Six Discipling Principles From The Life Of Christ In John 17 That We Can Also Apply

 

1. Jesus’ first concern was for the glory of the Father and the Son: “Father… Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.” (John 17:1; also verses 5, 10, 24)

 

Therefore, everything we do in the ministry must focus on Him rather than us. (Galatians 6:14)

 

2. Jesus appropriated His God-given authority in order to do the ministry: “For You granted [Christ] authority over all people… ” (John 17:2)

 

Therefore, as sent ones, we must not be deterred by the fear or opposition of man. (John 20:21; Proverbs 29:25)

 

3. Jesus was given men as a gift from the Father: “I have revealed You to those whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me… ” (John 17:6; also verse 2)

 

Therefore, we are to prayerfully ask God to give us the people whom we are to disciple.

 

4. Jesus’ mission was to get people into an intimate relationship with Himself and the Father: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You… and Jesus Christ… I have revealed You to those whom You gave Me out of the world.” (John 17:3, 6; also verses 21-23)

 

Therefore, we must focus on developing intimacy with God over engagement in activities.

 

5. Jesus recognized the centrality of God’s Word in His disciples’ spiritual growth: “I gave them the words You gave Me and they accepted them… Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:8, 17; also verses 5 and 14)

 

Therefore, we are to make every effort to build God’s Word into our disciples’ lives. (Acts 20:32)

 

6. Jesus’ disciples came to understand that they were to be “in” the world but not “of ” the world: “The world has hated them… My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one… As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:14, 15, 18; also verse 11)

 

Therefore, we must prepare our disciples to utilize the weapons of spiritual warfare in order to win over the enemy in his territory. (Ephesians 6:10-18)