John 17:15-17 “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
Jesus’ care for His disciples is obvious in this passage, which is often called, the high priestly prayer.
He is aware of all the difficult things we will face, but doesn’t pray for our escape.
His concern is our integrity and righteousness.
He prays that His father would keep us from evil (or the evil one). And He prays for our sanctification – our growth in spiritual maturity through each trial.
The only way this growth can be maintained is by God’s word, the Bible.
We read it, we obey it, it shapes our perspectives and attitudes, and allows our relationship with Him to deepen, despite the harsh realities we face.
We look beyond this world’s thinking, because we are not of this world.
John 17:15-17 “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”