There is a plan behind Jesus’ prayer.  It is nothing short than the purpose behind our salvation.  For many in our world today, becoming a Christian is a private and individualistic decision that never requires expression in the world. But Jesus has different plans for us. 

True Disciples

1. Obey / Accept God’s Word
2. 2. Know with certainty that Jesus is the Savior
3. 3. Believe with faith in Jesus

Jesus’ Plan for True Disciples

#1 – Protect Them
Why (reason)?

1. Because they belong to Jesus
2. 2. Because they bring Jesus glory
3. 3. Because Jesus is going to the Father

#2 – Sanctify Them
Why (reason)? 

1. Because they are not of the world
2. 2. Because Jesus has sent them into the world

How?
1. By the truth 

Why (result)?
So that they will be one

Why (goal)?
So that the world will know God

Application: 

Make the Father known
How?  

1. Be One 
   1. One with Christ
   2. One with each other
2. Be Holy
   1. Be protected from the evil one
   2. Be sanctified by the Word

Philippians 1:27

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”

Philippians 2:2

“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

1 Corinthians 1:10

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Ephesians 4:11-13 

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:3-6

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

• How much participation do you have with your other brothers and sisters in Christ? Locally, Internationally? 
• How are you actively “in” the world but not “of” the world?
• How are you protecting yourself from the world’s values?
• How are you loving the sinner while hating the sin?
• How are you becoming holy (sanctified) through God’s Word? Daily? Privately? Corporately?
• Are you making the Father known?  Where?  How?
• Are you following Jesus’ plan?