June 24, 2016

John 17:17 NKJV (part two) - "Sanctify them with Your truth, Your word is truth."

Commentary:

I want to stress the importance of recognizing what Jesus desires and doing your part in "answering His prayer requests!"  We often pray that God would do what we want but when we get a chance to clearly see what God wants shouldn't it be our desire to please Him?

God's Word is truth.  I often found myself talking with skeptics over the years.  I remember a man stopping by St. Paul's House in New York City where I served for 12 years.  He looked in on one of our worship services and he made a critical comment about what we taught and scoffed at the idea that God was real and, if He was, that He really cared for people.  I challenged him to consider that the Bible said God certainly is real and He really does show His kindness.  Then I added this thought:  "What God says is truth and no matter whether you believe it or not will not change that fact.  Truth will always be Truth!"  He scoffed again and walked away.

Here's a statement that people used to say years ago:  "God said it; I believe it; and that settles it!"  That sounds like a great confession of faith in God and His Word!  But, I had a deacon in a church I pastored years ago who said it like this:  "God said it, and that settles it whether I believe it or not!"  Our belief in what God says doesn't make His truth anymore truthful!  And even if I don't believe what God says that doesn't make His truth untruthful!  Truth will always be Truth!

Let God's truth change your life.  And, remember, sanctification is a process.  There will always be need to keep your life clean and pure for God's glory.  Be sure to daily spend time in God's Word for it to continue its purifying work in your heart.