I PRAY FOR THEM

Notes of a sermon by Stanley Delves.

‘I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou last given me; for they are thine.” John 17.9.

Observe that this chapter might be called, “The Lord’s prayer.” It embodies the fullness of His heavenly intercession.

1. The Person of Christ. “I pray for them”. In this chapter He is seen-

a. as the Son of God – how mysterious, eternal, intimate, and
glorious is that union. “I and my father are one.”

b. in His accomplished work. “I have finished the work.”

c. in His eternal glory as God. “Glorify thou me.” 1. in His universal supremacy. ;. in His union to His people. “I in them.”

2. The objects of His intercession. “I pray for them.”

a. His immediate disciples – their faith was about to be tried by great
grief and sorrow.

b. More fully for the whole church. “Those whom thou hast given
me out of the world.”

c.For those who are brought to believe on Him.

d. For those who keep His word.

The fulness of His prayer. “I pray for them.”

a. For their preservation. – “keep through thine own word.”

b. For their sanctification. “Sanctify them through thy truth.”

c. For their unity. “That they all may be one.”

d. For their presentation before the throne. – “that they may behold
my glory.”