John 15:18-27 "In The World But Not Of It"

In The World But Not Of It 

Faithful Witnesses in a World That Hates Christ

Outline:

• Hatred of the World
• Judgment of the World
• Witness to the World

Scripture List: 

• Psalm 63:1-13 (Scripture Reading)

• John 15:18-27 (Sermon Text)

• Genesis 11:4

• Psalm 2:2-3

• Proverbs 29:27

• 1 John 3:12

• John 9:29

• John 3:18

• Matthew 11:20-24

• 2 Thessalonians 1:5-8

• Revelation 6:9-10

• Revelation 6:11

• Romans 8:16-17

• Acts 1:8

• Mark 13:9-11

• 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Worship Song List:  

• In Christ Alone
• I’d Rather Have Jesus
• My Worth Is Not In What I Own
• I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

Not of the World

As Christ's disciples, we are called to remain steadfast in truth, even as the world turns against us. In John 15, Jesus prepares His followers for persecution, judgment, and a mission of Spirit-empowered witness.

The World’s Hostility Toward Christ

In John 15:18-27, Jesus clearly states that the world’s hatred toward believers stems from its hatred of Him. This hatred is not arbitrary—it is moral rebellion against the holiness of God. Jesus was sinless, yet hated, exposing a truth that if we bear His name, we should expect similar treatment.

Judgment Is Certain

The world's rejection of Christ is not without consequence. Jesus explains that their guilt remains because they have rejected the full light of His revelation. This is echoed in passages like Matthew 11:20–24, where judgment is pronounced on cities that witnessed mighty works and yet did not repent.

Spirit-Empowered Witness

Despite the world’s hatred and impending judgment, believers are not abandoned. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, equips us to bear witness of Christ. Our mission is not to conform to the world but to testify of the One it hates—faithfully, courageously, and truthfully, knowing we are not alone.

Longing for God Amidst Opposition

Psalm 63 reminds us that even in the wilderness of persecution, our soul thirsts for God. Our love for Him must surpass our fear of men. His steadfast love is better than life (Psalm 63:3), and we cling to Him as we testify in a hostile world.

Key Verses and Commentary 

• John 15:18 (LSB) “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.  ➝ The believer’s suffering is not strange. It follows the same pattern as Christ’s.

• John 15:26 (LSB) “When the Advocate comes…He will bear witness about Me.” ➝ Assurance that the Spirit empowers our gospel proclamation.

• 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 ➝ Believers are the aroma of Christ—life to some, judgment to others.

• Psalm 63:3 (LSB) “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will laud You.” ➝ The foundation of faithful endurance is communion with God.

Key Words 

• World (kosmos): The unbelieving system in rebellion against God.

• Hate (miseō): To detest or reject, often used of spiritual hostility.

• Witness (martyreō): To testify or bear record, often under threat or suffering.

• Judgment (krisis): Divine decision or sentence upon sin and rebellion.

• Helper (Paraklētos): The Holy Spirit, who comforts, empowers, and testifies to Christ.

Key People 

• Jesus Christ: The hated but victorious Lord who sends His disciples into a hostile world.
• Disciples: Chosen witnesses, called to bear testimony despite opposition.
• Holy Spirit: Sent from the Father to empower believers to proclaim the truth.
• The World: Those under Satan’s rule, who oppose God’s truth and persecute His people.

From Promise to Practice

Jesus does not merely warn of persecution—He provides strength and assurance through the Holy Spirit. The original audience, His disciples, faced hostility with courage because they knew who they belonged to and what mission they carried. We must take up the same mantle: not to be conformed, but to be commissioned witnesses.

Message to Original Audience 

• Expect hostility for bearing Christ’s name.

• Do not be dismayed—this hatred is rooted in the world’s rejection of Jesus.

• The Holy Spirit will enable you to testify boldly.

• Judgment is coming for those who reject the gospel.

• Abide in God’s love, even when hated by the world.

Applications for Believers Today 

• Prepare for persecution: Following Christ invites rejection from the world.
• Stand firm in truth: Refuse to compromise biblical convictions for worldly acceptance.
• Witness boldly: Trust the Spirit to give you courage and clarity in gospel proclamation.
• Cling to Christ: Delight in His steadfast love, especially when under trial.
• Endure with hope: Judgment belongs to God; your labor is not in vain.
• Reject worldly values: Live set apart, bearing the aroma of Christ.

Living Set Apart

We are not called to fit in but to stand out—for Christ, by the Spirit, to a world that desperately needs the truth. In Christ, we are empowered to endure, speak, and shine.