Faith Talk - April 6, 2025
Sunday: April 6, 2025
Series: His Hour
Sermon: The Hour Has Come: Glorify God
Series: His Hour
Sermon: The Hour Has Come: Glorify God
Scripture
John 17:1 – Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you."
Summary
In John 17, Jesus offers His "High Priestly Prayer" just before His arrest and crucifixion, revealing profound truths about our relationship with God and our purpose in the world. The prayer unfolds in three parts: Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and future believers (us today). He defines eternal life not merely as going to heaven after death but as knowing God through daily personal experience, and He reveals that glorifying God means accomplishing the specific work He has given each of us.
For believers living after His resurrection, Jesus prays for our protection as we face opposition, our sanctification through His Word that sets us apart, and our participation in the divine unity that exists between Father and Son. This prayer provides a blueprint for Christian living as we prepare to celebrate Easter and remember Christ's sacrifice.
Main Points:
For believers living after His resurrection, Jesus prays for our protection as we face opposition, our sanctification through His Word that sets us apart, and our participation in the divine unity that exists between Father and Son. This prayer provides a blueprint for Christian living as we prepare to celebrate Easter and remember Christ's sacrifice.
Main Points:
- Eternal life is knowing God personally, not just going to heaven
- Glorifying God means accomplishing the work He gives you to do
- Christians are called to remain in the world while being set apart from it
- Our unity with other believers reflects the union of the Trinity
- God protects us from the enemy and our unity with one another
- Jesus continues His ministry by making Himself known through us
Home Discussion Questions
Homes with Adults
Homes with Students
Homes with Elementary Kids
- Jesus defines glorifying God as "accomplishing the work God has given you to do." What specific work do you believe God has given you in this season of your life?
- How has your understanding of "eternal life" changed after hearing it defined as knowing God personally rather than just going to heaven?
- In what ways might you be praying for escape from opposition rather than protection through it?
Homes with Students
- Jesus prayed that we would be "in the world but not of the world." What makes this challenging for you at school or with friends?
- How can you develop a deeper, more intimate union and fellowship with God and His Son Jesus? What does that look like?
- Even at church, students can be divided and struggle with unity. Why is unity important, and how can you help protect unity with other students at church?
Homes with Elementary Kids
- Jesus prayed that we would know God. What's your favorite thing about God that you've learned?
- Jesus wants His followers to love each other like a family. How can you show love to someone at church this week?
- Why do you think Jesus wants us to tell others about Him?
Pray Together
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of eternal life—not just future heaven but knowing You personally today and every day. We ask for Your protection as we face opposition for following You and for Your Word to continually set us apart for Your purposes. Help us experience the joy of communion with You and unity with other believers. We commit to accomplishing the work You've given each of us, whether at home, school, work, or in our community, knowing that this is how we bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Family Activity
Unity Chain
Create a "Unity Chain" using strips of colorful paper. Have each family member write their name on one strip and something they appreciate about each other family member on separate strips. Then, connect the strips into a paper chain, alternating personal strips with appreciation strips.
As you connect each link, talk about how our love for each other shows God's love to the world.
Hang the chain somewhere visible in your home as a reminder of Jesus' prayer for unity among believers. Throughout the week leading to Easter, add new links when family members notice examples of unity, forgiveness, or working together, reinforcing Jesus' teaching that our unity helps others see God's love.
As you connect each link, talk about how our love for each other shows God's love to the world.
Hang the chain somewhere visible in your home as a reminder of Jesus' prayer for unity among believers. Throughout the week leading to Easter, add new links when family members notice examples of unity, forgiveness, or working together, reinforcing Jesus' teaching that our unity helps others see God's love.
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