This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Faith In The Word, The Key To Success", 2/1/2015

FAITH IN THE WORD, THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Daniel 1:5-17,  Matt 6:16-18

AN ASSIGNMENT IN AN EVIL ENVIRONMENT

V:5. " The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king's service."

A. Sometimes, God calls us to serve in evil environments.

   1. Daniel and his three friends were taken captive during the Babylonian invasion of

       Israel.

   2. They were forced to serve under a pagan king in a foreign land.

   3. They were educated and trained according to the pagan king's directives. 

B. Even in the worst situations, God blesses the faithful.

  1. They were selected as personal servants to the king.

  2. They received a three year, free education in Babylon customs.

  3. Their pagan education prepared them for God's work in their pagan environment. 

V:6. " Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah."

 A. Some jobs are to big for one person to handle.

     1. Often times, God assembles a team of faithful  believers to take the Word to places

         of darkness.

     2. Taking the Word to places where it has not been presented requires courage.

     3. The comfort and encouragement of other believers is important in difficult

         situations.

     4. In this case, God selected four men strong in the faith to stand in the presence of a

         an evil and pagan king.

     5. These four men were God's messengers in troubled times.

 B. There are times when God designs situations for us to share our faith with others.

     1. Daniel and his three friends were the voice of faith in Babylon.

     2. Our faith is best revealed in troublesome situations.  

V:7. " The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. "

A. The  name that people call you, does not change who you are.

    1. People label you according to what they think of you, but that should never change

        what you think of yourself.

    2. What people call you does not matters, but what you answer too is that which

         matters.

B. Their Hebrew names had meaning related to the one true and living God they served.

    1. The Babylonians gave them names related to their pagan gods.

    2. The new names did not change who they served.

    3. Daniel's name had the meaning, "God is my judge".

        a. The Babylonian name given to him was Belteshazzar meaning "Bel protects the

             king.

   4. The name Hananiah had the meaning "Jehovah has given".

        a. The Babylonian name given to him was Shadrach which had the meaning,

            "command of the moon god"

   5. The name Hebrew name Mishael  means "who is like God."

      a. The Babylonian name given him was "Meshach" which means "that draws with

          force."

  6. The Hebrew name "Azariah", means "Jehovah helps".

     a. The Babylonian name given him was "Abednego" means "servant of Nego

         or servant of light".

  7. The assigned Babylonian names, reflected the Babylonians pagan ideas.

V:8. " But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way."

 A. The assigned Babylonian name did change Daniel's faith in the one true God

       or his devotion to God.

     1. Daniel was not concerned about the name, but was concerned about being obedient 

         to God commands.

     2. Eating foods and drinks sacrificed or dedicated to idol gods was a sin to Daniel.

     3. Daniel spoke up and asked not eat foods or drink from the king's table.

 B. Daniel risked his life to stay true to His god.

     1. Daniel started his tenure in Babylonian by putting his trust in God.

     2. It is easier if you start off with God to stay with God.  

   

V:9. " Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel."

 A. When you put God first in your life, He shows you favor in your life.

     1. Daniel's plan was to honor God with his life.

     2. God changes hearts to accomplish His will through the faith of believers.

     3. Daniel decided to follow God's commands.

        a. God changed Daniel's conditions so he could be true to Him.

  B. God is the final authority.

    1. God over rules any thoughts of man.

    2. When you got a problem, take it to God first.

    3. You might not be able to handle your situation, but God can.

V:10. " But the official told Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you."

A. God can cause men to risk their lives for you.

    1. The king's servant on the divine intervention of the Daniel's God, considered risking

         his position and his life to honor Daniel's request.

    2. To disregard the king's command was certain physical death.

    3. To disregard God's commands could be physical and eternal death.

 B. According to the king's servant experience, Daniel's diet would only result in

     him looking worst than those who ate from the king's table.

   1. A diet of obedience to God's Word is always best for us.

    2. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God.

V:11-12. " Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah,12 "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. "

 A. While God is working on our behalf, He expects us to do our part.

     1. Daniel devised a 10 day test, for the chief official to see the effectiveness of God's

         plan.

     2. Water and vegetables blessed by God is more healthy than the best man can prepare.

 B. It is not food that makes us healthy, but God that controls our health.

     1. The spiritual food of God, makes a man healthy and wise.

     2. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

V:13. " Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see."

