John 15:18-27
Today's Passage: John 15:18-27
I can clearly remember when Erin and I sat down for premarital counseling with CPC’s founding pastor, Tim Parsons. One of the repeated themes for our discussions was that the source of all conflict in marriage is unmet expectations. Reading our passage today, I’m reminded of how important it is to manage expectations—to clearly communicate them.
In this passage, Jesus clearly identifies what we can expect as his followers.
First, we can expect for the world to hate us. The world hated Jesus and because it hated him, it will hate us. We are not like the world. We are called to be different. Perhaps you’ve experienced what it’s like to stand out because of your obedience. It can be uncomfortable. More than that, it can be costly.
The second thing we can expect is persecution. The world’s hatred can switch from attitude to action in a blink. Christians have suffered greatly because of persecution through the centuries. Jesus wanted his followers to understand, however, all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. Even our suffering isn’t about is. It’s about Jesus.
Finally, we can expect help. In John 14, Jesus introduced the idea that the Father would send “another Helper.” John states clearly in verse 26, that the “Helper” is the “Spirit of Truth.” God the Spirit indwells believers. He is a help and comfort in our struggles. The Apostle Paul shared more about this idea when he said, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3–5).
Our suffering becomes our boast because of what it produces in and through us. So many Christians over the centuries have eagerly anticipated persecution because it identified them with Christ. Paul made clear our suffering confirms our hope because of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit. The Helper shines in our weakness when all else is stripped away. When we are weak, He is strong.
What stood out to you in this passage?
How have you experienced the help of the Holy Spirit in trials or suffering?
Written By: Tyler Short
I can clearly remember when Erin and I sat down for premarital counseling with CPC’s founding pastor, Tim Parsons. One of the repeated themes for our discussions was that the source of all conflict in marriage is unmet expectations. Reading our passage today, I’m reminded of how important it is to manage expectations—to clearly communicate them.
In this passage, Jesus clearly identifies what we can expect as his followers.
First, we can expect for the world to hate us. The world hated Jesus and because it hated him, it will hate us. We are not like the world. We are called to be different. Perhaps you’ve experienced what it’s like to stand out because of your obedience. It can be uncomfortable. More than that, it can be costly.
The second thing we can expect is persecution. The world’s hatred can switch from attitude to action in a blink. Christians have suffered greatly because of persecution through the centuries. Jesus wanted his followers to understand, however, all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. Even our suffering isn’t about is. It’s about Jesus.
Finally, we can expect help. In John 14, Jesus introduced the idea that the Father would send “another Helper.” John states clearly in verse 26, that the “Helper” is the “Spirit of Truth.” God the Spirit indwells believers. He is a help and comfort in our struggles. The Apostle Paul shared more about this idea when he said, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3–5).
Our suffering becomes our boast because of what it produces in and through us. So many Christians over the centuries have eagerly anticipated persecution because it identified them with Christ. Paul made clear our suffering confirms our hope because of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit. The Helper shines in our weakness when all else is stripped away. When we are weak, He is strong.
What stood out to you in this passage?
How have you experienced the help of the Holy Spirit in trials or suffering?
Written By: Tyler Short
1 Comment
Great message. The world is changing rapidly. Christians must stand strong more so than ever. Romans 5 is a wonderful scripture I go to often!