Set Apart

John 17:17-19 ESV

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.”

There is a progression sanctification where we are continually being rejuvenated from the old way of living to come into the new way of living to be like Jesus. In this passage Jesus is speaking of a sanctification that is setting believers apart to continue the mission of Jesus Christ, that is called positional sanctification. This setting apart has in view the setting apart of believers for the purpose for which they are sent into the world: “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world,” (John 17:18-19). We have been consecrated, dedicated, empowered and sent to continue the work of telling the world about Jesus. Jesus asked God to sanctify His followers in the truth. The ultimate truth is God’s words. There is no greater authority, no greater measuring device than the words of God. His words convict of sin, draws us back to God, refreshes us, forgives us, cleanses us, revives us, restores us, empowers us, gives us authority to walk, and talk and touch lives by the authority of God’s words. Jesus said that He consecrates Himself for this work meaning that this is the most important task for me to carry out, so we do the same. God separates us for the mission, we decide to separate ourselves for His mission.

Prayer:

Lord, I don’t have to ask for You to sanctify us, You have been doing that since we first believed and You will continue to do that in us until You call us home. We dedicate our lives to you for Your glory. When we do what You have asked us to do, empowered us to do, sanctified us to do, we bring You glory. We accept the mission of winning souls to You. In Your Lord Jesus, Amen!