John 15:18-27

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The World’s Opposition

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The world hates Christ, and therefore it hates Christians.

  2. The world hates Christ, and therefore it hates God.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Be concerned if the world loves you.

  2. Remember that you can’t have one without the other.

QUESTIONS

  1. How many times is the word “world” used in John 15:18-19? What does it mean in this context?

  2. What is “the world” characterized by?

  3. What is the greatest sin?

  4. Why does the world hate Christians?

  5. Some will say that they do not believe that Christ is who He claims to be, but that they love God. Is this possible?

ANSWERS

  1. It is used six times in these verses. It is not the material world that God created, but it is the world system that opposes God and His word. It is the satanic system of values and attitudes that is contrary to the biblical system of values and attitudes.

  2. By the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. (1 John 2:15-17)

  3. To reject the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

  4. Because it hates Christ. See John 15:18 and 1 John 3:13. Christians are transformed and transferred out of this world system. They are no longer part of the world when they are identified with Christ.

  5. No. It is impossible to love God and reject Christ, because they go together. The world system that opposes Christ hates God. See John 15:23.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. How openly do you identify with Christ? Have you felt the hatred of the world? If so, how?

  2. If you have not felt the hatred of the world, you should be concerned. Read 2 Timothy 3:12 to see why you should be concerned.

CHALLENGE

  1. The Holy Spirit testified through the word and through believers. Are you an open channel through which the Spirit can work? Are you taking advantage of opportunities to share Christ. Are you building relationships so that you can share Christ? How well do you know Scripture? How well can you defend the faith?

KEY VERSES

  • “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” John 15:18 “… I chose you out of the world…” John 15:19



John, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsJohn 15:18-27