Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 15:17-21
J.C. Ryle emphasizes that true Christian love must be steadfast amid the world's hatred and persecution, just as Christ commanded and experienced.
In this expository sermon on John 15:17-21, J.C. Ryle explores Christ’s command to love one another amidst the inevitable hatred and persecution from the world. Ryle highlights the reality that Christians, chosen by Christ, must expect opposition just as Jesus did. He calls believers to steadfast love and faithfulness, encouraging them to remain unmoved by trials and to follow their Master’s example faithfully.
Text
"This I command you--to love one another."
"If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you do not belong to the world, but I chose you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. Remember what I told you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they obeyed my word, they will obey yours too. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.
The passage before us opens with a renewed exhortation to brotherly love. For the third time in this discourse our Lord thinks it needful to press this precious grace on the attention of His disciples. Rare, indeed, must genuine charity be, when such repeated mention of it is made! In the present instance the connection in which it stands should be carefully observed. Christian love is placed in contrast to the hatred of the world.
We are shown first, in this passage, what true Christians must expect to meet in this world--hatred and persecution. If the disciples looked for kindness and gratitude from man they would be painfully disappointed. They must lay their account to be ill-treated like their Master. "The world hates you. Be not moved or surprised. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my word, they will keep yours also."
Facts, painful facts in every age, supply abundant proof that our Lord\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Command to Love One Another
- Christ’s repeated emphasis on brotherly love
- Love as a distinguishing mark of discipleship
- The rarity and preciousness of genuine charity
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II. The Reality of Worldly Hatred
- The world hates Christians because they do not belong to it
- Hatred is a consequence of being chosen by Christ
- Believers should expect opposition and persecution
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III. The Example of Christ’s Persecution
- Christ was hated and persecuted first
- Disciples are not greater than their Master
- Persecution is on account of Christ’s name
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IV. The Assurance of Obedience and Witness
- Those who obey Christ will obey His disciples
- Christian witness will provoke opposition
- Faithfulness in trials confirms true discipleship
Key Quotes
“This I command you--to love one another.” — J.C. Ryle
“The world hates you. Be not moved or surprised. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” — J.C. Ryle
“Christian love is placed in contrast to the hatred of the world.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Commit to loving fellow believers consistently, even when faced with opposition.
- Prepare your heart to endure persecution as a natural part of Christian discipleship.
- Remain steadfast in faith, remembering Christ’s example of suffering for righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the world hate Christians according to this sermon?
Because Christians do not belong to the world but are chosen by Christ, which causes the world to hate them as it hated Jesus first.
What is the significance of loving one another in this passage?
Loving one another is a command from Christ that distinguishes His disciples and is essential even amid persecution.
How should Christians respond to persecution?
Christians should not be surprised or moved by persecution but accept it as part of following Christ’s example.
What does it mean that a slave is not greater than his master?
It means that since Christ was persecuted, His followers should expect similar treatment in the world.
How does obedience to Christ relate to persecution?
Those who obey Christ’s word will face opposition because the world does not know God who sent Him.