The World Club Will Hate You

Jesus continued his private instructions to his apostles, just 2-3 days before his death. Jesus warned them about “The World Club” (or “the world” as it is called in Scripture), a global club of members united around one common interest: active rebellion against God. Jesus warned his apostles (and us) that the World Club will hate Christians because (1) Christians are not members of the World Club, (2) the World Club hates Jesus, and (3) the World Club does not know God the Father. Jesus repeated his promise to send the Holy Spirit to help his apostles after he was gone, and commanded them to bear witness. He warned them that persecution would come in many forms. Jesus wanted them to be ready and not alarmed when it happened. Applications for us: Be ready. Count the cost. Love your enemies. Tell the Good News to the World Club. | John 15:18-16:4