Sermon on 11 February 2024 by Pastor Justin
Introduction
Those who reject you also reject the Almighty God. But when the world rejects you, great is your reward.
Message
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. - John 15:18
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:10
Count it a blessing if you are suffering for Christ’s sake.
Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:11
All believers suffer rejection for following Christ (John 15:18). You identify with our saviour (1 Peter 4:13). You will grow in faith (1 Peter 1:7). Faith only stands true if tested. You will bear witness to the truth of the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
All believers are hated by the world for following Christ (John 15:19). It is a confirmation of our identity as His disciples (Galatians 6:14). It speaks volumes about our position and relationship with Christ. Those who experience rejection for His Name’s sake are blessed (Matthew 5:11-12; John 5:18).
Closing
The bible’s teaching on blessing is about being a blessing to others. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Look at the 9 beatitudes in the book of Matthew chapter 5 and 7 beatitudes in the book of Revelation (1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7 and 22:14).
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