JOHN 17:14-17
14. I have given and delivered to them Your Word (message); and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world – do not belong to the world – just as I am not of the world.
15. I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one.
16. They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world), just as I am not of the world.
17. Sanctify them — purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy — by the Truth, Your Word is Truth. Amp.
This is the prayer Jesus prayed before He was arrested and spent all night awaiting to be crucified. He knew what was ahead and was unselfishly praying for the disciples knowing just what they needed. It is not the prayer of an intercessor, but a conversation with His Father. He is on perfect terms with Him and is asking for specifically powerful treatment for them so they can be with Him. He will not leave them orphans as He promised.
This is also His prayer for us. He says in verse 15, “I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one.” This is proof that there is no rapture of the Church that will be an escape from the tribulation period like so many teach.
He is asking for the Father to sanctify, purify, consecrate separating them and making them holy by the Word of Truth. We must be a part of this prayer so we also can be made holy and consecrated.
What does it mean to be consecrated? He also says that they do not belong to the world and the world has hated them. Consecrated means being separated and set apart from this world for Him.
When you begin to walk with the Lord and change your ways to become more like Him, others will become uncomfortable with you. They still do the things that you do not do anymore so they do not like you and will not come around you like they used to. They are convicted by a holy lifestyle for Christ.
Verse 14 says, “the world has hated them, because they are not of the world – do not belong to the world.” When Jesus comes to live inside of you, it all changes. You cannot do the same things or go the same places or let your eyes look upon what you used to do. The world is in the middle of the media in every way. When the Truth lives in you, the media should rub you the wrong way. It is not your home, and you must separate yourself from the worldliness.
If the world does not hate you and pull away from you, then there is something about you that makes them feel that you are in agreement with them. There is part of you which still loves the world and has not made the separation and it shows to the unsaved who are watching every move you make.
1 John 2:15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. Amp.
In these last days it will become clear to all who are God’s disciples and who are not. The fire of the tribulations and afflictions will be the true separator that shows who really love the Father and who do not as they will run away with the wicked.
What is the distinction that sets the true man of God apart from this world and its inhabitants?
John 17:26 I made Your name known to them and revealed Your character and Your very self, and I will continue to make You known, that the love which You have bestowed upon Me may be in them – felt in their hearts – and that I Myself may be in them.
His Love is the distinguishing factor that sets them apart from this world. They are changed by His love and nothing else matters. The world has lost all of its appeal. The Lord is more than wonderful and always will be!
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