We, as heavenly citizens, must be set apart by the Word of God so that we can in righteousness reach into the world with the message of Jesus Christ.
I. An evangelizing church recognizes its heavenly citizenship. (John 17:16)
A. Jesus dwelt in a heavenly realm.
1. His prior abode was in heaven.
2. His birth was heavenly.
That is not to say that it was not a normal human birth in the actual process, but that His conception was of a heavenly, miraculous nature.
3. His kingdom is heavenly.
4. His present abode is in heaven.
B. We are dwelling in a heavenly realm.
1. Unlike Jesus our birth was worldly.
2. Our new birth is heavenly, i.e., from above.
3. Our citizenship as believers is heavenly. (Phil. 3:20)
4. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places. (Eph. 2:6)
5. We are to seek the kingdom of God.
II. An evangelizing church is sanctified by the truth of God's Word. (John 17:17-20)
A. The basis of our sanctification.
1. Jesus sanctified Himself to God's will, i.e., death.
a. Jesus prayed for the Father's will to be done in connection with His death. (Matt. 26:39-44)
b. It was the Father's will to give Jesus in death. (John 3:16)
2. Jesus' words alone could not sanctify us.
Our salvation and thus our sanctification required the Lord's death.
B. The meaning of sanctification.
C. The source of our sanctification.
The truth that sanctifies us is the Word of God. God's Word reveals the way to sanctification.
III. An evangelizing church is sent out into the world of sinners. (John 17:18)
A. Jesus sent us for the same reason He came into the world.
B. Jesus was sent to reveal the Father and redeem sinners.
C. We are sent into the world to reveal the Father and to redeem sinners.