Summary
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. | John 17.14-19
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance..| Acts 2.1-4
Jesus did not just send the Spirit to convict, but also to keep. In the High Priestly Prayer, He prays specifically for His people (the people whom you gave me out of this world): that they will remain in God’s name; that they will be kept from the evil one; that they will be sanctified in truth. Who is going to keep them? Once again Jesus make it clear that this was His role while I was with them, but He is now praying to the Father that this care be continued by the Spirit. In this time between Jesus’ comings, we are tasked with a job (the Great Commission), but carried along by the Spirit. This complicated interplay of our doing and His keeping is what keeps us connected to God and able to accomplish what has been set before us.
Bible References
- John 17:1 - 19
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