A. It is our job to express confidence in the Word and the will of God.

     1. Our confidence in the Word, affects the confidence of others.

     2. We should be willing to put our reputation on the line for God.

     3. Anything done in the name of the Lord will be successful.

 B. If God said it, there is no other way that is right for us.

     1. We can't compromise the Word of God to agree with others.

     2. If the church don't stand up for God, who will?

V:14. " So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days."

 A. It was Daniel's boldness for God that caused the chief priest to agree to the test.

      1. When God is on your side, no one can stand against you.

      2.  The Word of God changes minds, hearts and the way people act.

 B. God does not need any length of time to show you His power.

      1. Ten days was the time Daniel requested for the test.

      2. God could have shown His power in an instant.

V:15. " At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food."

 A. During our time of testing, we cannot waver in our faith.

     1. During the time of testing, we have to wait on God with high expectations.

     2. Patience is a virtue that Christians should develop.

 B. At the end of the test, what God said came to past.

    1. Christians look better with a diet of the Word.

    2. Christians are better with a diet of the Word.

    3. A diet of the Word pleases God.

V:16. " So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead."

A. When you do the right thing, God gives you favor among men.

    1. If God did it in the past, you can be confident, that He can do it in the future.

    2. What God starts, He will complete.

B. Daniel and his three friends completed a three year training program to

     be prepared for the king's service.

   1. During the three years, Daniel and his three friends ate vegetables and water only.

   2. They had to rely on God to maintain their health and to increase their

        understanding.

   3. They were wiser, smarter and healthier than those who ate from the king's table.

V:17. " To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds."

A. It is the Lord that open's our mind to understand all subjects placed before us.

    1. Christians have a residence helper that guides our understanding.

    2. When we are submissive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can do all

         things through Christ who strengthens us.

 B. God gives each of us different gifts, because He has different works for us to do that

      requires those spiritual gifts.

    1. Whatever position we are in requires use of our God given gifts.

    2. Daniel was given the understanding of dreams, because he would be called on

        in his position to use those gifts.

    3. The other Hebrew companions of Daniel were given other gifts.

        a. Their gifts blessed the Lord.

        b. Their gifts blessed the other Hebrew captives.

        c. Their gifts also blessed the pagan king they served.

Matthew 6:16-18

V:16. "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. "

A. Sometimes in our lives the trouble we face requires something more than prayer.

    1. God recommends fasting.

    2. Immediately after Jesus was baptized in the Jordon river, he was led to the

        wilderness to be tested by the Devil.

       a. He fasted for 40 days.

       b. After the time of fasting, the Devil came and tempted Him three times.

       c. God used the fast to show the Devil the power of the Word.

 B. Denying ourselves during the fast, allows us to focus on God in prayer.

     1. Fasting prepares us for the next job God has for us.

     2. Fasting reminds us that we can rely on God to take care of us.

 C. No one need to know we are fasting.

     1. What is done in private for God, will be rewarded publicly by Him.

     2. Our fasting is not for us, but so we can serve God and others effectively.

V:17-18. " But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,

  so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is  

  unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

A. There is a way to fast.

     1. There is a time to fast.

     2. There is a purpose to fast.

     3. There is a reward for our fast.

 B. God will place in our hearts the reason we need to fast.

    1. Our fasting prepares us for a job God has for us.

    2. Our fast is a time to communicate with God.

    3. Our fast is a time to be strengthen by God.

Rev. M. Mitchell,  Asst Pastor of GMBC

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "The Power Of Prayer", 1/25/2014

 

THE POWER OF PRAYER

 

James 5:13-18

 

THE SOLUTION TO OUR CONDITION

V:13. " Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise."

A. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercessions for us.

    1. We are commanded to pray without ceasing.

    2. There should never be a time when we are not in prayer.

    3. We have people all around us that need our prayers to the Lord.

 B. When trouble comes our way, other may be in prayer for us.

   1. The Lord expects us to communicate with Him through prayer, not only for

       others, but also for ourselves.

   2. Jesus is our problem solver.

        a. Whatever we can't handle ourselves, God is there for us.

        b. Our trouble, is God's opportunity to be glorified.

        c. God does not promise us a life without trouble, but help in our trouble.

 C. True joy, which is source of happiness comes from the Lord.

     1. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord.

