Sermons on John 17:19

John 17:19 Interpretation:

Understanding the Process of Sanctification in Faith (MLJTrust) offers a detailed and nuanced interpretation of John 17:19, focusing on the dual meaning of "sanctify" in both Old and New Testaments. The sermon highlights that the Greek term for sanctify (hagiazo) carries the sense of both separation (to set apart) and shining (to radiate holiness). It uniquely notes that Jesus' statement, "I sanctify myself," is not about moral improvement but about setting himself apart for God's redemptive purpose, especially in the context of the cross. The preacher draws a parallel between the sanctification of inanimate objects (like temple vessels) and Jesus' self-consecration, emphasizing that Christ's act is a deliberate, voluntary offering of himself for the sake of others, so that believers may also be truly sanctified. This interpretation is distinguished by its careful linguistic analysis and its insistence that Jesus' sanctification is both a model and a means for the sanctification of his followers.

Understanding the Lifelong Journey of Sanctification (MLJTrust) mirrors the above interpretation, again stressing the dual meaning of sanctification as both separation and shining, but adds a subtle emphasis on the ethical transformation that follows positional sanctification. The sermon reiterates that Jesus' self-sanctification in John 17:19 is an act of setting himself at God's disposal for the redemptive work of the cross, which is essential for the sanctification of believers. The preacher underscores that this is not merely a positional or ceremonial act but one that has profound implications for the ongoing, inward transformation of believers, linking Christ's consecration to the believer's progressive sanctification.

Understanding the Journey of Sanctification in Christ (MLJTrust) closely follows the same interpretive trajectory, but with a particular focus on the ethical and relational dimensions. It highlights that Jesus' sanctification is not just about being set apart but about being wholly devoted to God's service, and that this devotion is the foundation for the believer's own sanctification. The sermon draws out the implication that the believer's sanctification is both a status (set apart) and a process (being made holy), rooted in Christ's own act of self-consecration.

Jesus' Love: Consecration, Sacrifice, and Our Sanctification (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) offers a nuanced interpretation of John 17:19 by focusing on the Greek term "hagiazo," noting that it is translated as both "sanctify" and "consecrate." Begg highlights the translators’ choice to render it "consecrate" for Jesus, distinguishing his unique priestly role from the ongoing sanctification of believers. He draws a vivid analogy from the Scottish commentator KY, describing Jesus’ consecration as being accomplished "inch by agonizing inch," emphasizing the incremental, deeply costly nature of Christ’s obedience and self-offering. This metaphor underscores the depth of Christ’s commitment and the suffering entailed in his sanctification for the sake of his followers.

Sanctification Through Scripture: A Journey of Growth (Ligonier Ministries) provides a linguistic and theological analysis of John 17:19, focusing on the Greek phrase "ego hagiazo emauton" and its emphatic pronouns. The sermon stresses that Jesus’ sanctification is not about progressive holiness (since he is already sinless) but about his continual, active separation from sin and perfect obedience to the Father’s will. The indicative tense is noted as carrying continuity, meaning Jesus is always sanctifying himself. The sermon uniquely frames Jesus’ sanctification as the model and foundation for believers’ sanctification, which is achieved through knowing and obeying the truth—God’s revealed word.

Rooted in Christ: The Journey of Sanctification (Desiring God) interprets John 17:19 as Jesus’ act of setting himself apart for the cross, not as a process of becoming holy but as a decisive, self-giving consecration to God’s will and redemptive mission. The sermon uses the analogy of a "massive Rock" beneath the believer’s feet, representing the finished, foundational work of Christ’s sanctification, which undergirds and enables the believer’s ongoing struggle for holiness. This metaphor powerfully conveys the security and hope that Christ’s completed work provides for Christians in their daily battle with sin.

John 17:19 Theological Themes:

Understanding the Process of Sanctification in Faith (MLJTrust) introduces the theme that sanctification, as modeled by Christ in John 17:19, is fundamentally about being set apart for God's purposes, not merely about moral improvement. The sermon develops the idea that Christ's self-sanctification is both substitutionary and exemplary: he sets himself apart so that believers may be sanctified "in truth," linking the believer's sanctification directly to Christ's work and not to their own efforts. This theme is further enriched by the distinction between imputed righteousness (justification) and imparted righteousness (sanctification), with the latter being a continuous work of the Holy Spirit rooted in Christ's consecration.

Understanding the Lifelong Journey of Sanctification (MLJTrust) adds a new facet by emphasizing the relational aspect of sanctification: it is not just a change in moral status but a transformation in one's relationship to God. The sermon insists that true sanctification cannot be reduced to mere morality; it is about being set apart for God and living in his presence, a reality made possible by Christ's own sanctification.

