December 2, 2016
GET OUT THERE AND GO GET 'EM
John 15:18–27
Truby McDougal
Central Truth
We aren't called to please the world. We are called to live for Christ and to point others toward His redeeming power and love, no matter how they choose to respond.
Key Verse | John 15:19
"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)
John 15:18–27
The Hatred of the World
18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 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. 20 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 also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, 1 15:22 Greek they would not have sin; also verse 24 but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’
26 But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
Dive Deeper | John 15:18–27
Like most high school kids, I visited many colleges and universities trying to decide where to invest my future. I was asked to audition for scholarships at some of the schools. With so much riding on the success of those auditions, I would get really nervous. I’ll never forget the pep talk my teacher gave me before I stepped out on stage to deliver a 20-minute monologue. He said, “Truby, go out there and do your best. They are going to hate you, but don’t worry. They hate me, too! Now go get 'em."
Doesn’t sound very encouraging, right? But that’s basically what Jesus is telling the disciples in this chapter. He's saying, “Hey boys, here’s the plan. Go out and speak truth to everyone you see. They are going to hate you for it. They’ll probably curse you, spit on you, and hurt you. But remember, that’s just because they hate Me. So go get ‘em!”
Jesus knew the world would persecute those who followed Him and spread His teachings. He reminded the disciples of this so that they would not be surprised or discouraged. As someone who doesn’t like conflict and wants to be liked, this is a good reminder and encouragement for me as well.
The world wants you to think that YOU are the one hating others when you speak truth. We have to remain grounded in God's Word and surrounded by other believers who can hold us accountable to the mission to which we are called—the same mission the disciples were on.
Jesus also reminded the disciples to focus on Him rather than themselves. If you focus on being accepted and loved by the world, you may overlook opportunities to share truth from God's Word.
We have to remember that God’s plans will not be derailed by an unbelieving world. God predicted the world would hate you. He's not surprised by its rejection of truth. He’s got it under control. So just get out there and go get ‘em!
Discussion Questions
1. Do you seek to share the news of Christ no matter the response?
2. If not, what is keeping you from it?
3. How can I pray for you to be bold in living out your faith? Let others around you know as well.