John 17:14-18

Introduction:

1. Jesus started a culture war that will end when time ends (Matthew 10:34-36; John 15:18ff).

2. Our responsibility is to learn how to serve Him and win that culture war.

3. This lesson seeks to identify the best way to fulfill our role in said culture war.

Discussion:

I. Not by Blending or Hiding

A. Several animals can blend into their surroundings when they feel threatened.

B. Many others are very adept at retreating and hiding from perceived danger.

C. Both these self-defense mechanisms are temptations Christians must avoid.

1. We cannot be religious chameleons (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:11; Jude 3; cf. Psalms 1:1-2).

2. Nor can we be religious monks (John 17:15; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10; Matthew 5:14-16; 28:18-20).

D. We are to be unique people who stand out in our world (Philippians 2:12-16; 1 Peter 2:9-12).

II. Not by Zealotry

A. The opposite extreme is to become contentious when contending for the faith.

B. Zeal is a good thing (Romans 12:11); zealotry is harmful (Romans 13:13b; 2 Timothy 2:24-26).

C. A couple of examples from the New Testament should bring clarity to this.

1. Many Jews were zealous for wrong things (Romans 10:1-3; Acts 8:1-3; Galatians 1:14).

2. Peter was zealous but used the wrong method (Matthew 26:51-54).

III. By Bold but Humble Christ-like Service

A. Christ-like service recognizes the imperative of doing right things, for right reasons, with right methods (Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 4:5-6).

B. Consider the example of Jesus and Paul in this vein:

1. Jesus mingled with sinners (Matthew 9:9-13), commanding repentance (Luke 13:1-5), blending compassion and correction (Matthew 9:35-38; John 8:3-11).

2. Paul deployed this balance in his ministry (Acts 17:16-34; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

Conclusion:

1. Sadly, most will reject the call to turn from the broad way (Matthew 7:13-14; Isaiah 6:8-13).

2. Nevertheless, the bold but humble Christ-like approach to the culture war will succeed as it glorifies God, offering grace to the culture (Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Peter 2:9-12; 3:13-16).

3. Let us neither acquiesce, hide, nor attack; rather let us live, love, and serve like Jesus.

Further Food for Thought

1. Are you more tempted to blend/hide or attack when culture lashes out at you?

2. What methods may we employ together to develop bold but humble Christ-likeness?

3. Do you seek opportunities to engage the uncomfortable conversations necessary?