Faith Amidst Persecution: The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound words of Jesus from John 15 and 16, focusing on the reality of persecution and the promise of the Holy Spirit. We began by reflecting on the message to the church in Smyrna from Revelation 2, where Jesus acknowledges their tribulation and encourages them to remain faithful even unto death. This sets the stage for understanding the context of Jesus' words to His disciples in John 15, where He prepares them for the hatred and persecution they will face simply because they follow Him.
We explored the distinction between persecution, trials, and tribulation, emphasizing that persecution is a unique form of suffering that comes solely because of one's faith in Christ. Jesus makes it clear that the world will hate His followers because they are no longer of the world; they have been called out and now follow a new Master. This inherent opposition is not due to any wrongdoing but because of their allegiance to Jesus.
Despite this grim reality, Jesus offers a profound promise: the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Helper, will bear witness about Jesus and empower the disciples to do the same. This divine presence will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, continuing the work of Jesus through His followers.
We also examined the practical implications of these truths, noting that while we may not face the same level of persecution as some of our brothers and sisters around the world, the principles still apply. We are inherently at odds with the world because of our new identity in Christ. The rejection of Jesus by the world is rooted in His exclusive claims about His divinity and the necessity of His sacrifice for salvation.
Finally, we were encouraged by the reminder that the Holy Spirit is actively at work even in the darkest places. While not everyone will respond to the gospel, many will, and the Spirit's power is sufficient to bring about transformation even in the most hostile environments. This should embolden us to bear witness to Jesus, trusting in the Spirit's work through us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Inherent Opposition to the World: Followers of Jesus are inherently at odds with the world because they have been called out of it and now follow a new Master. This opposition is not due to any wrongdoing but simply because of their allegiance to Christ. Understanding this helps us to accept and navigate the hostility we may face. [23:00]
2. The Exclusive Claims of Jesus: Jesus' statements about His unity with the Father and the necessity of His sacrifice for salvation are profoundly offensive to other worldviews. This is why the name of Jesus often provokes a strong reaction, even when general belief in God is more widely accepted. [25:16]
3. The Work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is at work in us, through us, and around us, even in a world that hates Jesus. The Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, continuing the mission of Jesus through His followers. This should encourage us to remain faithful and bold in our witness. [27:30]
4. Perseverance in Persecution: Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution, not to discourage them, but to strengthen their resolve. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is with us and will bear witness through us provides the courage to endure and remain faithful even in the face of hostility. [16:01]
5. Hope in the Darkest Places: Even in the most hostile environments, the Holy Spirit is at work, and many will come to faith in Jesus. This should inspire us to continue sharing the gospel, trusting that the Spirit's power is sufficient to bring about transformation. [28:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:02] - Introduction and Prayer
[02:14] - Persecution Statistics
[03:19] - Freedom and Persecution
[04:36] - Definitions: Persecution, Trials, Tribulation
[05:29] - Jesus' Warning to Disciples
[06:18] - The World Hates You
[07:06] - Rejection of Jesus and the Father
[08:00] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
[08:52] - Conviction of Sin, Righteousness, and Judgment
[09:45] - Called Out of the World
[10:28] - Following a New Master
[11:22] - Rejection of the Son and the Father
[12:33] - Jesus' Exclusive Claims
[13:31] - Fulfillment of Scripture
[14:19] - The Helper's Role
[15:18] - Bearing Witness Through the Spirit
[16:01] - Perseverance in Persecution
[17:32] - The Spirit's Convictions
[18:08] - Conviction of Sin
[18:46] - Conviction of Righteousness
[19:54] - Conviction of Judgment
[20:33] - The Book of Acts: Living Out the Message
[21:34] - Examples of Persecution and Faith
[22:20] - The Holy Spirit's Work in Dark Places
[23:00] - Followers of Jesus at Odds with the World
[24:37] - Understanding Our New Identity
[25:16] - The Reason for Rejection
[26:24] - The Power of Jesus' Name
[27:30] - The Holy Spirit's Active Work
[28:22] - Hope in Hostile Environments
[29:12] - The Mystery of Belief
[30:11] - Embracing the Good News
[31:04] - Bearing Witness in Dark Places
[32:02] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[32:50] - Trusting the Spirit's Work
[33:25] - Embracing the Calling
[33:25] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 15:18-25
2. John 16:1-11
3. Revelation 2:8-10
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 15:18-19, why does the world hate Jesus' followers? ([06:18])
2. What promise does Jesus give His disciples in John 15:26-27 about the Holy Spirit? ([08:00])
3. In Revelation 2:10, what does Jesus encourage the church in Smyrna to do despite their tribulation? ([01:02])
4. How does Jesus describe the work of the Holy Spirit in John 16:8-11? ([08:52])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "called out of the world" according to John 15:19, and how does this affect a believer's relationship with the world? ([09:45])
2. How do Jesus' exclusive claims about His unity with the Father challenge other worldviews, as discussed in the sermon? ([12:33])
3. Why is the role of the Holy Spirit crucial for believers facing persecution, as explained in John 16:7-11? ([17:32])
4. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit provide comfort and encouragement to believers in hostile environments? ([28:22])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt at odds with the world because of your faith. How did you navigate that situation, and what did you learn from it? ([23:00])
2. Jesus' exclusive claims often provoke strong reactions. How can you lovingly and effectively share these truths with someone who holds a different worldview? ([25:16])
3. The Holy Spirit is described as the Helper who convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit in your daily witness to others? ([27:30])
4. In what ways can you prepare yourself to face potential persecution or hostility for your faith, even if it is not as severe as in other parts of the world? ([16:01])
5. Think of a specific person or place that seems resistant to the gospel. How can you pray for the Holy Spirit to work in that situation, and what steps can you take to bear witness there? ([31:04])
6. How can the example of the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-10) inspire you to remain faithful in the face of trials and tribulations? ([01:02])
7. Identify one practical way you can support persecuted Christians around the world. How can your small group collectively take action in this area? ([03:19])
Devotional
### Day 1: Inherent Opposition to the World
Description: Followers of Jesus are inherently at odds with the world because they have been called out of it and now follow a new Master. This opposition is not due to any wrongdoing but simply because of their allegiance to Christ. Understanding this helps us to accept and navigate the hostility we may face. Jesus warned His disciples that the world would hate them because it first hated Him. This hatred stems from the fact that believers no longer conform to the world's values and systems but instead live according to the teachings of Jesus. This inherent opposition is a natural consequence of our new identity in Christ. [23:00]
Bible Passage: "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, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt at odds with the world because of your faith. How did you respond, and how can you better navigate such situations in the future?
