The High Priestly Prayer: Unity: as Jesus Prayed pt 2
The High Priestly Prayer: Unity: as Jesus Prayed pt 2
John 17:22
Young Theologian Questions (John 17:22)
1. In the call to worship from Psalm 138, what has God exalted above all things?
His name and his word.
2. What does Jesus say was given to him in v. 22?
Glory
3. Who gave this thing to Jesus?
The Father
4. Who does Jesus say that he will give this to?
His followers (those who believe in him through the word of the apostles v. 20)
5. What is the purpose of Jesus giving his glory to his followers, according to the verse?
That they may be one
6. Fill in the blanks: True unity is a __________ of the __________ work of __________.
Consequence, completed, salvation
7. When will this promised unity be perfectly realized?
Only in our glorified state
Growth Group Questions (message from John 17:22)
1. What are the three ways that the New Testament speaks about unity? How should that affect your thinking about unity?
Established – as an objective reality accomplished for believers on the cross by Jesus’ death (John 10:14ff; Ephesians 2:13ff)
Experiential – a subjective reality that can be partially experienced in the present (Acts 2:46, 4:32)
Eternal – something that will only be realized perfectly in the future at Jesus’ return
2. What are some of the ways that believers are to experience unity in the present? How do we do this?
We maintain the unity of the Spirit through attitudes and deeds of selflessness, generosity, and fellowship by practicing the “one another’s” in the context of the local church.
3. Explain the significance of the statement: True unity is a consequence of the completed work of salvation.
We will only experience the final effect of unity as a result of being glorified in Jesus’ presence alongside all other believers. This means unity is not something we are called to create or invent, but something that the Lord will produce, in his timing and by his grace.
4. How does the fact that you will share in glory with Jesus in eternity change your life now?
We are called to strive to maintain the unity that has been purchased for us and that will one day be fully experienced by us. Since we will be partakers of the glory of Christ, we ought to act now with that in mind – proclaiming his glory and glorifying him in our thoughts and actions.
5. Why is it difficult (or even impossible) to experience the fullness of true unity right now?
Even though Christians in a local church share so much in common, we are not perfected in glory just yet. So, all of the duties and privileges we have to care for each other are tainted by the remnants of selfishness and sin. One day, true unity will come. Not because we make it happen, but because God will bring it about.