Characteristics of a Disciple – Part 5

The Characteristics of a Disciple: V

John 15:18-27

Discipleship is more than just believing in Jesus—it is following Him even when it costs us. In John 15:18-27, Jesus tells us that the world will hate us because it hated Him first. Rejection is not a possibility; it is a certainty for those who belong to Christ.

Yet, He does not leave us without hope. He calls us to endure, to reflect His light, and to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.

  1. A Disciple is Rejected by the World (John 15:18-19)

Jesus warns:
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)

What aligns with the world’s values?

The world embraces whatever opposes God’s truth. Some examples include:

  • Self-exaltation over humility (“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” – 1 John 2:16)
  • Moral compromise over holiness (“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” – Isaiah 5:20)
  • Conforming rather than transforming (“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” – Romans 12:2)

The world celebrates what serves its own interests. But disciples celebrate what honors God.

What Does It Mean to Be Set Apart?

Jesus said, “I chose you out of the world.” (John 15:19)

To be set apart means:

  1. Living differently—Like Daniel, who refused to eat the king’s food (Daniel 1:8).
  2. Thinking differently—Like Paul, who urged believers to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).
  3. Acting differently—Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow to idols (Daniel 3:18).
  1. A disciple is not just inthe world; they are distinct from
  • Jhn 17:14 I have given to them Your word [the message You gave Me]; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world and do not belong to the world, just as I am not of the world and do not belong to it.
  • Jhn 17:15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one.
  • Jhn 17:16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

 

 

  1. A Disciple Shares in Christ’s Suffering (John 15:20-25)

Jesus reminds us: “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20)

Suffering is not accidental; it is expected.

  1. Persecution is a Mark of True Discipleship
  • “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
  • If we never face opposition, we should ask: Are we truly living for Jesus?

The Suffering of the 11

  • Simon Peter – Crucified upside down.
  • James (Son of Zebedee) – Beheaded by King Herod.
  • John – Exiled to Patmos, persecuted but not martyred.
  • Andrew – Crucified on an X-shaped cross.
  • Philip – Tortured and crucified.
  • Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Flayed alive and beheaded.
  • Thomas – Speared to death in India.
  • Matthew – Stabbed to death in Ethiopia.
  • James (Son of Alphaeus) – Stoned and clubbed to death.
  • Thaddaeus (Jude) – Beaten to death.
  • Simon the Zealot – Sawed in half or crucified.
  1. Suffering with Christ Leads to Glory
  • “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.” (2 Timothy 2:12)
  • Paul understood that the suffering of this life is “not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”(Romans 8:18)
  1. God Uses Suffering to Strengthen Us
  • “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
  • Pain in Christ’s name has purpose—it purifies us, matures us, and draws us closer to Him.
  • Suffering leads us to transformation. 
    • Suffering is not abandonment it’s transformation
  • “If you are never opposed for your faith, you may be blending in where you should be standing out.”
  • “Suffering for Christ is not a curse; it is a calling.”
  • “The cross was not comfortable for Jesus—why should it be for His disciples?”
  • “The world may reject you, but heaven will receive you.”
  1. The Holy Spirit’s Role in discipleship

Even in suffering, we are not alone. Jesus promises:

Jesus begins in this chapter reminding them and us to stay connected to the vine.  That we will produce much fruit.  That His joy will be complete in us.  But then he reminds them that being a disciple will cause folks to hate you, persecute you, talk about you, leave you….  But there is help available to you.  Called the Holy Spirit. 

Jhn 15:26  “But when the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor–Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father, He will testify and bear witness about Me.

Jhn 15:27  But you will testify also and be My witnesses, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

The Holy Spirit testifies of Jesus

When Jesus says the Spirit will testify about Him, v.26

The Greek word for testify in John 15:26 is “martureō” (μαρτυρέω), which means:

  • To bear witness, as in a courtroom setting.
  • To confirm the truth of something.
  • To provide firsthand evidence about a person or event.

This word is the root of martyr, which originally meant one who bears witness, later coming to mean one who gives their life for their testimony.

Thus, when Jesus says the Spirit will testify about Him, He is saying the Spirit will:
Reveal the truth about who Jesus is.
Confirm His teachings.
Provide undeniable evidence of His identity and mission.

He is saying the Spirit will:
Reveal the truth about who Jesus is.
Confirm His teachings.
Provide undeniable evidence of His identity and mission.

The Holy Spirit continues to testify about Jesus today through:
Revealing truth to those who seek Him.
Convicting hearts and calling people to repentance.
Illuminating Scripture to believers.
Empowering bold witnesses to proclaim the gospel.
Confirming the truth through supernatural power.

 

“But you will testify also and be My witnesses, because you have been with Me from the beginning.” (John 15:27)

 

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