John 15:18-19 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated
me first. If you belonged
to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the
world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
2 Timothy 3:12 ‘In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ
Jesus will be persecuted’
Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of
righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are
you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil
against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in
heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Jesus tells us to
‘keep in mind’ that the world has hated Him first. This is a sobering reminder that
we should not seek or expect to live a life that is devoid of criticism for the
gospel.
Are you missing the cost of discipleship?
The reason why much of the church is fruitless is because she is
prepared to love Jesus, to love those inside, but does not love those outside enough
to be rejected by them for His name.
‘Life for the Master
ended with rejection, pain and agonizing death. The disciple should never be
surprised if following Jesus leads the same way.’ (Watson, discipleship, loc.
383)
Ask God for grace and
courage to be prepared to experience dishonour for Jesus’ name.
Catch up on all the messages in the
John series at:
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