The Gospel of John - They May Be One As We Are One - part 1

       

They May Be One As We Are One

John 17:6-12

Unity (oneness) is sorely lacking in our world, and in the church today. There are more schisms, divisions, and dogmatic walls erected in both the world and the churches today. It is hard to see the non-negotiables of God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit as the Tribune God, the infallibility and inerrancy of God’s Word, and that “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Eph. 4:5-6  The oneness Jesus spoke of in his prayer for the disciples seems to be a faded memory, a wisp of distant wisdom to a large segment of the church world today, but this is exactly why Jesus ask God in this prayer to protect the infant church from these modern day dissensions. 

Let’s look at the beginning of the prayer for the disciples, “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.”

Jesus had revealed the Word from God the Father, his plan of salvation for mankind, and his promise of the Holy Spirit to the disciples. They have been chosen before the beginning of time. “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” (Eph.4:5-6) They came out of a sin-depraved world, into a body whose head is Christ Jesus. “And he is the head of the body, the church…” (Col. 1:8a)

Jesus calls his disciples his own, not in ownership but as in oneness. They were no longer of the world, they had become new creations, a holy and living body in which they were unified in heart, mind, and soul to Jesus. “All the believers were one in heart and mind… being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Acts 4:32a, Phil.2:2)

The disciples were commended for their obedience to the words of God through Jesus. They no longer questioned Jesus’ authority or the words he spoke, the revealing of who God the Father was and His Son, whom he sent to the world was enough. Obedience to the Word of God was of utmost importance for Jesus to have mentioned it in his prayer for the disciples. For Jesus stated, “Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them.” Jesus also commented that they knew with certainty Jesus was who he said he was. The conviction and assuredness of the divinity of Jesus was the staple of the disciple’s faith in Christ.

Application - I would like to think that the churches today are one in the non-negotiables of Scripture. Yet it is evident by the fruit they bear if they are the true church and hold to the non-negotiables. Jesus had said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Jn. 13:34-35)

Obedience to God’s Word, Jesus’ new command, and the yielding to the Holy Spirit are signs that we are his disciples, for it is bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit that are the visual clincher. God has revealed his Word to us and as his disciples we are to obey it. For it is the revealed Word, the revealed mystery of salvation through God’s Son, Jesus Christ. It is inherent (it came from God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ to men, and the Holy Spirit inspired the those who penned it), infallible (It is absolute truth, “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him…The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever…The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times…All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (Prov. 30:5, Isa. 40:8, Ps. 12:6, 2 Tim. 3:16), and the living word “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.“ (Heb. 4:12)

Like the words from the old hymn writers John H. Sammis who wrote “Trust and Obey”

“When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory he sheds on our way! While we do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

Next, Jesus speaking his prayer audibly is assuring his disciples the praying master that they have walked with for three years, in whom they had prayed with and had seen praying in the solitude of the night, was praying for them and he would continue to intercede for them. Let’s look at the next portion of the text, “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you.” 

Jesus had taught the disciples to pray, “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Lk. 11:1-5)

Jesus knew the importance of the intimate communion that he had with the Father through prayer, and the disciples saw this as well. They knew by watching the Son and the Father communicate with one another that it was more than words. It was love, pure love and devotion that Jesus had for God the Father and the words he received from the Father confirmed that they were one. 

Jesus spoke of a oneness in everything he had with the Father. Everything that Jesus had received from the Father, he gave to his disciples. For Jesus knew the Oneness that the Father and Son had was complete, it was perfect. And now the disciples knew that they also were loved, purely loved, by both the Father and the Son.

Now Jesus again speaks of his departure from the world, but not before all the prophecies were fulfilled pertaining to his death, resurrection, and ascension. The glory of God had come to Jesus by the obedience, faith, and acceptance of the Truth by the disciples. They were his glory and crown as Paul mentioned, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thes. 2:19-20) The disciples were to remain in the world, but Jesus knew their needs.

Application - Prayer, there have been volumes of books, songs, and literature on the subject, but to truly understand prayer is to experience it with God the Father through Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. Paul said he prayed in the Spirit, “With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.” (Eph. 6:18 AMP)

The disciples were blessed to have a leader who taught them to pray, who led in prayer by example, and they had God the Father near them when they prayed, “What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?...The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth…Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need…” (Duet.4:7, Ps. 145:18, Heb. 4:16)

Last, Jesus knew they would be attacked by the enemies of God and need divine protection. Let’s look at the last portion of the text. “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.”

