Lesson Notes

7 Concerns of Christ

January 26, 2014 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.

7 Concerns of Christ
Intro.: When you hear a person pray you hear the most concerning issues of their heart. Most of us are never more serious than when we talk to God in prayer. In todays lesson Jesus prays what is known as His priestly prayer for the church. From this prayer we can glean what most concerned Christ. Read: John 17:1-10 How did we get here? Jesus is having the Last Supper with His disciples and after speaking to them concerning his impending death and the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus simply breaks out in prayer to His Fatherjust hours before He would be hung on a cross. Remember Johns purpose for this Gospel account: It was the last of the four Gospels written John was a disciple and one of Jesus closest friends He wrote this letter to prove that Jesus was more than a mere man- but God in the flesh! o He emphasized Jesus I am statements (Bread of Life; Way, Truth and Life) o He emphasized Jesus miracles as signs of His deity o He also emphasized Jesus humanity (he was tired and wept at times) John believed that if you knew who Jesus was you would accept Him as Lord and Savior None of the other Gospels record this prayer. Vs. Jesus first concern was His former glory - glorify Thy Son Glorify- means to make glorious, or cause so to appear; to reveal or to elevate. Why would Jesus ask this? Jesus wanted to make His identity known to all, and this would happen as a result of His death, resurrection and ascension. Considering the hundreds of miracles that Jesus had performed up to this point, there were still many who did not believe. In Verse 5 (glorify me) with the glory I had with Thee before the world was. Although Jesus would now be the God-man! John believed that if you knew who Jesus was you would accept Him as Lord and Savior resulting in eternal life vs. 3 Vs. Jesus next concern was for His Fathers glory - that the Son may glorify Thee I believe that God is so great that only God can glorify God. Jesus desire was to reveal the Person of the Father to the world in terms of: His love, His Holiness, His justice, His power, and His plan of redemption.
2014 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.

Vs. 6-10 - Jesus next concern is to make sure that all understand His submission to the Father in terms of ownership - everything Thou hast given me is from Thee. What a beautiful picture of a harmonious relationship. Jesus is always acknowledging the Father and the Father is always declaring the Son! The unity in the Godhead was to serve as an example of unity in the church and in the home. Vs. 11-15 Jesus next concern is for the protection of believers - keep them from the evil one Evil one- a reference to Satan who will continuously attack the church. 1st Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The enemy attacks you when you serve and when you seek to glorify God in your personal lives. Even in the mist of trials and tribulations the enemy attacks and places doubts and fears in your mind. Vs. 16-20- Jesus next concern is for the sanctification of believers - sanctify them in Thy truth Sanctify- means to set apart for God. In this verse it means: o Set apart for fellowship (holiness is required) o Set apart for service (Spirits power is necessary) Truth the infallible Word of God. Gods Word facilitates sanctification. See Romans 12:1-2 Vs. 20-10 Jesus next concern is for the unity of believers - that they may all be one Unity- The state or quality of being in accord or harmony for the purpose of fulfilling a task or work. o He prays that we may be one. This speaks of unity which results from sanctification. We are all of one body and we need each other o Compare 1st Cor 12:13 o Jesus was one with the Father is essence and being, but also in functional harmony. o The testimony of church is based upon the visible unity of the church o Unity does not mean that we always agree. Unity results from our willingness to yield our rights for the sake of the relationship. o Unity is the result of sanctification Unity is the most powerful witness of the church.

2014 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.

Vs. 24-26 Jesus next concern is for the ultimate glorification of believers - that they may be with me where I am in order that they may behold my glory. Jesus wanted the disciples and future believers to see Him in His full glory/deity which in turn would embolden them for life and service. Jesus also wanted His followers to know the love of God and to replicate that love in themselves. Jesus prayer is that the church would be ultimately brought to heaven where He is. John 14:2-3 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (NLT)

2014 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.

 2014 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.

Author Bio
An energetic, talented, and Spirit-controlled teacher, Darryl J. Dawson, Sr. - a 2011 graduate of Luther Rice Seminary and former youth pastor - keeps it real. Honest, open and transparent, he makes it easy to open up and have a lively discussion by sharing his own struggles, shortcomings, and successes. Biblically-sound and true to God's Word, Darryl always positions us and challenges us to leave class and go apply God's principles to our lives. Darryl and his wife Shari have three sons, and make their home in Stockbridge, Georgia. They are members of First Baptist Atlanta. Darryl is active in youth sports, coaching championship teams in football, baseball, and basketball. You can listen to the audio that accompanies these notes at http://www.fbalifelines.org/lessons.html

2014 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.