It’s interesting how the Lord works sometimes. “Truth” is the title of the daily devotional I am using for the month of November. On top of that, I just started reading a book Joan gave me entitled “Saving Truth: Finding Meaning & Clarity in a Post-Truth World.” And now, I have been given the task of writing my Daily on a quote from Jesus Himself in His high priestly prayer recorded in John 17 (see below) and tie it in with what we are learning from Philippians 4:8-9. You think maybe the Lord is trying to get my attention and wants me to learn something about truth??

John 17.17

17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ I found this definition of the word sanctify: “set apart as or declare holy; consecrate.” In context, Jesus is praying to the Father for his disciples at that time, but I think it extends for all who will align themselves with Him throughout history. So, are you sanctified? Why or why not? What does it mean to be sanctified “in the truth”? (read John 14.6)

+ What did Jesus mean when He said “Your word” is truth? Old Testament? New Testament? Both? Or something even more? (read John 1.1-5, John 1.14 and John 18.37-38)

+ Philippians 4.8 says:

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Is saying something is “true” different from saying something is “the truth”? After examining the questions above, with the referenced verses, what does it mean to you to think about or meditate on what is “true” as stated in Philippians 4?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Jesus didn’t just leave the disciples to sanctify themselves. He prayed for their sanctification. This process, as the keeping process, is not left to us alone; it is a work of God in us and through us. (Guzik, 2019)

“Truth” is the means by which holiness is attained. Error and deception are basic to evil, and truth is basic to godliness. (The Reformation Study Bible, 2015)

I have always struggled with the idea of sanctification. The Bible states we have been MADE SET APART and DECLARED holy by God if we have placed our trust in Jesus Christ and Him alone for our salvation. This has been accomplished in the past, not BY us, but FOR us. However, we are also commanded in Scripture to GROW and to WALK in holiness; present and future action to be performed BY us FOR God. The issue is sanctification is a past, present and future activity, being done by God and by us, all at the same time!!!

Lord, forgive us for not pursing holiness in our lives as we ought. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit that reminds us of the truth found in Jesus Christ, Your Son and urges us to “press on” in our journey with Him while we sojourn on the Earth. Amen.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?