Scripture References: John 15:18-16:11, John 1:9-12, 1:18, 14:18, 1 John 3:1, Matthew 6, Psalm 62, Hebrews 13:5, 4:15-16, 1 Peter 2:20-23, Ephesians 3:19

Intro:

• Personal connection to the Gospel of John and its focus on Jesus' love.
• Title: "Abiding When Hardship Happens."
• Definition of "abiding": relaxing deeply into something greater that holds and surrounds us.
• Focus on hardship due to faith-based rejection.

Key Points:

• Why the World Hates Jesus (and Us):
  • John 15:21, 16:3: They do not know the Father or Jesus.
  • Rejection stems from ignorance, not personal animosity.
  • John 1:9-12: Jesus, the true light, was rejected by the world He created.
  • John 1:18: Jesus revealed the Father's heart, yet many still reject.
  • 1 John 3:1: God's love lavished on us, making us children of God.
  • John 14:18: Jesus came to eliminate orphanness through the Holy Spirit.
  • Orphans must strive, while children rest in their Father's provision.
• Responding to Rejection:
  • Instead of retaliation, sink deeply into God's love.
  • John 15:26, 16:5-7: The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, is sent to us.
  • The Holy Spirit dwells within us, comforting and guiding.
  • Pour out our hearts to God in honest prayer (Psalm 62).
  • Trust in God's presence and comfort (Hebrews 13:5).
  • Jesus understands our suffering (Hebrews 4:15-16).
  • Entrust our lives to God, like Jesus did (1 Peter 2:20-23).
  • Bear the fruit of love, reflecting God's love.
  • Forgive as Jesus forgave, seeing the person behind the action.
  • Ephesians 3:19: be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.

Conclusion:

• Rejection is painful, but God's love is greater.
• The Holy Spirit comforts and empowers us in hardship.
• We are called to respond with love, forgiveness, and trust.

Call to Action:

• When facing rejection, pour out your heart to God.
• Entrust your life and circumstances to Him.
• Receive God's love and allow it to flow through you.
• Forgive those who reject you, seeing them through God's eyes.
• Abide in God's love, allowing Him to hold and surround you.

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