Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 93)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. Thankfully, God has provided a wealth of information in His Word that will help us to remain free from the world's stains. 3. In John 17 the Lord's prayer is recorded that He prayed just before His arrest. 4. In this prayer Jesus prayed for: a. Himself (vs.1-5) b. His apostles (vs.6-19) c. all believers (vs.20-26). 5. In this lesson we are making observations from the Lord's requests for His apostles that will help us in "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." Discussion: I. JESUS WAS VERY CONCERNED WITH THE APOSTLES' RELATIONSHIP WITH THE WORLD
A. (vs.6) The Father had given the apostles to Jesus "out of the world." B. (vs.11) While Jesus would soon be leaving the world, the apostles would remain "in the world." C. (vs.15) Jesus requested that the Father keep the apostles from the evil one. D. Earlier, Jesus informed the apostles that He would return and take them to the Father's house (John 14:1-3). E. Concerning His return, Jesus taught the apostles to "watch" and "be ready" (Matthew 24:42, 44). F. Being ready for the Lord's return included keeping themselves unspotted from the world. II. JESUS SET THE PROPER EXAMPLE BEFORE THE APOSTLES
A. (vs.16) Jesus was not "of the world." B. (vs.19) For the apostles' sake, Jesus sanctified Himself. C. Peter showed how Jesus remained unstained by the world (1 Peter 2:21-24). III. JESUS GAVE THE APOSTLES WHAT THEY NEEDED TO KEEP THEMSELVES UNSPOTTED FROM THE WORLD
A. Through His prayer and the requests He made, Jesus taught the apostles to pray (vs.9). 1. Earlier, Jesus had prayed for Peter (Luke 22:31-32). 2. Peter wrote about prayer in connection with resisting the devil (1 Peter 5:6-9). B. Jesus also gave God's Word to the apostles (vs.8, 14, 17). 1. One of the keys to overcoming temptation and avoiding the ways of the world is "hiding God's Word in the heart" (Psalm 119:11). 2. In His Word God provides the teaching, the reproof, the correction, and the instruction in righteousness that we need (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
