Sermons on John 15:18-19
The various sermons below interpret John 15:18-19 by emphasizing the inherent conflict between followers of Jesus and the world. They collectively highlight the inevitability of persecution for believers due to their separation from worldly values and systems. A common thread is the promise of the Holy Spirit as a source of strength and support, described as a "paraclete" who comes alongside believers. The sermons use vivid analogies, such as being on "Team Jesus" versus "Team World" or being part of two opposing gangs, to illustrate the dichotomy between the world and followers of Jesus. These interpretations underscore the idea that aligning with Jesus means accepting the world's hatred, as believers are called out of the world and are no longer of it. Additionally, the sermons emphasize the Christian's identity as a citizen of heaven, suggesting that the world's hatred is a natural consequence of this identity.
While the sermons share common themes, they also present distinct nuances. One sermon focuses on the cost of discipleship, challenging believers to examine their alignment with Jesus and be prepared for the consequences, including potential persecution. Another sermon contrasts the world's celebration of pride with the Christian call to humility, emphasizing the need to reject worldly values. A different sermon highlights the Christian's ultimate destination as citizens of heaven, encouraging believers to live with an eternal perspective and not seek fulfillment in the world. These contrasting approaches offer varied insights into the passage, each emphasizing different aspects of the Christian journey and the challenges of living in a world opposed to God.
John 15:18-19 Interpretation:
Faith Amidst Persecution: The Promise of the Holy Spirit (FBC Benbrook) interprets John 15:18-19 by emphasizing the inherent conflict between followers of Jesus and the world. The sermon highlights that believers are called out of the world and thus are no longer of it, which naturally leads to persecution. The preacher uses the Greek term "paraclete" to describe the Holy Spirit as a helper who comes alongside believers, providing support and bearing witness to Jesus in a hostile world. This interpretation underscores the inevitability of persecution for believers and the promise of the Holy Spirit's presence as a source of strength and witness.
Choosing Jesus: The Cost and Commitment of Discipleship (City Church Georgetown) interprets John 15:18-19 by drawing a parallel between aligning oneself with a sports team or political party and aligning with Jesus. The sermon uses the analogy of being on "Team Jesus" versus "Team World," emphasizing that choosing Jesus means accepting the world's hatred. The preacher highlights that being a follower of Jesus involves a distinct set of values and beliefs that are at odds with the world, leading to inevitable conflict and persecution.
Radical Transformation: The Cost of Following Jesus (Crazy Love) interprets John 15:18-19 by emphasizing the dichotomy between the world and followers of Jesus. The sermon uses the analogy of being part of two gangs to illustrate the impossibility of living in both the world and in Christ. It highlights the idea that if the world loves you, it is because you have not truly left it to follow Jesus. The sermon also draws on the original Greek text, noting that the word "world" (kosmos) refers to the system of values and beliefs that are opposed to God. This understanding shapes the interpretation that being chosen out of the world by Jesus inherently leads to being hated by it.
Living as Citizens of Heaven in an Anti-God World (MLJTrust) interprets John 15:18-19 by focusing on the Christian's identity as a citizen of heaven rather than of this world. The sermon uses the metaphor of Christians as travelers or pilgrims, emphasizing that their true home is not in this world. It suggests that the hatred from the world is a natural consequence of this identity, as the world is under the influence of the devil and opposed to God. The sermon also highlights the importance of realizing that the world is not the Christian's true home, which shapes the understanding of the passage as a call to live with an eternal perspective.
John 15:18-19 Theological Themes:
Faith Amidst Persecution: The Promise of the Holy Spirit (FBC Benbrook) presents the theme that persecution is an inherent part of the Christian life due to the believer's separation from the world. The sermon emphasizes that this separation is not due to any wrongdoing but because believers are called out of the world by Jesus. The presence of the Holy Spirit is highlighted as a source of comfort and empowerment, enabling believers to bear witness to Jesus despite persecution.
