1. 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 12
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

2. Matthew 5:10-12
“10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

3. John 15:18-20
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”

4. Are we as counter-cultural as we need to be?

5. Our Counter-Cultural Calling
Jesus taught counter-culturalism in the Sermon on the Mount – Matt. 5:21-22, 27-28, 31-32, 33-34a, 38-39, 43-44
We are called upon to be different than the culture around us – 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1 (note Num. 33:51-56)
The world should think us “strange” – 1 Pet. 4:1-4
When the world partakes, we abstain – 1 Pet. 2:11-12; 1 Thess. 4:3; 5:22; Eph. 5:3-7
When the world abstains, we partake – 2 Cor. 1:3-7; Col. 1:12; 1 Pet. 3:12-19
Christians are called to be “special” … not common – Tit. 2:14, 1 Pet. 2:9-10

6. Our Counter-Cultural Struggle
Christianity (as this culture identifies with it) is not significantly different than our culture!
If we live like this world, what motivation do we give this world to live like us?
Christians need to concern themselves less with being culturally-relevant and more with being counter-cultural.
Besides the fight for our own souls, we are fighting for the hearts, minds and souls of our children.

7. Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”