On Sunday nights Pastor Jeff is teaching us through God’s Word in John Chapter 17 and so far, we have studied through John 17:1-8. We hope you will consider joining us on Sunday night at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall. This section of Chapter 17 is often called Jesus's "High Priestly Prayer," it does not explicitly focus on "The Word" as the divine person Jesus Christ, as directly as John 1:1 does. Instead, this chapter emphasizes the function and power of God's revealed message, or "word," in the lives of believers. In this prayer, Jesus defines the nature of this word and its transformative effects on his followers.

The Word's role in sanctification (John 17:17)

The central teaching about God's word in John 17 is found in Jesus's petition to the Father: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth".

• Sanctification means being set apart. The Greek word for "sanctify" is “hagiazō”     and it means to be set apart for a holy purpose. This holiness is not merely the avoidance of sin but an intentional consecration to God.
• The Word is the instrument of holiness. Jesus explains that this process of becoming holy happens through God's truth. By declaring, "Your word is truth," Jesus establishes that God's revealed message is the ultimate standard for living a life dedicated to him.
• The Word changes our perspective. For sanctification to occur, believers must align their thoughts, actions, and beliefs with God's word, allowing it to transform them from the inside out.

The Word as the foundation of faith (John 17:6–8)

Jesus reminds the Father that the disciples already demonstrated a vital relationship with God's word.

• Jesus reveals the Father's name through his words. Jesus told the Father, "I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world" (John 17:6, ESV). The words that Jesus speaks reveal God's character and nature. The Greek word used for “manifested” in John 17:6 is “ephanerōsa” and means to make something clear or known, to reveal and bring to light.
• Receiving the Word leads to genuine belief. Jesus confirms that his disciples received the words the Father gave him. Their acceptance of this message is proof that they truly knew and believed that Jesus was sent by God.
• Obedience is the evidence of keeping the Word. The disciples showed they had "kept your word" by their obedience and willingness to follow Jesus, even with their imperfections. This shows that faith is demonstrated through a person's response to the word of God.

As we continue to study Chapter 17 we have shared below a brief outline of some of what we will be learning. Come and join in on our deep dive into God’s word in John Chapter 17.

The Word's unifying power (John 17:14, 20–21)

The Word is the reason believers are "not of the world" and the source of their unity.

• The Word separates believers from the world. Jesus explains that the world hated his disciples because he had given them God's word, and as a result, they were no longer "of the world" (John 17:14).
• Future believers are unified through the Word. Jesus extends his prayer to include all who would one day believe "through their [the disciples'] word" (John 17:20). This highlights how God's message, passed from one generation to the next, is the agent of unity for all Christians.
• Unity through the Word testifies to the world. This unity, forged by a common faith in God's word, is a powerful witness to the world, proving that Jesus was sent by the Father.

Discussion questions for a Bible study

• What is the difference between simply hearing the Word and "keeping" it, as Jesus says his disciples did in John 17:6?
• Read John 17:14. Why does Jesus say the world hates those who have been given God's word? How is that hatred manifested today?
• How can meditating on the truth that "Your word is truth" (John 17:17) strengthen faith and protect from false teaching?
• In what specific ways can God's word sanctify, or set apart for holiness, in daily lives?
• Considering Jesus's prayer for the unity of all believers "through their word" (John 17:20), what role does Scripture play in maintaining peace and harmony within the church?

We hope to see you next Sunday night.