Pastor Tim Goad comes to these two verses in Chapter 17, of CHRIST's prayer, where we are given insight into a twofold divine presupposition of great and profound truths, in which he expounds upon. That being of 1) CHRIST knew that the gospel of HIS grace WOULD be successful, and 2) HE knew HIS disciples would be faithful in sharing, spreading, HIS gospel, even unto their own sacrifice and death. How is this done and made possible? GOD uses HIS creatures, mankind, HIS elect, as the instrumentation to spread HIS word. This we have been called and commanded to as our reasonable service- Romans 12:1-2, and woe be unto us if we do not preach the gospel to this ever growing CHRIST hating world, for GOD is glorified in and through us as far as we honor and glorify HIM in doing so. But this is also even more needful in the midst of the local body, for only through our unity and love to one another, in our care and concern to see each other grow in maturity of HIS word, having it dwell in us richly, can this bond truly be effective outside the walls of the local church. We are not called to be islands unto ourselves, but as JESUS prays here, to be in the world, not of it, for the purpose of sharing all HE has done for us in salvation - 1 Peter 2:9-10. |