     2. Jesus came that we might have His joy in full.

     3. Therefore, we should give Him praise and sing songs unto the Lord.

     4. We have so much to be thankful for. We should praise the Lord in good times

         and bad times.

        a. The Lord is still good even in our bad times.

        b. It maybe that enduring our bad times, is the way to God's blessings.

 

DON'T BE TO PROUD TO ASK FOR PRAYER

V:14. " Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord."

 A. Sickness is part of living. We will have periods when our health is good and

 

      periods  when we will become ill.

    1. In times of sickness, we should be quick to call on the name of Jesus for our

 

        healing.

    2. No one knows our bodies like Jesus.

    3. Our personal prayer is important to the Lord.

    4. Corporate prayer among faithful believers is very powerful.

    5. God commands us to assemble together and pray for one another.

 B. The one that is sick is commanded to call faithful praying Christians, to pray with

      him/her.

    1. We should never be too proud to ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for

 

         us.

 

    2. I really think that it is a sad thing for a Christian to suffer by him/herself.

        a. We are all one body in Jesus Christ.

        b. An illness that affect one of us, affects all of us.

        c. It is a lack of faith for us to ignore God's command when it comes to illness.

        d. If we shut out the Church in our illness, we shut out the power of God's desire

            for corporate prayer.

        e. Why limit God in your illness?

        f. God may be waiting for you to be obedient to His command.

   3. Perhaps your illness will become someone's testimony.

 

PRAY BELIEVING YOU WILL RECIEVE AN ANSWER

V:15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven."

A. Take notice of this great promise from the Lord!!

    1. The power of a prayer offered in FAITH, will heal the sick.

    2. Notice, the Lord didn't say if the doctor gave approval.

    3. Notice, the verse didn't say, if the person who is sick had faith.

    4. The verse said that the prayers of saints offered in faith will heal the sick.

B. Notice, it is our prayers offered in faith that causes God to act on behalf of the

    one we are praying for!!

   1. Notice the text, "The Lord Will Raise The Sick Up".

      a. The Lord didn't say He might, He said He will.

C. This verse indicates that some of our illnesses may be related to our sins.  Luke 5:20

    1. Notice, this verse states, that prayer of faith will result in the forgiveness of sin.

    2. Did you know that your prayers of faith will cause God to forgive someone else's

        sin? Luke 5:20

 

SINS NOT CONFESSED BLOCK GOD'S HEALING

V:16. " Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

A. Notice again, sins not confessed, blocks God's healing power.

    1. Notice again, corporate prayer causes God blessings of healing to flow.

    2. Notice again, God commands us to assemble together, confessing our sins.

       a. When there is sin in the body of Christ, the whole body is ill.

       b. The Christian Church is a powerful body if we stand in unity.

 B. Individually our prayers are powerful.

    1. United in prayer, God is glorifies through His healing.

    2. It is our job to promote unity in the Church body.

    3. We never know when one of us will become sick and in need of the prayers of the

        Church body.

 

AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

V:17. " Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years."

A. The Word is full of examples of the glory of God manifested through prayer.

    1. The Word is full of examples where God used the prayers of men to accomplish

        His will.

    2. The Word was put in print to encourage us to pray.

    3. In prayer, we rely on God to do what we can't do for ourselves.

B. God uses ordinary men to pray for miracles so that world can see His glory.

    1. Elijah the prophet was an ordinary man like us that prayed for a miracle.

    2. There are some reasons why Elijah's prayers were effective.

        a. He was obedient to the Father.

        b. He believed the Word he heard from the Father.

        c. He followed the Fathers commands.

        d. He was faithful, even when he faced hardships doing the Father's work.

        e. He allowed the Word to be his guide for life.

 

V:18. " Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."

  A. There are times when following God's command leads to negative results.

      1. Elijah prayed and there was no rain for three years.

      2. His prayer caused hardships for the nation.

      3. Whatever hardships we face doing God's will is for our good and the good

           those affected.

  B. Elijah prayed again and it rained so crops could be produced.

     1. We can't get discouraged when our prayers don't turn out the way we would like.

     2. There is a season when we may endure hardships.

     3. If we don't faint, God will bring us through the hardships to a season of blessings.

         a. All things work to the good of those who love the Lord.

         b. Hardships make us appreciated the good times.

