Finding Hope Amid Rejection and Adversity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Matthew 15, focusing on the reality of hardship and adversity that Christians face. We explored the "if-then" statements of Jesus, which provide clear and concise truths about the kingdom of God. The central theme was the rejection of Jesus and how that rejection extends to His followers. Jesus warned that if the world hates us, it hated Him first. This hatred is rooted in the world's opposition to God and His ways. Jesus' presence exposed the darkness and sinfulness of the world, leading to His rejection. This rejection was not just directed at Jesus but also at God the Father.
We also discussed how the world has progressively become more hostile to the gospel, especially in the Western world. Despite this, we find hope and peace in knowing that we belong to Jesus. Our identity is not found in the world's acceptance but in the love and acceptance of our Savior. We are chosen by Him, and even in the midst of difficulty, we can find joy and peace.
The sermon also touched on the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with rejection and persecution. We are called to be witnesses for Christ in a lost and dying world. The rejection we face is a confirmation of our identity in Christ. Jesus Himself experienced rejection, and as His followers, we should expect the same. However, this rejection is not without purpose; it is an opportunity to grow in our faith and bear witness to the truth of the gospel.
Finally, we were reminded that our ultimate hope is in the eternal joy and peace that await us in the presence of our Savior. We are not alone in our struggles; Jesus is with us, providing strength, wisdom, and comfort. Our mission is to share the good news of salvation and extend His love and grace to others, even in the face of adversity.
### Key Takeaways
1. Rejection of Jesus: Jesus was rejected because His presence exposed the darkness and sinfulness of the world. This rejection was not just directed at Him but also at God the Father. Understanding this helps us realize that our own experiences of rejection are part of God's redemptive plan and an opportunity to grow in our faith. [36:28]
2. Rejection of the Disciples: Jesus warned His disciples that the world would hate them because they no longer belong to it. This rejection is a confirmation of our identity in Christ. We should rejoice in this rejection because it signifies our relationship with Jesus and our position in His kingdom. [54:27]
3. Belonging to Jesus: Our identity is not found in the world's acceptance but in the love and acceptance of our Savior. We are chosen by Him, and this belonging transcends all social, cultural, and economic differences. This sense of belonging provides profound encouragement and strength to face any adversity. [01:00:10]
4. Facing Adversity: As followers of Jesus, we can expect to face rejection and persecution. However, we can find joy and peace in knowing that we belong to Him. Our ultimate hope is in the eternal joy and peace that await us in the presence of our Savior. [01:07:09]
5. Mission and Purpose: We are called to share the good news of salvation and extend Jesus' love and grace to others. This mission is not without challenges, but it is a privilege to be used by God. We are part of a larger community of believers striving to live out their faith in a hostile world. [01:04:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:45] - Opening Prayer
[25:46] - Introduction to Matthew 15
[26:25] - If-Then Statements of Jesus
[26:57] - Reality of Hardship
[27:26] - Persecution in the Western World
[28:20] - Hope in Jesus
[28:49] - The Offense of the Gospel
[29:13] - My Truth vs. The Truth
[30:04] - Erosion of Morality
[31:10] - Satan's Framework
[31:57] - Standing for Truth
[32:36] - Reading the Passage
[33:06] - If the World Hates You
[34:06] - Rejection of Jesus
[35:03] - Encouragement in God's Word
[35:55] - Identifying with Christ
[36:28] - Rejection of Jesus
[37:25] - Opposition to God
[39:03] - Expectations of the Messiah
[40:07] - Peace in Adversity
[41:09] - Trusting God in Difficulties
[43:51] - Living Above the World
[45:12] - Facing Rejection
[46:06] - Ultimate Healing
[47:36] - Fulfillment of Scripture
[48:33] - Purpose in Rejection
[49:03] - Jesus' Promise of Peace
[50:21] - Parenting and Faith
[53:12] - Persecution and Truth
[54:27] - Rejection of the Disciples
[55:36] - Blessed in Rejection
[56:31] - Feeling Rejected
[57:12] - Historical Example: Adolf Kolping
[58:04] - Identity in Christ
[59:33] - Encouragement in Belonging to Jesus
[01:00:10] - Not of This World
[01:01:25] - Early Church Unity
[01:02:30] - Chosen by God
[01:03:34] - Greater Mission
[01:04:01] - Facing Opposition
[01:05:04] - Shared Suffering
[01:05:35] - Jesus' Promise
[01:06:38] - Eternal Home
[01:07:09] - Hope in Adversity
[01:07:43] - Trusting in God's Promise
[01:08:52] - Invitation to Know Jesus
[01:09:56] - Challenge to Live Out Faith
[01:11:06] - Facing Persecution
[01:12:17] - Closing Song and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 15:18-25: "If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. Remember the word that I spoke 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. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they don't know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin. The one who hates me also hates my Father. If I had not done the works among them that no one else has done, they would not be guilty of sin. Now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But this happened so that the statement written in their law might be fulfilled: They hated me for no reason."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say about the world's reaction to His followers in Matthew 15:18-25?
