The fear that prevents evangelism is a virus throughout American Christians. I believe much of it stems from an under-emphasized and often overlooked truth of discipleship: true disciples will be persecuted. 

Persecution ought not be something we fear, and the gospel ought not be something that we seek to sanitize so that it doesn’t offend.  While we shouldn’t be mean or unaccepting, we should be very careful in what we affirm as seen from the world’s value system.  Above all, true disciples should have already settled in their heart the acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as their Lord no matter the consequences. 

Observations & Conclusions

1. The world’s “love” or “hate” is a question of ownership
2. A true disciple is called out of the world
3. A true disciple looks like his/her Master
4. Persecution is a guarantee
   1. Persecution comes because of a Godly witness to the truth
   2. Persecution comes because the world is sin-phobic

Application: 

Values: A question of loves

1. Family – Am I leading my family to Jesus as of #1 importance? 
2. Time – Do I use my time to serve Jesus?
3. Money – Do I use my money to serve Jesus?
4. You – Am I willing to deny myself for Jesus?

Matthew 10:32-33

“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” 

Ephesians 2:1-2

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”

John 10:27

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

2 Timothy 3:12

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

John 7:7

“The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil.”