 

PRAISE GOD FOR THE POWER OF OUR PRAYERS

 

Rev. M. Mitchell,  Asst Pastor of GMBC

 

 

 

 

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Jesus Christ, Our High Priest", 1/18/2015

JESUS, OUR HIGH PRIEST

 

Hebrews 4:14-5:10

 

BENIFITS OF JESUS AS HIGH PRIEST

V:14 "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,

 Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."

A. After God brought Israel out of Egypt, He anointed Aaron as the first High Priest,

     to make sacrifices for their sins and to intercede on their behalf.

     1. From the Levite tribe, a whole line of priests were selected until Christ came

        in the flesh from heaven.

     2. Christ established Himself as the first and only High Priest of the Church with

 

         His  sacrificial death on the cross.

 B. Christ is the only High Priest that died, was resurrected and is seated at the right

      hand of the Father.

    1. Christ death on the cross atoned for the sins of all people, past, present and future.

    2. Christ death on the cross is the final sacrifice for all time.

 C.  At our first belief in the death of Jesus, we were baptized into His death and

       resurrected into the newness of eternal life with Him.

    1. We must hold fast to our faith in the sacrificial death of the Lord and Savior Jesus

        Christ.

    2. The Devil shows up to cast doubt on our faith and to destroy our joy in this

 

        eternal  hope.

 

 V:15. " For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our

  weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —

 

   yet   was without sin."

 A. Jesus stepped down out of heaven, took on human flesh to identify with all of our

      weaknesses.

     1. When we are weak, He is our strength.

     2. When we are sad, He is our joy.

     3. When we are frustrated, He is our wisdom.

     4. When we are angry, He is our comforter.

     5. When we are lonely, He is our friend.

     6. When we are in need, He is our wealth.

 B. As soon as Jesus was baptized, He was led into the desert by the Spirit to be

 

     tempted by the Devil.   Matt 4:1

    1. Jesus responded to every temptation of the Devil with Word of God.

    2. There is no sin in Jesus because the Word is His power.

    3. We are commanded to resist the Devil and he will flee.

    4. We are empowered by the Word of God to resist the Devil.  James 4:7

 

 V:16. " Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may

 

   receive  mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

 A. It is by the mercy of God  that we are forgiven and the grace of God  that we have

     favor before man and God.

    1. Grace is the Greek Word "charis", which means divine favor or divine influence

        upon the heart.

    2. Mercy is the Greek word "eleos" which means divine compassion.

 B. With our faith in our divine intercessor, Jesus Christ, we can come to the throne

       of Grace with confidence.

     1. Jesus is whatever we need Him to be.

     2. If we summit ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can ask what we

 

         want  and God will answer our prayers.

 

TEMPORARY ROLE OF EARTHLY HIGH PRIESTS

Chapter 5:1-10

 V:5:1. " Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins."

 A. The selection of the high priest was initially from the tribe of the Levites.

 B. The job of the high priest:

      1. Represent the nation of Israel before God.

      2. Offer gifts before God.

      3. Offer sacrifices for the sins of Israel.

 C. Sacrifices had to continually be offered, because Israel continued in sin.

 

V:2  "He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since

 

   he  himself is subject to weakness."

A. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

   1. The high priest was a man of faith selected by God, but not without sin.

   2. He was able to deal compassionately with his neighbors because of his own

       inability to keep from sinning.

 B. When we are ignorant of the Word, we can't correctly distinguish between right

      and wrong.

    1. Powerful living come from putting the Word into practice.

    2. The more we practice Christian principles the stronger we become.  

 

V:3 "This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of

 

      the   people."

 A. Since we are sinners by nature, we must ask for forgives of our own sins before our

      prayers for others are effective.

     1. We sin by omission and by commission.

     2. We sin in our thoughts and actions.

     3. Therefore, we are always in need of the Father's forgiveness.

     4. To stay in fellowship with the Father, we must constantly be aware of our sins

 

          and  ask for forgiveness.

 B. Before the high priest went before the Father in intercessory prayer, he had to be

      cleansed of his own sins.

     1. If the priest was not accepted before God in the Holy of Holiness, he faced

 

          sudden  death.  Ex 28:33-35

     2. Before we intercede on behalf of others, we should confess our own sins.

 

SELECTION OF GOD'S SON AS THE FINAL HIGH PRIEST

V:4. " No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron

  was."

