John 17:17 - Learning to Listen.
John 17:17 (KJV) Sanctify them through thy
truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:17 (EAV) Sanctify them [purify,
consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy]
by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.
COMMENTARY PEARL
There are different ways to listen. We
can listen passively. We can choose not to
listen at all. Or, we can listen intently.
If you were going skydiving, you would
listen very carefully to your instructor. You would
listen when he or she tells you how to use the
parachute, where the ripcord is located, and when to
pull it. Why? Your life depends on it.
If you want to hear God speak to you from
His Word, it comes down to how you listen. You
need to listen as though your life depends on it,
because it does.
If you want to be a true disciple of
Jesus, then you need to slow down and learn to
listen. Jesus said, If you abide in My word, you
are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the
truth, and the truth shall make you free (John
8:31"32 NKJV).
Sometimes that verse is taken out of
context. We hear people using it to describe all
kinds of so-called truths they want to pass on to
someone else. But this verse is very specific. It
isnt referring to just any truth; this is
specific, absolute truth found exclusively in the
pages of Scripture. The context is reading,
studying, knowing, and living the Scriptures. That
truth will set us free.
The truth we find in the Bible is the
only absolute truth. Jesus prayed, Your word
is truth (John 17:17 NKJV) and said I am
the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6
NKJV). This is the only absolute truth we can be
certain of. And when we understand what God is
saying in His Word, it sets us free.
If you want to be a disciple of Jesus,
then you will carefully read, study, and live
according to Gods Word. [Greg Laurie from Harvest
Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]
COMMENTARY
The creative energy that called the
worlds into existence is in the word of God. This
word imparts power; it begets life. Every command
is a promise; accepted by the will, received
into the soul, it brings with it the life of the
Infinite One. It transforms the nature and re-creates
the soul in the image of God.
The life thus imparted is in like manner
sustained. "By every word that proceedeth out of the
mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4) shall man live.
The mind, the soul, is built up by that
upon which it feeds; and it rests with us to
determine upon what it shall be fed. It is within the
power of everyone to choose the topics that shall
occupy the thoughts and shape the character. Of
every human being privileged with access to the
Scriptures, God says, "I have written to him the great
things of My law." "Call unto Me, and I will answer
thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which
thou knowest not." Hosea 8:12; Jeremiah 33:3.
ED126
Is reading the Bible a necessary part of
your day or does it have a low priority in your
life?
George muller, after having read the
Bible through one hundred times with increasing
delight, made this statement: "I look upon it as a
lost day when I have not had a good time over the
Word of God. Friends often say, 'I have so much
to do, so many people to see, I cannot find
time for Scripture study.' Perhaps there are not
many who have more to do than I. For more than
half a century I have never known one day when I
had not more business than I could get through.
For 4 years I have had annually about 30,000
letters, and most of these have passed through my own
hands.
"Then, as pastor of a church with 1,200
believers, great has been my care. Besides, I have had
charge of live immense orphanages; also, at my
publishing depot, the printing and circulating of
millions of tracts, books, and Bibles; but I have
always made it a rule never to begin work until I
have had a good season with God and His Word.
The blessing I have received has been
wonderful."
Do you want to know how to meet the
problems of the day? Do you want to know what God
wants you to do with your life? Then you must
pray and consult His wonderful guide book, the
Bible, every day.
If we are too busy to read God's Word
daily, then one thing is sure - we are too busy! by
H.G.B.
SOME CLOSING THOUGHTS
As the will of man co-operates with the will
of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to
be done at His command may be accomplished in
His strength. All His biddings are enablings.
COL 333
Though the Bible be crowded with golden
promises from board to board, yet will they be
inoperative until we turn them into prayer. F. B. Meyer
(1847-1929)
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
John 17:17 - Sanctification, What Does It
Mean? (updated)
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2011/20110602-1031.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio (currently live):
https://bible.awr.org/the-warning/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