2. According to the sermon, why does the world hate Jesus and His followers? ([37:25])
3. How does the sermon describe the current state of hostility towards the gospel in the Western world? ([27:26])
4. What examples did the pastor give to illustrate the reality of hardship and adversity faced by Christians? ([41:09])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that the world hated Jesus first help Christians cope with rejection and persecution? ([37:25])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that rejection can be a confirmation of our identity in Christ? ([54:27])
3. How does the concept of belonging to Jesus provide strength and encouragement in the face of adversity? ([01:00:10])
4. What is the significance of Jesus' promise of peace in John 16:33 in the context of facing hardship and adversity? ([49:03])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced rejection or hostility because of your faith. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([54:27])
2. The sermon mentioned that our identity is not found in the world's acceptance but in the love and acceptance of our Savior. How can you remind yourself of this truth in your daily life? ([01:00:10])
3. How can you stand firm in your faith when faced with rejection or persecution at work, school, or in your community? ([31:57])
4. The pastor shared personal stories of financial struggles and God's provision. How can you trust God more in your own financial or personal difficulties? ([41:09])
5. What practical steps can you take to share the good news of salvation and extend Jesus' love and grace to others, even in the face of adversity? ([01:04:01])
6. How can you find joy and peace in knowing that you belong to Jesus, especially during times of hardship? ([28:20])
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of being part of a larger community of believers. How can you actively support and encourage fellow Christians who are facing rejection or persecution? ([01:04:32])
Devotional
Day 1: The Rejection of Jesus
Description: Jesus was rejected because His presence exposed the darkness and sinfulness of the world. This rejection was not just directed at Him but also at God the Father. Understanding this helps us realize that our own experiences of rejection are part of God's redemptive plan and an opportunity to grow in our faith. Jesus' rejection serves as a reminder that the world is often opposed to the truth and light that He brings. As followers of Christ, we should not be surprised when we face similar rejection and opposition. Instead, we should see it as a confirmation of our identity in Him and an opportunity to deepen our reliance on God. [36:28]
John 15:18-19 (ESV): "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 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."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt rejected for your faith. How can you see this experience as part of God's plan for your growth and reliance on Him?
Day 2: The Rejection of the Disciples
Description: Jesus warned His disciples that the world would hate them because they no longer belong to it. This rejection is a confirmation of our identity in Christ. We should rejoice in this rejection because it signifies our relationship with Jesus and our position in His kingdom. The world's hostility towards us is a reflection of its opposition to God and His ways. As disciples, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with persecution and rejection. This steadfastness not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a powerful witness to the truth of the gospel. [54:27]
1 Peter 4:12-14 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."
Reflection: How can you find joy in the rejection you face for being a follower of Christ? What steps can you take to stand firm in your faith today?
Day 3: Belonging to Jesus
Description: Our identity is not found in the world's acceptance but in the love and acceptance of our Savior. We are chosen by Him, and this belonging transcends all social, cultural, and economic differences. This sense of belonging provides profound encouragement and strength to face any adversity. Knowing that we are loved and accepted by Jesus gives us the confidence to live out our faith boldly and without fear. It reminds us that our worth is not determined by the world's standards but by the unchanging love of God. [01:00:10]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ today? How does knowing you are chosen by Jesus impact your daily life and interactions with others?
Day 4: Facing Adversity
Description: As followers of Jesus, we can expect to face rejection and persecution. However, we can find joy and peace in knowing that we belong to Him. Our ultimate hope is in the eternal joy and peace that await us in the presence of our Savior. This hope sustains us through the trials and challenges we encounter in this world. It reminds us that our present sufferings are temporary and that we have a glorious future with Christ. By keeping our eyes fixed on this eternal perspective, we can endure hardships with grace and perseverance. [01:07:09]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from your current struggles to the eternal hope you have in Christ? What practical steps can you take to find joy and peace in the midst of adversity?
Day 5: Mission and Purpose
Description: We are called to share the good news of salvation and extend Jesus' love and grace to others. This mission is not without challenges, but it is a privilege to be used by God. We are part of a larger community of believers striving to live out their faith in a hostile world. Our mission is to be witnesses for Christ, even in the face of opposition and persecution. By faithfully carrying out this mission, we participate in God's redemptive work and bring glory to His name. [01:04:01]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to share the love and grace of Jesus with someone in your life? How can you be a witness for Christ in your community, even when faced with challenges?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you know Jesus, you know life. And the second one is that if you love Jesus, then you will obey and listen to the gospel of God and to his commands." [26:25] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you have Jesus, then you have more than you will ever need. We know this and we experience this when we face adversity and hardship and when we realize that Jesus is right there with us through all of it." [28:20] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We live in a world that is quickly eroding any kind of morality. And I didn't read this in any theology book or modern commentary. This is just my own personal observation here. But listen to me. I truly believe that Satan is just on cruise control." [30:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "As followers of Jesus, we can expect to face rejection. We can expect to face persecution from the world just like he experienced. But we can find joy and peace in the knowledge that we belong to him. We are chosen by him even in the midst of difficulty." [35:55] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There is profound encouragement that is found in belonging to our Savior. And this encouragement is rooted in the reality that Jesus Himself has saved us out of this world to be His own." [01:00:10] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The rejection of Jesus is a central theme in the passage that we just read. And it's a reality to every believer that we must come to terms with it as we follow Christ. Jesus has been a believer and he himself experienced rejection from the very people that he came to save." [36:28] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Rejection because of us standing up for Jesus Christ. All it is, is a confirmation of our identity. Of who we are in Jesus Christ. It's because we identify with Jesus that we can also expect to be treated like he was treated." [54:27] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need now more than ever to be ready to stand up and say that our King is still on the throne. And nothing changes that. Circumstances don't change that. Feelings don't change that. And certainly their rejection of us does not change that." [46:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our hope is not in the fleeting pleasures, the accolades of this world, but in the eternal joy, in the peace that awaits us in the presence of our Savior. And that is some of the best news that you will ever hear." [01:07:09] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are going to face rejection in that challenge. But this mission is not without the challenges itself. It is a privilege to be used by God to bring hope, to bring grace and His healing to this broken world." [01:04:01] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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