 A. High priests, before the advent of Christ were selected by God and not by man.

     1. The position of high priest was a position of honor.

     2. God chose men who were obedient to His Word to be high priests.

 B. Jesus is now the one and only high priest.

     1. He made the final sacrifice with His death on the cross.

     2. The first high priest called by God was Aaron, and the last high priest called by

         God was His Son.

     3. The first high priest was called from among men.

     4. The last high priest was called from heaven, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

 

 V:5. " So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. 

  But  God said to him, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father."

 A. Christ is the last high priest.

     1. Christ is the high priest forever.

     2. The high priests chosen among men held their position until death.  Nu 35:25

     3. Jesus took on His position of high priest forever, after His death on the cross.

 B. Christ being equal with God the Father, accepted the position of high priest

      by submission to the Father.

     1. Jesus is prophet, king and high priest.

     2. As prophet, He is the eternal Word and all wisdom.

     3. As king,  He reigns over heaven and earth.

     4. As high priest, He is the sacrifice for all sins.

 

 V:6. " And he says in another place, "You are a priest forever, in the order of

   Melchizedek."

A. Melchizedek was the king of Salem (Jerusalem).

    1. His name means king of righteousness.

    2. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek.

 B. Melchizedek was introduced without a father or mother.

    1. Melchizedek had no predecessor or successor.

    2.There is no record of Melchizedek's birth or death.

 

V:7. " During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission."

 A. During Jesus life on earth, He was  the perfect prayer warrior.

     1. He interceded in prayer for all who came to Him.

     2. He often separated Himself from the crowd and His disciple to pray.

 B. Scripture records the evidence of the effectiveness of His prayers.

     1. He showed compassion to all who came to Him for help.

     2. The physical ill and spiritually ill were healed by His power.

     3. He emphasized faith as the key to Him releasing His healing power.

 C. He exercised His power over death and declared Himself to be the resurrection and

      the life.

      1. All who believe in Him are granted eternal life.

      2. He is the only one who can forgive the sins of man.

 

OBEDIENCE OF JESUS TO THE FATHER

 V:8,9. " Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him ."

 A. Jesus is the perfect role model for love and honor to the Father.

     1. He took on the role of Son and humbly submitted Himself to the will of the

 

         Father.

 

 

 

 

     2. He sacrificed His life according to the divine will of the Father.

 B. Because He humbled Himself even unto death, the Father lifted Him up with all

      power over heaven and earth.

    1. The only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ.

    2. Everyone must accept Him by faith as Lord and Savior to receive eternal life.

    3. We become children of the King through obedience to His commands. 

 

V:10. " And was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek."

   A. Jesus is the High Priest forever.

        1. He has no beginning or end.

        2. He is Alpha and Omega

    B. He is the king of righteousness.

        1. At His name, every knee shall bow.

        2. He is the righteous judge.

        3. He is the true and living Word.

        4. He is the eternal God.

 

 

LET US GIVE PRAISE AND WORSHIP TO OUR HIGH PRIEST

 

Rev. M. Mitchell,  Asst Pastor of GMBC

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Had You On MY Mind And Prayed For You", 1/11/2015

HAD  YOU ON MY MIND AND PRAYED FOR YOU

 

John 17:6-21

 

V:6. "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."

 A. It is Jesus that reveals the Father to us through the Word.

     1. In the beginning was the Word and Word was God and The Word was with  God.

     2. The Word, Jesus, became flesh and dwelled among us.

 B. God selected us out of the world and gave us to Jesus to become His.

    1. Through Jesus, God gave us salvation to make us His forever.

    2. It is obedience to the Word that qualifies us as God's children, to be worthy

        of all His blessing.

        a. We do not have the power to be obedient to the Word in ourselves.

        b. In Christ, we have become new creations, empowered to be obedient.

    3. Our acceptance to the Body of Christ had nothing to do with us, but all to do with

        the love of God.

        a. It is not by works that we are saved, but by the grace of our Lord and Savior,

            Jesus Christ.

 

V:7. " Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you."

 A. In our Christian growth, we must come to the conclusion that all power

      over heaven and earth was given to Jesus by the Father.

    1. We must come to the conclusion that the Father and the Son are one.

    2. It is our job to study the Word of God to know Christ and the Father.

    3. No one can study or believe the Word for you.

 B. Everything we have came from the Lord.

    1. God is the creator and owner of everything.

    2. We owe all honor and glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

 

 V:8. " 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."

