Maintaining true discipleship to Jesus, John 17

Introduction:

1. This text is the prayer of Jesus to God, the Father, shortly before His trial and crucifixion.
2. Specifically, Jesus is referring to His relationship to the God the Father and His relationship to His apostles. However, there are important lessons to be learned by all disciples of Jesus.
3. What are my responsibilities to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, my Savior?

I. Keep (Obey) the Word of God (John 17:6)

II. Glorify Him (John 17:10)

III. Be Filled With Joy (John 17:13)

IV. Not to be Of The World (John 17:14-16)

V. Go Into All the World With the Truth (John 17:17-20)

VI. Be Unified -- Maintain Oneness in Him (John 17:20-23)

VII. Keep the Love of God in Our Hearts (John 17:26)

Conclusion: By following and practicing the above admonitions or requests of Jesus' prayer, we may:

1. Be kept from evil, v. 15
2. Be sanctified through the truth, v. 17
3. Not be lost, v. 12
   

SPW