FATHER, GLORIFY YOUR SON
Text: John 17
28 June 2009
(I) THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THE LORD JESUS
“For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done…” John 13:15
“…Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…” 1 Peter 2:21
1. Christ set Himself as an Example
a) Teaching
b) Exemplifying
2. Peter sees Christ as an Example worth emulating
a) Understanding
b) Applying
(II) THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF HOW TO RELATE TO GOD AS FATHER
1. Clearly understood
a) The Father’s Role of sending Jesus on a Mission
“As the living Father sent Me…” John 6:57
b) The Father’s Will
“…I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” John 5:30c
c) The Father’s Love
“…the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these…” John 5:20
2. Careful cultivation of a Relationship with the Father
a) Obedience to the Father’s Will
“…My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34
b) Commitment to fulfill the Father’s Will
“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” John 9:4
3. Consistently borne in mind
“…the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” John 5:19
a) Seeing
b) Doing
(III) THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF HOW TO PRAY TO GOD AS FATHER
1. Addressing God as Father
“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father…” John 17:1b
a) Gentleness
b) Closeness
2. Assessment of Life and Ministry
a) Glorifying the Father’s Name
“I have glorified You on the earth…” John 17:4a
b) Completing the Mission
“…I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” John 17:b
3. Anticipation in Prayer
a) Of Glory
“…Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You” John 17:1c
b) Of beholding the Glory of Christ
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me…” John 17:24