John 15-16
Why does the world system, including the “religious world”, hate the Christian, the one who believes on Jesus Christ and seeks to follow Him? Jesus gave several reasons:
1. We are identified with Christ (vv.18,20) If they hated Him, they will also hate those of us who are identified with Him.
2. We do not belong to the world (v.19) When we trusted Christ, we moved into a new spiritual position: we are now “in Christ” and “out of this world”. Yes, we are in this world physically, but we are not of this world spiritually. We should look at things of earth from heaven’s point of view. Don’t be conformed to this world! We are the light of this world and the salt of the earth. The world looks at us as “out of step” and “out of place”. We are to be different!
3. The world is spiritually ignorant and blind(v.21) The religious leaders knew a great deal about Jehovah God and could quote chapter and verse to defend their doctrines, but they did not personally know God. The religious world today claims to know God, but it does not want to bow the knee to Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the only Saviour of the world. Satan has blinded their minds (2 Cor. 4:3-4) and sin has blinded their hearts (Eph. 4:17-19).
4. The world will not be honest about its own sin (vv.22-24; 16:1-4) Jesus emphasized His words and His works. This emphasis is throughout the Gospel of John. The people had no excuse for their sin. They had seen His works and heard His word, but they would not admit the truth. All of the evidence had been presented, but they were not honest enough to receive it and act on it. Light reveals sin and most do not want to face their sin honestly. Most people say…Oh, I’m okay. I’m a good person. Remember all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
It is a privilege to bear reproach for His name!
Please take time to read: (I Peter 4:12-19)
We must be ready always to give an answer when unsaved people attack us.
Don’t be offended!
Keep being a witness for Jesus. Don’t quit. Press on!
Remember a person could “clean up his life” and quit his or her bad habits and still be lost and go to hell.
Witnessing is a great privilege, but it is also a serious responsibility!
It is a matter of life and death.