in Love is Crucial

Believers are called to speak the truth of sin and salvation clearly, even when uncomfortable, because hiding or diluting the truth hinders salvation. Truth-telling is a form of love that helps people recognize sin and leads them to repentance.

Intro Music

Amazing Love by Sherlandra Revis

Outro Music 

He’s Coming by Walter Mills & Chosen

Prayer of Salvation,

Father God in Heaven

I’m asking for forgiveness for my sins and

to be Washed clean!

I Believe that Jesus the Christ died on

the cross for the sins of the world,

And that His blood was shed and

His body was broken as a sacrifice for me!

In Your Word 1st John 1:9 – The Word states:

“If you confess our sins, He is faithful and

just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness”.

I confess I’m a sinner!

Jesus Christ

I believe that You were crucified for me!

Wash me clean that I may be made whole!

Please come and live in my heart!

I’m submitting my Life, my will, my mind, my thoughts,

& my imaginations to You

Abide in me, allow me to abide in You!

Let Your Word abide in me!

My Lord & My God!

In the Name of Jesus Christ!

Amen.

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