1. Haters
John 9:24-34

2. What do we mean by “haters”?

3. Hater defined
1. A person who has an intense dislike for another person or thing 2. A person who thrives on showing hate toward, criticizing or belittling other people or things, usually unfairly

4. The actions of haters are illogical and unbiblical.
Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Genesis 4:8

5. The actions of haters are illogical and unbiblical.
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

6. Examples of haters

7. The Pharisees
13 They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees. 14 Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them.17 They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”

8. The Pharisees
18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?”20 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.”

9. The Pharisees
22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”24 So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.”25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”26 Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?”

10. The Pharisees
27 He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?”28 Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”30 The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! 31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.

11. The Pharisees
32 Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”34 They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out. John 9:13-34

12. The Pharisees
He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” John 9:27

13. The Pharisees
32 As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. 33 And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!”34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.” Matthew 9:32-34

14. The Scribes
1 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem. 2 Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. 3 For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.

15. The Scribes
5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?”6 He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”

16. The Scribes
9 He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. Mark 7:1-9

17. Chief Priests and Elders
17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. Matthew 27:17-18 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. Matthew 27:20

18. Lessons for us today

19. Haters, hate for no justifiable reason
1 Do not keep silent, O God of my praise! 2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful Have opened against me; They have spoken against me with a lying tongue. 3 They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, And fought against me without a cause. 4 In return for my love they are my accusers, But I give myself to prayer. 5 Thus they have rewarded me evil for good, And hatred for my love. Psalms 109:1-5

20. Haters will stand condemned at the judgment
24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself; 25 When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart;26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. Proverbs 26:24-27

21. Conclusion
1. The kind, considerate, and the just are pleasing to God, these stand in opposition to the attributes of haters. 2. One would be wise to examine himself to make sure you are not a “hater” of good or of the godly.