Joy while in the world
I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. John 17:14-19 John 17 is the Lord’s prayer. This is where Jesus offered a prayer for His followers. He already told His disciples how people around them will not be in agreement with how they live and this could lead to persecution just like what He experienced. “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you... Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you” (John 15:18-20). The more Christians will live their lives in obedience to God, the more the antipathy will be magnified for light will not have fellowship with darkness. “How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Those who surrendered their lives to Christ no longer should be ruled by the world for they now belong to God. “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark” (John 12:46). From the text, He prayed that His followers will remain true to His teachings and will not be easily influenced by false teachings. Satan’s goal is to defeat the children of God by deceiving them with counterfeit teachings. It is by living by the truth of God’s word that we can overcome Satan’s temptations. We have to allow the working of Christ in our lives for not only we find the truth through Him but as He declared to know Him is to know the truth. “I am the way, the Truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). God is sanctifying His children by the truth of His word so He can use them for His glory. To live for Christ while here in this world is not easy yet He promised us that His joy will sustain us. “I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy” (John 17:13). Allow the Truth to reign in your life so you can overcome the lies of the Deceiver!
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
