Who would hate us?

Wednesday - 4/18 - Read James 1:1

Jesus was pretty up front about the pressure His followers would face as they listened to and applied His principles to their lives. "Hate (Jn. 17:14)" is a very strong word and this is the word Jesus used to describe how the world would feel towards us.

Every Christian must work through the issues of this kind of pressure. For some it is not difficult to face, but for others it is very difficult.

How do you feel about the potential pressure for this?

Does John 17:14 mean every person who is not a follower of Jesus Christ is going to "hate" you?

Have you ever faced this "hate?"

If you have, how did it affect your willingness to follow Jesus Christ?

Jesus prayed in John 17:15 that we would not be taken out of the world but that we would be protected. In other words Jesus prayed that we would have to face difficulty and the pressures of this world. Why?

It would be easier if we were just taken away to heaven, but He didn't pray that. Pause and think about this. What was His purpose in leaving us in this world?

What is the role of His "word" according to John 17:17-19?

As you apply these truths, how might this affect your prayer for your life and those you pray for?

Read James 1:2-12 for next Sunday.