Could We Have a

Little Less?John 15:18-16:4

Introduction

• We all want more LOVE.

Introduction

• None of us want to be HATED.

Introduction

A vibrant, growing connection to the Vine will bring a strong NEGATIVE

reaction from some.

Negative Reactions to Fruit

• Hatred by the world is NORMAL Christianity (15:18-25)

– You are associated with someone they already HATE. (18)

– You are no longer LIKE THEM in philosophy, theology, epistemology, or praxis. (19)

– Your new way of life EXPOSES their wrong direction. (21)

Negative Reactions to Fruit

• Hatred by the world is NORMAL Christianity (15:18-25)

– You are presenting an EXCLUSIVE gospel. (20, 23)

– You are focused on Christ and His FAME. (21)

– Your life declares and highlights their GUILT. (22, 24)

Negative Reactions to Hate

• Hatred of the world is NOT NORMAL Christianity (15:26-16:4)

– To love in the face of such hate requires a HELPER. (26)

– The world needs to hear the MESSAGE that they hate; we must proclaim it because we love them. (26-27)

Negative Reactions to Hate

• Hatred of the world is NOT NORMAL Christianity (15:26-16:4)

– Their efforts are wasted and useless against a COMMUNITY bent on loving them in return. (2)

– They do not UNDERSTAND what they are doing. (2-3)

MORE Fruit

MORE Pressure

MORE Wine

MORE Wine= a concentrated sweetness,

for the service of others, under the influence of the Spirit

Conclusions

• If we love ourselves, we will seek to have less FRUIT. – We will downplay difference to avoid

abuse, conflict, attack, or hatred. • If we love the world, we will ask

for more FRUIT.– Regardless of the high personal cost,

we want to love those who hate us.

Rosariahttp://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/january-february/my-train-wreck-conversion.html

“…In this war of worldviews, Ken was there. [His wife] was

there. The church that had been

praying for me for years was there.

Jesus triumphed.”