Hated without a Cause

“Hated without a cause”

Text: John 15:18–25

1. The World Will Hate Genuine

• “If you love like Jesus, don’t expect the world to clap”

If we never feel , maybe it’s because we’ve too well.

• When has loyalty to Jesus made you look different than the crowd?
• If the world never resists you, is it possible you’ve stopped resisting the world?

Cain killing Abel (1 John 3:12). Abel’s righteousness provoked hostility.

hates the !

“Where do I need to stop blending in and quietly stand out for Jesus?”

2. Hatred of Christ Is Hatred of God

• “Rejecting Jesus is rejecting God Himself.”

Jesus says, “If they Me, they persecute you also.”

Israel didn’t revelation; they it.

• Does your Christianity ever cost you something?
• When’s the last time loyalty to Jesus made you lose an advantage — a friendship, an opportunity, a reputation boost?

Ask yourself: “Where am I tempted to silence my faith so I don’t look different?” Pray for courage to let your allegiance to Christ show, even in small costs.

3. The Spirit Empowers Our Message

• “Our courage comes from the , not .”

is the enemy of evangelism. It changes our faith experience from to .

• Do you ever talk about Jesus with anyone outside these church walls?
• If not, why not — fear, busyness, or simply not thinking about it?

Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2). Once timid, now Spirit-empowered to proclaim boldly.

Practical Step

This week, pray: “Lord, give me one open door to speak or show Jesus.” It might be sharing Scripture with a hurting friend, praying with a co-worker, or inviting a neighbor to church