Old Llantrisant Hill
Introduction
- Last week we were looking at joy
- Now we have the word ‘hatred’
- This passage reminds us that as Christian we need to ‘count the cost’
- Matt 16:24-25
- Examples of denial/surrender to Jesus Christ
- The passage is about taking up your cross / counting the cost
- Jesus tells the disciples the people will hate
- That at times the persecution will be intense, cast out of the synagogue (16:2), put into prison
- Religious persecution / State persecution
- John 15:17 – love
- To serve others
- To build up one another
- To work together
- To love one another
- Encouragements (in chapter 15)
- To bear much fruit
- That Jesus’ joy would be in us
- That Jesus’ joy would be full
- Counting the cost – should not make us fearful and cowed
- There can be rejoicing even at very difficult times
- Example of Paul and Silas in jail
- These words are serious but they should never take away our joy
- There will be no blessing without bufferrings
- No triumphs without trials
- No fruit without pruning
- No empty tomb without the cross – we are called to take up His cross and share in His sufferings
- Looking at ‘Counting the Cost’
Our Identification with Jesus (v18)
- It is possible to avoid persecution by being quiet, fitting in with the world, not confessing Jesus Christ
- Example of Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea
- This can be our tendnancy
- We are to live quiet lives, not be trouble makers, not to stir things up, to be winsome, loving, kind … but …
- We are also to stand upon the word of God, to confess Jesus Christ
- A warning – Matt 10:32-33
- Are you prepared to identify with Jesus Christ?
- Are you prepared to speak (specifically) of Jesus?
- Are you prepared to stand for Jesus?
- v18 – do not take things personally
- Examples
- It one sense – it is normal Christianity – because they hate Christ
- Remember we have the Holy Spirit – v26
- The Spirit of Truth testifying through preaching (Acts 2)
- We are not alone even if we feel alone
- The Holy Spirit will give us the words to speak
- Why is there hatred for Jesus?
- The common people heard Him gladly
- Many received the word of God with joy
- But when the word began to cut, challenge, convict and speak of cost – hearts turned rebellious
- In the heart of man – there is often a simmering hatred for God
- Vehement opposition by the religious leaders
- Because He opposed their traditions
- Because He exposed their darkness and deceitfulness
- Because they envied Him
- Because of their pride
- Because Jesus made Himself equal with God
- Jesus only ever spoke the truth – there was no cause for hatred
- v25 – yet the people hated Jesus without a cause
- Today – mankind still loves darkness
- Though we may know favour for a time (examples) …
- … When speaking of sin, speaking against ideology – we will face opposition
- The human heart is opposed to God, Jesus and the Word
- Are we prepared to identify with Jesus?
Our Relationship with the World (v19)
- Our temptation is to fit in
- Example of Church of England
- v19 – we are not of the world, chosen out of the world
- Example of all that is happening in the world
- We are called out of this
- Eph 2:2 – children of light and not of darkness
- There is a clear demarcation between the children of God and the children of devil
- 2 Cor 6:14
- When the Church is holy and following God – then we will make an impact
- Not to be quiet, not to make no impact
- To speak the word of God in power
- Are we effective as Christians?
- If not, perhaps we have become worldly
Our Understanding of the Christian Life (v27)
- v27 – we are sent into the world to be witnesses
- We are not greater than Jesus – v20 (we will face persecution)
- Are we witnesses for Jesus Christ?
- We are to follow Jesus’ example
- v21 – we are here for His names sake
- Are we bringing glory to God, honouring Him, pleasing Him?
- We suffer from His names sake only – not for other reasons (examples)
- v25 – the fulfilment of Scripture
- Suffering is part of God’s plan – it is not outside His sovereignty
- There may be no cause for the persecution (as with Jesus Christ) – but good can come
- Jesus was forewarning His disciples
- Persecution could be intermittent or continuous – examples
- Persecution from religious leaders – examples
- Persecution on today’s world
- We must be witnesses and be prepared to count the cost (16:3-4)
Closing Remarks
- 2 Tim 3:12
- Are we living Godly in Christ Jesus?
- Whose side are you on?
- Who do you fear most – man or God?
- Do not fear man, fear God
- Hold fast to your confession of faith – be a good witness of Jesus Christ