Teaching John 17 this Sunday

Since I have to teach on John 17 this Sunday, I'm trying to make these thoughts my own.

From our study of Zechariah this week: Zech 4:6

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.


(Zechariah 4:6 ESV)


Kevin DeYoung


Preachers, We Must Pray
(I'm not preaching but only teaching but I think this applies equally.)

John Owen:
For a man solemnly to undertake the interpretation of any portion of Scripture without invocation of God, to be taught and instructed by his Spirit, is a high provocation of him; nor shall I expect the discovery of truth from any one who thus profoundly engages in a work so much above his ability. (Quoted in Dale Ralph Davis, The Word Became Fresh, 1).

Brothers, we should feel convicted and humbled.
But also inspired and expectant.

 
A Prayer About the Essence of Eternal Life - Scotty Smith

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3

Dear Lord Jesus, meditating on this passage this morning has been like revisiting an old friend, for I can remember the first time I memorized this verse and you began writing it upon my heart. That was over forty years ago, yet I feel like I’m just beginning to understand the true wonder of eternal life—the life that is ours… that is mine, only because of who you are and what you’ve accomplished for us. As you first uttered these words in a prayer for your disciples, I find great joy in knowing that you continue to pray them for us… for me.

How I praise you that eternal life is so much more than simply living forever in your presence… though I so look forward to that. It’s about knowing, in the most intimate sense imaginable… it’s about knowing God, as my Father, and knowing you—the “sent one,” the Messiah, our Lord, my Savior, our Righteousness, my Bridegroom. Not merely knowing about you, though there is so much more I do want to know about you… but knowing you now, better and better and better.

Holy Spirit, I cannot know God better apart from your work. So my prayer is simple, keep me hungry for the knowledge of God. Don’t let lesser breads satisfy this craving. Don’t let lesser waters slake this thirst. Keep revealing more and more of Jesus to me. Humble me with his glory. Astonish me with his beauty. Mesmerize me with his mercy. Buckle my knees with his affections. Change me by his grace. Free me for his purposes. For indeed, “the people who know their God will stand firm and take action” (Daniel 11:32). So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ all consuming name.