(JOHN 17) JESUS

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(JOHN 17)JESUS INTERCESSORY PRAYER FOR THE
CHURCH
First Baptist Church 7 June 2009

• By Ps Philips Koh

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NOTHING REVEALS A PERSONS HEART MORE THAN HIS OR
HER PRAYER LIFE
JESUS INTERCESSORY PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH
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THE PRAYER OF JESUS

• IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSAMANE
• Reveals Jesus willingness to subordinate his
  own will to the Fathers will
• IN JOHN 17
• Reveals his love for true believers by his
  faithful intercession for them

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A. JESUS AND GOD THE FATHER (VERSES 1-5)

• JESUS PRAYED FOR HIS GLORIFICATION
• Key word in this passage glory

Art by James J. Tissot Source
www.joyfulheart.com/easter/tissot-passion.htm
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THEOLOGICAL ISSUES
Was Jesus uttering a selfish prayer by asking the
Father to glorify Him (verse 5)?

• Not when He was only taking back the glory which
  was His in the first place

• Not when He was about to sacrifice His life on
  the Cross for sinners

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THEOLOGICAL ISSUES (cont)
What special claim was Jesus making for Himself
by

• His authority to grant eternal life (verse 2)?

• His claim to pre-existence (verses 5 24)?

One cannot take a neutral stand regarding the
person of Jesus. - Is Jesus God or is He the
greatest liar?
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APPLICATION POINT 1
What does it imply for us to possess eternal life
(verse 3)?
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APPLICATION POINT 1 (cont)

• The emphasis does not fall on the duration of
  endless existence, but on the experiential
  knowledge of God the Father and Jesus.
• A qualitative relationship with God rather than a
  quantitative life in heaven
• See Matthew 721-23

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B. JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES (VERSES 6-19)

• JESUS PRAYED FOR THEIR PRESERVATION
• Jesus knew that his disciples would face
  implacable opposition from the world
• Key word in this passage kept

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FIRST KEY TRUTH
If Jesus prays for our protection and
preservation all the time, then true believers
will never lose their salvation
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FIRST KEY TRUTH (cont)

• Jesus talks about those whom the Father has given
  to him (verse 6)
• Jesus talks about losing none to perdition,
  except for Judas Iscariot (verse 12)
• A serious theological issue here
• - Was Judas an automaton in Gods scheme
• of redemption?

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SECOND KEY TRUTH

• Our salvation depends on Gods keeping power,
  rather than our weak and feeble faith
• See Luke 2231-32.

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THIRD KEY TRUTH

• Jesus heavenly ministry is that of interceding
  for his earthly followers
• See Hebrews 725-26.

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David Pawson
Even if there is no one is praying for you on
this earth, there is always someone praying for
you in heaven.
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APPLICATION POINT 2
Do you and I draw a lot of comfort that Jesus is
still praying for each one of us that our faith
might not fail?
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C. JESUS AND THE CHURCH (VERSES 20-26)

• JESUS PRAYED FOR THEIR UNITY
• - Jesus knew that he would have worldwide
  followers through the missionary efforts of his
  disciples (verse 20)
• Key word in this passage
• one

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KEY SPIRITUAL QUESTIONS

• Q1. What was Jesus paramount concern for the
  church?
• A1. Prayed for their complete unity
• (verse 23)

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KEY SPIRITUAL QUESTIONS

• Q2.How does the church maintain its unity?
• A2. By
• Obeying the Word of God (verse 6)
• Imitating the unity of the Trinity (verse 22)

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KEY SPIRITUAL QUESTIONS

• Q3. How can the members of the Holy Trinity enjoy
  perfect unity?
• A3. Remember that..
• There is no envy or jealousy in the Godhead.
• They accord the highest honour to one another

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a) The Father glorifies the Son (John 171) b)
The Son glorifies the Father (John 174) c) The
Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus (John 1614)
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APPLICATION POINT 3
How do we maintain unity with one another?
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1. What is the end goal of church unity?2. An
evangelistic dimension (see verse 23)
CONCLUSION