Choosing Jesus: The Cost and Commitment of Discipleship (City Church Georgetown) introduces the theme of the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that following Jesus requires a willingness to be hated by the world. The sermon challenges believers to examine their alignment with Jesus and to be prepared for the consequences of that choice, including potential persecution and loss.
Radical Transformation: The Cost of Following Jesus (Crazy Love) presents the theme of humility versus pride, contrasting the world's celebration of pride with the Christian call to humility and submission to God's will. This theme is explored through the lens of John 15:18-19, emphasizing that following Jesus requires a rejection of worldly values and a willingness to be hated for standing with Christ.
Living as Citizens of Heaven in an Anti-God World (MLJTrust) introduces the theme of Christian identity as citizens of heaven. This theme is distinct in its focus on the Christian's ultimate destination and the temporary nature of life in this world. The sermon emphasizes that Christians should not seek their joy or fulfillment in the world but should live with their eyes fixed on their heavenly home.
John 15:18-19 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Faith Amidst Persecution: The Promise of the Holy Spirit (FBC Benbrook) provides historical context by discussing the persecution of early Christians and the cultural norms of the time. The sermon references the persecution faced by the early church, as recorded in the Book of Acts, and draws parallels to modern-day persecution in various parts of the world. The preacher highlights the reality of persecution in countries like North Korea and Iran, where practicing Christianity is illegal and dangerous.
Radical Transformation: The Cost of Following Jesus (Crazy Love) provides historical context by referencing the Book of Jeremiah and the cultural practices of child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom. The sermon draws parallels between the rejection faced by Jeremiah and the rejection Christians face today, highlighting the historical continuity of being hated for standing with God.
John 15:18-19 Cross-References in the Bible:
Faith Amidst Persecution: The Promise of the Holy Spirit (FBC Benbrook) references Ephesians 2 to explain the transformation of believers from being "of the world" to being called out of it by Jesus. The sermon also references Psalm 69, a messianic psalm, to illustrate the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' statement that the world would hate Him without cause. These cross-references are used to support the interpretation of John 15:18-19 and to emphasize the continuity of the biblical narrative regarding persecution and divine support.
Radical Transformation: The Cost of Following Jesus (Crazy Love) references Jeremiah 1:5 to illustrate God's foreknowledge and purpose for individuals, drawing a parallel to the idea of being chosen out of the world in John 15:18-19. The sermon also references Hebrews 13:12-13 to emphasize the call to bear the reproach of Christ, linking it to the theme of being hated by the world.
Living as Citizens of Heaven in an Anti-God World (MLJTrust) references Hebrews 11 to highlight the experiences of God's people being hated by the world. The sermon uses this reference to support the idea that Christians should expect persecution and rejection as part of their identity as citizens of heaven.
John 15:18-19 Christian References outside the Bible:
Faith Amidst Persecution: The Promise of the Holy Spirit (FBC Benbrook) references the organization Open Doors, which researches and supports persecuted Christians worldwide. The sermon uses statistics and examples from Open Doors to illustrate the reality of persecution faced by Christians today, providing a contemporary application of the biblical text.
Radical Transformation: The Cost of Following Jesus (Crazy Love) references Rob Bell's book "Love Wins" to critique the idea that there is no eternal punishment. The sermon uses this reference to emphasize the importance of adhering to biblical truth, even when it is unpopular or offensive.
John 15:18-19 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Choosing Jesus: The Cost and Commitment of Discipleship (City Church Georgetown) uses the illustration of Eddie the Eagle Edwards, an English Olympian, to explain how the world embraces its own. The preacher contrasts Eddie's acceptance despite his Olympic failures with the rejection believers face when they align with Jesus. This analogy is used to highlight the sermon’s theme that the world loves its own but will hate those who follow Jesus.
Radical Transformation: The Cost of Following Jesus (Crazy Love) uses the analogy of social media and the obsession with being liked to illustrate the challenge of being rejected for following Jesus. The sermon highlights how the desire for approval can conflict with the call to stand with Christ and be hated by the world.