Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction
We are continuing to preach through the 17th Chapter of John.
This is a prayer of Jesus that reveals the purpose for Jesus’ coming into the world.
WHY was Jesus sent by the Father from Heaven to Earth?
WHY did Jesus come into the world?
WHY does this matter for us, Christ’s Church — still in the world, but not of the world?
These are incarnational questions that are answered here through the intercession of Christ.
When we listen to what Jesus prayed, we learn why Jesus came, and what this means for all who follow Him.
Let us prepare our hearts to receive God’s Word now through prayer.
Prayer
Our Father — Holy Father,
We ask that Your name and Your Word be set apart as holy in our gathering today.
We ask that Your Holy Spirit would convict us of sin, righteousness and judgment, and that You would lead us into Your will - into everlasting life through the knowledge of God.
Grant us, Your Holy Church, and all who have come to receive this spiritual food —
Grant us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to believe and obey.
May this message on Sunday carry into our Monday.
May Your Word transform us every day into the likeness of Your Son.
May Christ build His Church among us as Your Word is proclaimed.
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
I.
The Reading
This is a reading from John 17:1-19.
Our preaching text will focus on the last three verses, verses 17-19 —
[ And now for our preaching text ]
This is God’s Word, if you receive it as such, would you Say Amen?
Amen.
Scripture Reading ~ 4 min.
II.
The Exhortation
The title of this sermon is the next prayer of Jesus: “Sanctify Them.”
“Sanctify Them.”
Jesus petitions His Holy Father to “sanctify them” — his followers.
Three times this word appears in our text.
Once in verse 17, where Jesus prays:
John 17:17 (ESV)
17 Sanctify them in the truth...
And twice in verse 19, where Jesus says:
John 17:19 (ESV)
19 And for their sake I consecrate [ SANCTIFY ] myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Three times, Jesus speaks of sanctification.
What does it mean to be “sanctified”?
The word “sanctify” is a very religious sounding word.
It is not common in our everyday word usage.
And yet — that is the point of its meaning:
What is "sanctified” is not common.
What is "sanctified” is not ordinary.
The word “sanctify” means to dedicate something for an intended purpose.
To set apart, as holy, for a purpose.
This is what Jesus wants for His followers — That they be set apart as holy, for a purpose.
That they be sanctified.
This is what Jesus desires for His Church.
Richard Phillips, in his commentary on this text, raises a good New Year’s Question.
He observes that pastors are frequently asked: “What is your vision for your church?”
Often times, the end of a year is given over to “vision casting” for the new year.
What is our “vision” as a local church?
A “vision” can be a helpful way to see clearly who we are (our identity) and what we do (our mission).
A vision can be captured in a “vision statement” by which all other activities are evaluated.
A vision can be something that is memorable and transferrable and motivating.
The old King James translation of Proverbs 29:18 is often quoted by vision-leaders:
Proverbs 29:18 (KJV 1900)
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish...
A “vision” can be a helpful way to unite us all with the same strategy so that we don’t attack one another and destroy one another and die!
We think about vision on a corporate level, but we may have a personal vision too.
How many of you have set some personal goals for this new year?
Has anyone written out any resolutions?
These things form a personal vision.
Do I want to gain weight?
Do I want to lose weight?
Do I want to look younger?
Do I want to look older?
Do I want to look healthier?
Do I want to look wiser?
We may have a vision for what we want to look like.
We may have a vision for what we want to accomplish as well.
Vision is not a bad thing.
It helps us dream, and see what we want to be.
But one problem often pervades visions, especially the vision of a church.
And this is what we should be guarded against:
A vision for a church is often secular, not sanctified.
A vision for a church is often worldly, and not holy.
A vision for a church is often man-centered, not Christ-centered.
A vision for a church is often bad, not biblical.
Phillips draws this out.
He says:
There is a far more important question than what is our vision…and that is what vision does Christ have for his church?”
(my summary of Phillips, REC)
What vision does Christ have for us?
As we hear this prayer of Jesus, I urge us all to ask the right questions about whatever visions we may have, especially in view of this new year:
Not to ask -
What is my vision for my life, but what is God’s vision for the eternal life He has given to me?
Not to ask -
What is our vision for this church, but what is Christ’s vision for his church?
None of us knows what will transpire in a year’s time.
And if our vision is not God’s vision, we are wasting away.
History proves this, that this time next year, some of us in this room will not be with us anymore.
Sickness may come and we may not be able to attend church in person any longer.
Are we making the most of the days we can gather with the saints that the Lord gives us?
Are we quick to forsake one Sunday, that becomes two Sundays, that becomes two months and before we know it we’ve been out of church for a year.
That’s happened to some of us, and is happening even now.
Does your vision for church reflect the priority of God’s vision for His Church?
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