A. Once we accept the Word of God as true, God accepts us as His servants.

    1. The first truth we must accept, is Jesus was crucified for our sins.

         a. His death was the payment that God accepted for our sins.

         b. The Apostle Paul said, "I determine to know nothing but Jesus Christ

              and Him Crucified."

    2. Once we have accepted Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit goes to work on our

 

        minds  to enlighten us to the whole body of Truth.

 B. Once we  began to meditate on the Word of God, we will over time become 

      convinced that the Word is true.

     1. Our faith grows as we began to trust the body of truth.

         a. We have to live by the Word to be convinced of it's truth.

         b. Reading the Word is not enough. We have to experience it in our lives.

     2. Faith in the Word leads us to observe our surrounding and to see the glory of

 

        God's   creation.

 

V:9. " I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours."

 A. Jesus has us on His mind and He takes the time to pray for us.

    1. Notice,  Jesus did not pray for the world, but just His disciples.

    2. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father and makes intercessions for believers.

 B. Jesus prayed for those that the Father gave Him.

    1. We were given by the Father to be saved by Jesus.

    2. We do not have free will to become a believer in the death and resurrection of

 

        Jesus.

    3. Only the Father who is in heaven makes it possible for those He chose to become

        believers.

 C. There are two classes of people, believers and nonbelievers.

    1. God created the classes; the world and those that are His.

    2. We were born to be reborn through Jesus Christ.

    3. The world was not born for the rebirth.

 

V:10. " All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them."

 A. There is equality between the Father and the Son

     1. They both own everything equally.

     2. The two are one.

     3. The God head, is one God in three persons.  Rom 1:20, Col 2:9

         a. There is God in the person of the Father.

         b. There is God in the person of the Son

         c. There is God in the person of the Holy Spirit.

 B. We were created to give God glory.

    1. Every time one of those predestined by God the Father is saved, the

        angels in heaven rejoice.     Luke 15:10

    2. We were created for one purpose and one purpose only, to give God

        glory and honor.

 

V:11 "I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. 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."

 A. The disciples were getting ready to go into a new phase of their mission.

     1. They had communicated with Jesus face to face.

     2. After Jesus death and resurrection, they would have to learn to communicate

         with Him through the spirit.

     3. After Jesus death and resurrection their faith would be tested.

 B. In Jesus prayer, He accepted His completed work on the cross.

    1. Jesus understood what His disciples would go through as He was put on the cross.

    2. Jesus understood that His disciples would have to take the lead in spreading the

        Gospel.

    3. Jesus understood that as leaders of the Church, they would face persecution.

 C. This is one of the verses that the unity of the God Head is presented.

      1. The work of the God Head in the church is presented.

      2. Jesus returns to the Right Hand of the Father and sends the Holy Spirit to

          empower the Church.  

     3. The body of truth is Jesus Christ.      Rev. 19:13

     4. We are united in the body through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 D. There is power in the Word to protect us.

     1. At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow.  Isa 45:23

     2. If God is for us, who can stand against us.

 

V:12. " 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."

A. Notice, when Jesus was in the world, He protected His disciples.

    1. We now have His Word, which is Him and He still protects us.     Rev 19:13

    2. Jesus promised that If we abide in Him and His Word abide in us, we can ask

 

        what  we want and it shall be done for us.   John 15:7

B. Notice the proof of Jesus protection.

   1. Jesus did not lose to the world, any of the disciples that the Father gave Him

       except for Judas.

      a. Judas was selected from the world to stay in the world to betray Jesus.

      b. The eleven other disciples were selected out of the world to be with Jesus

          forever.

  2. LET'S SHOUT NOW! Are you glad that you were chosen to be with Christ

      forever?

     a. You ought to SHOUT, because you don't deserve God's choice.

     b. All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.

     c. Yet, He chose us to be in His glory.

 

V:13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them."

A. Jesus makes it possible for us to have a full measure of  His Joy.

    1. It is Jesus that makes it possible for us to have joy in the mist of troubling

        situations.

    2. When we allow Jesus to be the solution to our problems, we can have joy

        in the mist of troubles.

 B. It is a good thing to have Jesus, at the right hand of the Father, making

 

      intercessions  for us.

