Introductory Thoughts
The truths of God’s word naturally divide believers from those in the world. The preaching of God’s word and His truths has often been the source of much of the world’s disdain for God’s people. The king of Israel hated and despised Micaiah because “he never prophesied good . . . but always evil.” Any believer who consistently stands upon the truth of God’s word will be hated by those who love the world. John the Baptist serves as another prime example. He was despised and ultimately killed because of his love for righteousness. Amos sheds light on why people hate those who speak and do right things. “They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly” (Amos 5:10). The Bible confirms these truths repeatedly. For instance, John warned believers not to marvel if the world hated them (1 John 3:13) because it first hated the Lord Jesus (John 15:18). Seek not to be loved or admired by the world and you will not be disappointed when they despise you.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Ephesians 4:15 says we must speak the truth in love. Stephen did just that in Acts chapter 7. After hearing Stephens preaching, the men stopped their ears, took him outside the city, and killed him. Read what Jesus told His younger brothers (who did not believe in Him) in John 7:7. He told them why the world hated Him.
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(For everyone): Do you find that the world is too friendly with you? Do you find that you are too friendly with the world? How does this relationship reflect upon your presentation of the truth?
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Does knowing that the world will hate you give you a free pass to being unkind toward others? The truth you proclaim may offend the world, but the way in which you deliver the truth should not be the cause of the offense.
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to give you boldness to proclaim His truths.
- Ask God to give you wisdom in how to deliver the message.
Song
BE THOU OUR SURE DEFENCE
