Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 17:17-26
J.C. Ryle expounds on Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17:17-26, emphasizing the sanctifying power of God's truth, the unity of believers, and the manifestation of divine love.
In this expository sermon on John 17:17-26, J.C. Ryle explores the profound prayer of Jesus for His disciples and all believers. He highlights the sanctifying power of God's truth, the essential unity among Christians as a reflection of the divine relationship, and the deep love shared between the Father and the Son. Ryle encourages believers to embrace these truths for spiritual growth and assurance of eternal fellowship with Christ.
Text
"Set them apart in the truth; your word is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I set myself apart on their behalf, so that they too may be truly set apart.
"I am not praying only on their behalf, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their testimony, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they may be in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory you gave to me I have given to them, that they may be one just as we are one--I in them and you in me--that they may be completely one, so that the world may know that you sent me, and you have loved them just as you have loved me.
"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory that you gave me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, even if the world does not know you, I know you, and these men know that you sent me. I made known your name to them, and I will continue to make it known, so that the love you have loved me with may be in them, and I may be in them."
These wonderful verses form a fitting conclusion of the most wonderful prayer that was ever prayed on earth--the last Lord\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Sanctification of Believers
- Set apart in the truth of God's word
- Sanctification as a divine act through truth
- The role of Jesus' prayer in believers' holiness
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II. The Unity of the Church
- Believers united as the Father and Son are one
- Unity as a testimony to the world
- The glory given to believers to foster oneness
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III. The Manifestation of Divine Love
- Jesus' desire for believers to experience God's love
- Love as the foundation of relationship with God
- The eternal nature of God's love before creation
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IV. The Hope of Eternal Fellowship
- Believers' future presence with Christ
- Seeing the glory given to Jesus
- The assurance of being with Christ forever
Key Quotes
“Set them apart in the truth; your word is truth.” — J.C. Ryle
“I pray that they may be in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me.” — J.C. Ryle
“The glory you gave to me I have given to them, that they may be one just as we are one.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Commit daily to being sanctified through the study and application of God's word.
- Strive to maintain unity with fellow believers as a testimony to the world.
- Rest in the assurance of God's eternal love and the promise of eternal life with Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'set apart in the truth'?
Being set apart in the truth means believers are sanctified and made holy through God's word, which is the ultimate truth.
Why is unity among believers important according to this passage?
Unity reflects the oneness of the Father and Son and serves as a powerful testimony to the world of Jesus' divine mission.
How does Jesus describe the love between the Father and Himself?
Jesus describes this love as eternal, existing before the creation of the world, and desires believers to share in this love.
What is the significance of Jesus praying for believers' future fellowship with Him?
It assures believers of their eternal hope to be with Christ and to see His glory, affirming the promise of eternal life.
How can believers apply this prayer in their daily lives?
Believers can seek sanctification through God's word, pursue unity with fellow Christians, and rest in the assurance of God's love.