Title: John 15:18–27
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John 15:18–27
“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. Remember the word that I said 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 all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. (ESV)
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In his sermon on John 15:18-27, Jed Gillis delves into the reality of being a follower of Jesus in a world that often stands in opposition to Christian values. Jesus forewarns His disciples that the world will hate them because it first hated Him. This hatred stems from Jesus’ exposure of their evil deeds and self-righteousness, which challenges their desire to define right and wrong on their own terms.
Gillis emphasizes that Jesus' followers, chosen out of the world, will face persecution because they no longer conform to its values. Just as Jesus was persecuted for His message and works, so too will His disciples be opposed for bearing witness to the same truths. This animosity isn't limited to overtly godless individuals but includes those who appear religious yet reject the core teachings of Christ.
Additionally, Gillis explains that believers are called not to retaliate with hatred but to out-love those who oppose them. By bearing witness through the Spirit's work within them, Christians testify to a life transformed by God's grace, challenging the world's self-centered ideologies. The sermon concludes by reassuring believers that despite inevitable persecution, Jesus remains sovereign, having endured such opposition first and promising to sustain His followers through it all.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
