Living for Christ is risky, but stay the course.
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SERMON NOTES:
John 15:18-16:4
Reality: The world hates you. (5:18-20)
Reason: The world treats you the same way they treated Jesus. (5:21-25)
Response: Stand for Jesus together with the Holy Spirit. (5:26-27)
Remember: Persecution is normal. (6:1-4a)
study questions:
1. Read verses 15:18-19. According to these verses, what does the world think of us as Christians? How has your life experience either confirmed or denied this assertion? Why does the world think this way about us (see also 1 Peter 4:3-4)?
2. Read verses 15:20-21. What point is Jesus making when he says, “A servant is not greater than His master”? What positive and negative interactions should we expect with the world? What is the bottom line for why people treat us (as Christians) the way they do?
3. Read verses 15:22-27. What does Jesus mean when he says “they would not have been guilty of sin” in verses 22 and 24? Is there really no accountability for sin if Jesus didn’t come? Why or why not? (See also Romans 1:18-20) What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the world full of people who hate us and hate Jesus? What is the disciples’ role? What is our role?
4. Read verses 16:1-4. Why did Jesus take the time to tell the disciples about the hard realities they would face? What does this tell us about Jesus? Do you think this was encouraging to the disciples? Why or why not?
5. So what? Are the realities Jesus talks about in this passage helpful or encouraging for you? Why or why not? Does your approach to interacting with the world reflect the realities of this passage? How so? What is one thing you are taking away from this passage that encourages or challenges you in your walk with Christ?