### Day 2: The Exclusive Claims of Jesus
Description: Jesus' statements about His unity with the Father and the necessity of His sacrifice for salvation are profoundly offensive to other worldviews. This is why the name of Jesus often provokes a strong reaction, even when general belief in God is more widely accepted. The exclusivity of Jesus' claims challenges the pluralistic and relativistic mindset of the world. His declaration that He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6) is a stumbling block for many, but it is also the cornerstone of our faith. Understanding this helps us to stand firm in our beliefs and articulate the gospel with clarity and conviction. [25:16]
Bible Passage: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: How do you feel about the exclusive claims of Jesus in a world that values inclusivity? What steps can you take to lovingly and boldly share this truth with others?
### Day 3: The Work of the Holy Spirit
Description: The Holy Spirit is at work in us, through us, and around us, even in a world that hates Jesus. The Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, continuing the mission of Jesus through His followers. This should encourage us to remain faithful and bold in our witness. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith and bear witness to Jesus, even in the face of opposition. By relying on the Spirit, we can trust that our efforts to share the gospel will be fruitful, as the Spirit works in the hearts of those who hear. [27:30]
Bible Passage: "And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged." (John 16:8-11, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit's work in your life recently? How can you be more attentive to the Spirit's leading in your daily interactions?
### Day 4: Perseverance in Persecution
Description: Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution, not to discourage them, but to strengthen their resolve. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is with us and will bear witness through us provides the courage to endure and remain faithful even in the face of hostility. Persecution is a reality for many believers around the world, and while we may not face the same level of suffering, we are still called to stand firm in our faith. The promise of the Holy Spirit's presence and power gives us the strength to persevere and remain steadfast in our commitment to Jesus. [16:01]
Bible Passage: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." (2 Timothy 3:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced opposition or ridicule for your faith. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from that experience to help you persevere in future challenges?
### Day 5: Hope in the Darkest Places
Description: Even in the most hostile environments, the Holy Spirit is at work, and many will come to faith in Jesus. This should inspire us to continue sharing the gospel, trusting that the Spirit's power is sufficient to bring about transformation. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the darkest places is a testament to God's relentless pursuit of His people. No environment is too hostile for the Spirit to work, and this truth should embolden us to share the gospel with confidence, knowing that God can bring light to even the darkest situations. [28:22]
Bible Passage: "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a person or place that seems resistant to the gospel. How can you pray for the Holy Spirit to work in that situation, and what steps can you take to share the light of Christ there?
Quotes
1. "According to their research, one in seven Christians in the world today are being persecuted for their faith. In Africa, that number is one in five. In Asia, it's two out of five. Meaning 40% of those who bear the name of Jesus in Asia are persecuted or discriminated against because of their faith." [02:14] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Persecution is being mistreated specifically because of your faith. Trials, that's just life's tough. You get sick, you got to go to work, you get old, your knees hurt, that's just trials. Tribulation is being oppressed. You get oppressed by someone else for different reasons. There's political oppression, economic oppression, racial oppression. But persecution is this special, unique category where you're being oppressed for no other reason than because of your faith." [04:36] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You were of the world following the course of the world, following the ruler of the world, but you've been called out of that world and now you're following me. You're no longer following the ruler of this world. Essentially what Jesus is saying to them in a sense, the disciples are traitors. They once were part of this world. They were following the system of this world. They were following the rulers of this world, but now they are still in that world, but they've been called out of that world and following a new ruler." [10:28] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It's impossible to say I like God but I don't like Jesus. And for Jesus to say that is a pretty shocking thing we think about other monotheistic religions so Islam they worship Allah they believe in God but they reject Jesus as the son of God and as the Christ and so Muslims would say we love God but we don't like Jesus and Jesus saying that's not possible because Because there is one true God, and I am that one true God. And so if you hate me, you are rejecting the one true God." [12:33] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You will be hated by the world because you were of the world, you've been called out of the world, you're following a new ruler, but, but the good news is, is the Holy Spirit is at work in the darkest of dark places. This is convicting of sin, righteousness, and judgment. And so be encouraged by that." [28:22] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We all know dark places and dark people. We have places in our life, high schools, college, place where you work, communities, where they're of the world. They're following the course of this world, they're following the ruler of this world, they're gratifying the cravings. Of the sin nature. That's all that they know, and you look at that world and you think that world hates Jesus, they won't respond to Jesus, what's the point of trying to bear witness to Jesus? That world hates Jesus." [31:04] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "My hope for us this morning is that we'll come to grips with the bad news. The world will hate us because we've been called out of the world. But also come to grips with the good news. That the Holy Spirit who is in us, through us, and around us is at work in a world that hates him. Still calling people to saving faith." [33:25] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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