John 17:17 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
In the above text, Jesus prays that we may be sanctified, or kept holy, by applying to ourselves the truth of God's Word. The Apostle Paul's words harmonize with those of Jesus. Paul wrote, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16) In the book of Acts, we find Luke commending the Beroeans for having the right attitude, saying that they "received the word with all eagerness , examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11) The phrase "with all eagerness" means "with all readiness of mind." The Greek word prothumias means that one is eager, ready, mentally prepared to engage in some activity; in this case, the in-depth, intense examination of God's Word. The Scriptures are the truth. This truth can sanctify a person, change his or her life completely, and make them an individual who lives in the world, yet obeying Jesus' words to be separate from the world.
The purpose of this book is to serve as a guide to all Christians, who are interested in walking with God, living a good and productive Christian life, carrying us rightly in the love of God. What does this involve? Jesus Christ has said earlier that day, "If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love." (John 15:10) To evidence the love of God in our daily lives, we need to apply the Word of God in our everyday life. Jesus also said, "If you know these things, happy you are if you do them."--John 13:17.
Jesus made it all too clear who was going to receive eternal life. He said, " The one who does the will of my Father ." (Matt 17:21) Jesus has a response for those who believe that they are doing the Father's will but are not. He will declare to them, "'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.'" (Matt 7:23) Along this line, the apostle John warned us, "the world is passing away, and its lusts; but the one who does the will of God remains forever." (1 John 2:17) This publication will help its readers to ascertain what the will of the Father is, fulfilling the wishes of the Father, who said, "Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me."--Proverbs 27:11.
