Sermon Nuggets Fri, Sept 26
Theme- Vine and Branches
Verses- John 15:18-27 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.
23 He who hates me hates my Father as well.
24 If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'
26 "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.
Jesus Desires to Produce Faithfulness
Jesus knows that intimacy with Him will result in rejection from the world. Since Satan is the prince of this world, the world hates Christians. Jesus wants us to remember that the way in which He was treated will sometimes be the way in which we will be treated. When young people refuse to go along with the crowd in activities that will compromise their convictions expect name calling and loss of some friendship. Expect to be different and others will do what they can to cause you to sin.
When you say that Jesus is the only way to the Father, expect to be called bigoted, and narrow minded. When you object to lifestyles which abuse of sexuality, alcohol, drugs, and immorality, expect to be called a prude. Expect it. When we will not participate in sin, other can feel guilty and condemn you.
Because of the historical influence of Christianity in our society and the law we no longer worry about being stoned to death, or being martyred, but don’t think that being a Christian doesn’t mean rejection and resentment by many. When we are identified with Jesus there will be rejection and mockery by some. Remember that in spite of persecution there is a call to faithfulness to witness, to love, to carry on in spite of opposition. Pray not only for those here at home, but especially for our brothers and sisters in Christ in countries where Christianity is outlawed.
Most of the world’s opposition in the West is designed to tempt us away from a vital relationship with the vine. I have seen zealous believers cool in their faith with the acquiring of a new home, or place by the lake. Many employment responsibilities leave little time left for things of the Lord. Entertainment, Sports and recreation and other pleasures can overshadow the most important things in our life. Soon seeking a balanced life becomes way our of balance with Christ having little time in our walk with Him.
One sign put it well, "If Christ seems far away, who moved? "
Corrie Ten Boom tells of a missionary who wrote, “sometimes adversity tempts me to discouragement in the face of seeming failure. But I take courage and press on anew, as I remember that God does not hold me responsible for success, but for faithfulness.” Jesus said, “Well done, you faithful servant, not Well done, you successful servant.”
In truth the most important work of the gospel is done directly by citizens living out their biblical responsibility in their everyday circumstance. Jesus called not the preachers, missionaries, and paid professional staff to do ministry but all believers. Witness is more often seen in faithfulness, not in an extra ordinary event. After the miracles stopped, so did most of the crowd. What lasted was the quiet loving service of followers who suffered for Jesus sake.
Keep abiding, loving, and obeying. Learn that the Lord desires is to produce people who are fruitful, joyful, and faithful in His power. The best way to do that is to abide in the vine- the source of our life.
Pastor Dale.