 Jesus knew that Satan and the fallen ones would not stop their evil schemes to kill, steal, and destroy. Jesus asks the Father to protect the disciples during the time of his death and afterwards. Jesus told Peter at the table, “Satan had asked to sift him as wheat, but I have prayed for you.” Jesus said yes to Satan, only in order to fulfill the prophecy of the scattering of the flock. “Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” Peter said, “Master, I’m ready for anything with you. I’d go to jail for you. I’d die for you!” Jesus said, “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me.” (Luke 22:31-34 MSG)

Jesus knew the power of the name of God, the name God gave the Son, Jesus, the Christ. In this name is full authority in heaven and earth. Every angelic and demonic being knows the authority and power of the name of Jesus and they must obey. The disciples had seen Jesus heal and drive out demons by that name. They had received authority under that name when they were sent out in twos, “They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known.” (Mk. 6:12-14)

Now, Jesus knew that they needed the protection of his name in order to fulfill the Father’s will, purpose and plan for the church. And Jesus also knew that the Father would give them whatever they needed or asked for in Jesus’ name. But the real key to the church was the oneness with the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and one another in love. Jesus had told the disciples that a house divided would fall, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” (Matt. 12:25)

The Oneness that the Father and Son had together, Jesus wanted for the disciples, and in this oneness, Jesus had been protecting the disciples for three years, shielding them from the enemy’s attacks by the name and authority the Father had given him. For Jesus told them to ask in his name and the Father would give it to them (especially in protection).

The disciples didn’t know that Satan had entered Judas in order to fulfill the prophecies of betrayal against Jesus, “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me... When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall…Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the Man that is My fellow,” saith the Lord of hosts. “Smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn Mine hand upon the little ones.” (Ps. 41:9, 27:2, Zech. 13:7) But Jesus did. Jesus knew that he would lose one of his disciples to the enemy and even Jesus was troubled in his spirit at the loss of one, but it was Judas’ choice to betray Jesus for the thirty silver coins. “I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.” So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.” (Zech. 11:12-13)

Application - Protection is a trillion dollar business around the world today. Cameras, digital codes, scanners, and various other technologies. Plus we have hired protection to cover our bodies and all our physical possessions. Yet man falls very short on the true protection that he needs, spiritual protection. Man lives in fear of the unknown, thus the protective devices. Jesus said to fear God who can kill the soul as well as the body, Matt. 10:28. Jesus knows the limited power of the devil and the lack of impetus of man. The Bible tells us not to have a spirit of fear, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline… If God is for us, who can be against us?...Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (2 Tim. 1:7, Rom. 8: 31,34-39) 

For God’s power and protection comes through prayer, obedience, faith, and total yielding to his will and the Holy Spirit. It is through these we are one with the Son and the Father. It is in Oneness that the church will stand firm against the enemy’s schemes and traps. (Eph.6:10-18) If you look close at the armor of God you will see the elements of Oneness. Truth (the belt), Righteousness (the breast plate), the Peace of the Gospel (the shoes), Faith (the shield), Salvation (the helmet), and The Word of God (the sword).

Jesus knows as he is interceding for his Bride, the Church, the elements of protection from God the Father are Truth, Righteousness, The Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation, and the Word of God. 

Jesus is interceding for all that the Father has given him, and all that is yet to come until the fullness of souls has been reached.

 I’m again including the ABC’s of salvation (JD Farag). Please, Jesus, God the Son, came to this world to save all who would believe and trust in him. He desires to reveal himself to you, He is the Light that overcomes the darkness of this lawless world. He hears your prayers, and all authority in heaven and earth have been given to him. He will answer you if you will truly believe. And he wants to empower you with the Holy Spirit. If you haven’t asked him to be your Lord and Savior, today could be that day.

 First, A - Admit that you are a sinner. This is where that godly sorrow leads to genuine repentance for sinning against a righteous God and there is a change of heart, we change our mind and God changes our hearts and regenerates us from the inside out. Romans 3:10 - As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one." Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (We are all born sinners which is why we must be born spiritually in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven). Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The bad news is that the wages of sin is death, in other words our sin means that we have been given a death sentence, we have the death penalty hanging over our heads, that's the bad news. But here's the good news: The good news is that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2:8-9 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Second,

 B - Believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and that God raised Jesus from the dead. This is trusting with all of your heart that Jesus Christ is who he said he was. Romans 10:9-10 - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Third, 

C - Call upon the name of the Lord. Every single person who ever lived since Adam will bend their knee and confess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Romans 14:11 - For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." Don't wait until later — do this now. Romans 10:13 - For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." "O God, I am a sinner. I'm sorry for my sin. I want to turn from my sin. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son; I believe that He died on the cross for my sin and that He was buried and You raised Him to life. I have decided to place my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior, trusting only in His shed blood as sufficient to save my soul and to take me to heaven. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen."

Please share this with someone this week, the Lord knows that we and they need it.

If you would like other lessons, please go to http://pmdinhisservice.blogspot.com 

Until next week, In His Service Mike Davis

I am developing a new webpage on Spiritual warfare. Please give it a look. I’m adding answers each week to questions that pertain to our time today.  Thank you

http://uss-warfare3.webnode.com