Clarity of Purpose in a Hostile World
John 17 • Sermon • Submitted
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· 4 viewsIn this message today, we will understand that God's people should have unity while living in a hostile world.
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Introduction:
Introduction:
Jesus prayed for his disciples to remain in the world but to be kept from the evil (John 17:15).
God must have some purpose for us in the world because Jesus’ has yet to come to remove us from it.
Implied in Jesus’ prayer is obedient living.
What does that include, or what does that look like?
Love enables a characteristic that is vital to us fulfilling the purpose Christ has for us in the world.
Unity of Truth Across Time and Space
Unity of Truth Across Time and Space
Jesus did not solely pray for his immediate disciples.
He knew they would remain to preach the truths he had taught them in the world.
What an astounding reality that demonstrates the omnipotence of Christ.
He has told his disciples, at this very meal, that one of them will betray him.
He has told them “Strike the shepherd and the sheep will flee from him.”
He knew they would scatter.
He knew they would have doubts.
Yet, he is also certain they will make disciples in his absence.
We are a continuation of the truthful teaching of the apostles, and we are to leave behind such a witness for future generations ourselves.
Unity’s Intended Depth
Unity’s Intended Depth
Jesus prays for his disciples to be “one.”
The standard of unity is “just as yourself are in me and I in you.”
It is unity that enables the truthful witness.
Jesus repeats these phrases:
κἀγὼ τὴν δόξαν ἣν δέδωκάς μοι δέδωκα αὐτοῖς, ἵνα ὦσιν ἓν καθὼς ἡμεῖς ἕν·
ἐγὼ ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ σὺ ἐν ἐμοί, ἵνα ὦσιν τετελειωμένοι εἰς ἕν, ἵνα γινώσκῃ ὁ κόσμος ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας καὶ ἠγάπησας αὐτοὺς καθὼς ἐμὲ ἠγάπησας.
Notice the mutual relationship between Christ and the Father extends to the relationship between Jesus and his disciples.
Then, it is to extend beyond that but remain based upon that.
Unity’s Intended Witness
Unity’s Intended Witness
Unity is a form of witness to the reality of Jesus’ person.
While he may be the reason why the world is hostile to believers, he is the source of unity between believers as we face the world.
His relationship with the Father, his person, and his instruction serve as the source of unity for believers in the face of hostility.
What is at stake in unity?
Maturity
Obedience
Knowledge that confirms the Father sent Jesus into the world.
Jesus’ own witness, then.
Christianity does not just claim to possess information. It does more than call for blind beliefs.
The word of God and the coming of Jesus enable us to live in the world in a certain way.
Confirmation of Jesus’ claims in included in our unity.
Eph. 4:1-14.