Jesus’ Priestly Prayer

John 17:16-19

Sanctify God’s People

Paul J. Bucknell
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The Bible Teaching Commentary

John 17:1-8 Glorify | John 17:9-12 Unite | John 17:13-15 Protect
John 17:16-19 Sanctify | John 17:20-23 Testimony | John 17:24-26 Share
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Sanctify God’s People John 17:16-19 is the fourth of six prayer requests made during Jesus' lengthy prayer at the end of the Upper Room Discourse which shows the importance God's Word has in building up God's people to live as one people under Him. Includes Bible study questions.

4) Sanctify God’s People (John 17:16-19)

“Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth” (John 17:17).

Jesus is ultimately concerned about the lifestyle of the believer. He asks the Father to sanctify them, that is, to set more of their hearts and decisions to conform to that of the Father above.

Bible Study Questions John 17:16-19

1. In what sense are believers or Christ ‘not of this world’ (John 17:16)?

2. While verse 16 speaks of our position, it seems urgent that believers must gradually be shaped into that calling. What does ‘sanctify’ mean? (Suggestion: do a word search for santification, sanctified and sanctify).

3. How are believers sanctified (John 17:17,19)?

4. From reading John 17:18, would you say that Jesus believed this sanctification process could work despite the threats surrounding the church?

Summary

Positionally, believers are not of the world but there still remains a work of sanctification that must take place in the believers’ lives. This is the reason Jesus strongly emphasized the work of ‘making disciples’ through the teaching of His Word before He ascended (see Matthew 28:18-20).

Reflection and application questions

• One major goal for your life is to be sanctified. When is the last time you thought about this for your life? What area of your life were you particularly thinking?

• Sanctification largely depends upon the acquisition of the Word or truth of God in our lives. In what ways are you making sure there is a steady stream of His Word in your lives?

• Think back on your growth and the setbacks of your Christian life. Analyze how the input of God’s Word in your life influenced your Christian growth. Did you ever grow without an increased desire of God’s Word?

• If Jesus set His life to sanctify us, how should we respond in making our sanctification and those around us as one of our chief purposes? (Can you see how personal devotions, sermons, Sunday school, small groups all have a common purpose?)

Click to continue to the next prayer request of Jesus.

5) Unite the Church for a Testimony (John 17:20-23)

Check out other quality BFF materials related to the above topics.

A video and handout of this lesson is available on the BFF New Testament Library - see below.

Biblical Foundations for Freedom ( BFF )

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell