Bible Text: John 17 | Preacher: Rev. Dr. Lou Saldiveri | Series: Sunday Morning Worship

— Pastor Lou’s Notes —
Intro: There is a short prayer that was recorded by an anonymous author, “Lord, make me more like Yourself, less like myself.” What a great prayer that captures the essence of biblical discipleship. In this passage, Jesus prays about the need for discipleship for His disciples. This tells me that Jesus considers discipleship of vital importance for His followers.

There are three principles about discipleship that standout in this passage. You and I need to seriously consider what Jesus thinks about discipleship.

1. Discipleship Starts With the Word of God v. 6-8
1. Jesus, the Living Word, revealed to us the character and nature of God
2. The love of Christ for us is shown in this prayer
3. Faith comes from the Word of God
1. Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ro 10:17.

4. Faith. loving obedience, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God are all necessary components of discipleship

2. Discipleship Involves God’s Protection and Strength v. 9-16
1. When we are lovingly obedient to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus will be glorified
2. Jesus prays for protection for us through the power of God’s name
1. Protection and Strength from God to remain united in the Holy Spirit, in our fellowship, and in our mission for God’s kingdom and glory
2. Knowing that God the Father and Jesus are in control, we can have the full measure of joy Jesus intends for us
1. Joy comes from an inner settled relationship with God through faith in Christ
1. In Christ we are secure in HIs love and our lives will have significance

3. Protection and Strength in times of hatred and persecution
4. Protection against the schemes and attack of Satan

3. Discipleship Results in Sanctification v. 17-19
1. This is the prayer of us becoming more holy like Christ in our lives
1. When God looks at us, we are clothe with the righteousness and holiness of Christ. This is our position in Christ
2. Practically, discipleship is a journey towards transformational holiness e.g becoming more like our Savior each day and less like ourselves
3. Again, this involves the Word of God, God’s strength and protection through the Holy Spirit, us yielding to the Spirit which results in loving obedience

2. We are set apart for the work of God’s kingdom and the ultimately bring Him and Jesus glory, honor and praise.
1. Repeat Matthew 28:18-20
1. This is our commission and mission
2. We are called to glorify God in every area of our lives

Closing: Are we willing to pray that short prayer you heard in the beginning of this message, ” “Lord, make me more like Yourself, less like myself.”? Will we allow God to work deeply in our lives through the process of discipleship to transform us from the inside out? As we come around the Lord’s Table, we come to examine ourselves, confess, receive forgiveness, and have close fellowship with our Savior.