    1. With Jesus at the right hand of the Father, He sees all of us at the same time.

    2. In the flesh, we are subject to the trials and tribulation and always in need of

        of the great intercessor.

 

V:14 "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world."

 A. When you live by the Word of Christ, you will be at odds with the world.

     1. It is not strange, that the world hate you because you love Christ.

     2. The world loves evil and hate the righteousness of God.

 B. We can't be like the crowd because we don't fit in.

     1. If you fit in with the crowd, there may be a problem with your religion.

     2. We can't be silent with Jesus in our hearts.

         a. Our job is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

         b. We need the joy of the Lord spreading the Gospel so other can see our

              excitement.

         c. When we are excited about the Lord, others will get excited.

 

 V:15. " My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."

A.  Jesus does not always remove our problems, but helps us live through them.

    1. When the world is against us, Jesus is there to protect us.

    2. The devil came to steal, kill and to destroy.

    3. The devil works through those you come in contact with to destroy the

        Gospel message that is in you.

 B. We have to be on guard at all times, for the devil's devices will show up in our

 

      lives.

    1. We must be mindful that Jesus is present to protect us from the devil and

         his demons.

    2. We must arm ourselves with the Word to resist the devil.

    3. The Word has power over all the devil's devices.

        a. We are commanded to resist the devil and he will flee.  James 4:7

        b. We are also commanded to resist our evil desires and pursue righteousness.

            2 Tim 2:22

 

 V.16. " They are not of the world, even as I am not of it."

  A. Any man in Christ is a new creation.

     1. Being a new creation in Christ makes us different from the world.

     2. We have the Holy Spirit indwelling us.

     3. The world cannot receive the Spirit of the Lord.

 B. The Spirit of the Lord gives us super natural powers.

     1. The Word has the power to change minds and behaviors.

     2. Armed with Word in love, we can change lives.

        a. The world hates change and loves evil.

        b. The Word of God changes lives to pursue righteousness.

 

 V:17-18 " Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the

  world, I have sent them into the world. "

 A. It is the Word of God that cleanses us.      John 15:3

     1. It is by the Word of God that we are set aside for God's use.

     2. God gave us His Word so that we can proclaim it to others.

     3. In proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we give God glory.

 B. It is Jesus that sends us into the world.

     1. Jesus sends us in the mist of demons to draw His chosen out of the world.

     2. Jesus died for our salvation  and the salvation of those yet to be saved.

     3. We are the messengers of God's Word.

     4. We have to come to the conclusion that we are ambassadors for Christ.

 

V:19. " For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."

  A. The word sanctify is the Greek word hagizo which means to make holy.

      1. We are not holy in ourselves, but made holy through our abiding in the

           Word of God.

      2. The righteousness of God is imputed upon us through our faith in Jesus Christ.

           Rom 4:22-25

 

V:20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.

A. Jesus' prayer is still effective today.

    1. He prayed that the message  of the Gospel be spread through the disciple's

 

       teaching.

    2. Over two thousands years later, the Gospel message is still being preached.

    3. Over two thousands years later, folk are still being saved.

    4. Jesus prayed for us, our children and our descendants for generations to come.

 B. Jesus prayer is universal.    Matt 25:34, Eph 1:4

    1. His prayer covers all who were predestined to come to belief in Him for all times.

    2. Jesus prayer is exclusive.

        a. His prayer excludes those who were not predestined to become believers.

    3. His prayer is also inclusive.

        a. It includes all who will believe that were predestined before the foundation of

            the   earth .  Eph 1:4   

 

 V:21. "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

  A. The Lord prayed for unity in the body of Christ.

      1. The Word of God is the authority.

      2. Jesus desires for all believers to have one mind and one heart.

      3. We must study the Word of God  to understand His commands.

      4. We should study together to come to a common belief.

 B. The world is not given an understanding of God's Word, but when

       the world sees the unity in the body of Christ they will believe that

       Christ was sent by the Father.

    1. At the second coming of Christ, the world will see Him in a cloud

        in glory.       Luke 21:27

    2. The world will believe because the Church will be taken up to be with Christ

         and all that will be left is none believers.   I Tim 4:16-17

 

THANK GOD FOR HIS GRACE AND MERCY THAT HAS FALLEN ON US.

 

 

Rev. M. Mitchell, Asst Pastor of GMBC