Jesus is Essential
John 17:16–17: They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
The Word of God not only brings us God’s joy and love, but it also imparts God’s power for holy living. The burden of our Lord’s prayer was security, but here it is sanctity, practical holy living to the glory of God. We are in the world but not of the world, and we must not live like the world. Sometimes we think it would be easier if we were “out of the world,” but this is not true. Wherever we go, we take our own sinful self with us, and the powers of darkness will follow us.
As you grow in your faith, you are more and more experiencing sanctification. You love sin less and you love God more. You want to serve Him and be a blessing to others. All of this comes through the Word. God’s truth has been given to us in three “editions”: His Word is truth; His Son is the truth; and His Spirit is the truth. We need all three if we are to experience true sanctification, a sanctification that touches every part of our inner person. With the mind, we learn God’s truth through the Word. With the heart, we love God’s truth, His Son. With the will, we yield to the Spirit and live God’s truth day by day. It takes all three for a balanced experience of sanctification. 1
Walking with Jesus
Today’s application:
- Since God’s Word is true, and Jesus is not a liar, we should be able to defend the authority of the Bible. (2 Peter 1:16-21)
- We should be able to counter the critics by demonstrating that Jesus is truly God, just like He said. (John 17:5)
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11
He is the truth, He reveals the truth, and He changes us by His truth.
Praying
Lord, thank You for always telling me the truth. Your Word is true.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
