I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. John 17:15-18
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 17:6-19, where Jesus continues with the High Priestly Prayer and the text for today, Jesus prays for the disciples. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God loves the disciples, as He loves all those who have been adopted into His family through faith, and here we see Jesus praying for the disciples. Jesus prays for the disciples to be "[kept] in [the Father's] name" (v11), "that they may be one, even as [He and the Father] are one" (v11), "that they may have joy fulfilled in themselves" (v13), that "[the Father] keep them from the evil one" (v15), and that "they also may be sanctified in truth" (vv17,19). These themes are critical. Jesus emphasizes and prays for them to abide in Him (John 15:1-17), for unity among the disciples and believers, joy (in service of God and others, regardless of circumstances, including persecution - 1 Thessalonians 5:8, James 1:2-4), to be protected from Satan, and to submit to God's pruning and sanctification (John 15) as He makes us more like Him.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Believers are in the world, but not of the world (vv11,14,16). As citizens of Heaven and God's Kingdom, our allegiance is first and foremost to Him. We are also ambassadors sent by Him into the world (v18) to seek and save the lost just as He did.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid being a friend of the world and falling prey to the dark forces of this world. Claim the promise that we belong to Jesus (v6) and we can never be separated from His love. Follow the example of Jesus to abide in the Word and Him just as He followed the will of the Father and fulfilled scripture. Love God, love others, and seek and save the lost.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - You give me Your Word and arm me to have refuge from the evil one and You sanctify me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You save and bless. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