Understanding the Journey of Sanctification in Christ (MLJTrust) further develops the theme by stressing the ethical outworking of sanctification. It argues that Christ's act in John 17:19 is the basis for the believer's ongoing transformation, making sanctification both a positional reality and a dynamic process. The sermon uniquely highlights the necessity of both aspects—status and process—for a full understanding of Christian holiness.

Jesus' Love: Consecration, Sacrifice, and Our Sanctification (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) introduces the theme of Jesus’ sanctification as both priest and sacrifice, emphasizing the unity of the Father and Son in the work of redemption. A distinct facet is the assertion that sanctification is accomplished in fullness at the cross, experienced progressively in the believer’s life, and consummated in glorification. Begg also stresses that the believer’s sanctification is both a status ("we are sanctified") and a process ("we are to be sanctified"), highlighting the tension between being set apart and not yet sinless.

Sanctification Through Scripture: A Journey of Growth (Ligonier Ministries) presents a unique three-stage paradigm of spiritual growth (children, young men, fathers) rooted in 1 John 2, connecting it to John 17:19. The sermon’s fresh angle is its detailed mapping of sanctification as a journey from basic attachment to God, through doctrinal strength and victory over deception, to mature communion and adoration. It also introduces the idea that sanctification is fundamentally a work of the truth, and that the removal of truth from a believer’s life directly inhibits spiritual growth and sanctification.

Rooted in Christ: The Journey of Sanctification (Desiring God) adds the theme that the believer’s ongoing sanctification is grounded in the finished, substitutionary sanctification of Christ. The sermon uniquely frames the believer’s struggle for holiness as both necessary and hopeful, because it is undergirded by Christ’s completed work. It also emphasizes that the evidence of belonging to Christ is a desire for ongoing cleansing and dissatisfaction with remaining sin, rather than complacency.

John 17:19 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Understanding the Process of Sanctification in Faith (MLJTrust) provides significant historical context by tracing the development of sanctification doctrine, especially the controversies sparked by John Wesley's teaching on Christian perfection. The sermon situates John 17:19 within the broader history of Christian debates about the nature and process of sanctification, noting how different movements (e.g., Wesleyan, Keswick, Salvation Army) have interpreted the concept of being "set apart" or "made holy." This historical survey helps listeners appreciate the diversity of views and the importance of careful scriptural study.

Understanding the Lifelong Journey of Sanctification (MLJTrust) echoes this historical overview, again referencing the debates between Wesley, Whitfield, and others, and explaining how the understanding of sanctification has evolved over the past two centuries. The sermon also notes the use of sanctification language for both people and objects in biblical times, highlighting the cultural norm of setting things apart for sacred use.

Understanding the Journey of Sanctification in Christ (MLJTrust) reiterates the same historical and contextual insights, emphasizing the Old Testament background of sanctification and its application to both objects and people, as well as the ongoing theological debates in church history.

Jesus' Love: Consecration, Sacrifice, and Our Sanctification (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) provides historical context by noting the shift in John’s Gospel from public ministry (chapters 1–12) to the private, intimate narrative of Jesus’ final hours (chapters 13–21). Begg situates John 17:19 within the context of Jesus’ impending passion, highlighting the cultural and religious significance of Jesus acting as both priest and sacrifice, and the Passover setting as a backdrop for his consecration.

Sanctification Through Scripture: A Journey of Growth (Ligonier Ministries) offers contextual insight into the use of the Greek word "aletheia" (truth) in John 17 and the epistles of John, noting its repeated emphasis as the foundation for sanctification. The sermon also references the format of the "postcard epistles" (2 and 3 John), explaining their brevity and personal nature in the context of early Christian correspondence.

John 17:19 Cross-References in the Bible:

Understanding the Process of Sanctification in Faith (MLJTrust) references several key passages to illuminate John 17:19: John 10:36, where Jesus says the Father "sanctified" him and sent him into the world, reinforcing the idea of being set apart for a divine mission; Acts 26:18, where Paul is commissioned to bring people from darkness to light so they may be "sanctified by faith"; 1 Corinthians 6:11, which lists sanctification alongside washing and justification, sometimes even preceding justification, to show the multifaceted nature of the term; Hebrews 10:10 and 10:14, which speak of believers being sanctified through Christ's offering "once for all," and perfected forever by that same offering; and 1 Peter 1:2 and 2:9, which apply the language of sanctification and priesthood to the church, echoing Old Testament descriptions of Israel as a "holy nation." Each reference is used to support the idea that sanctification is both a status and a process, rooted in Christ's work and extended to believers.

Understanding the Lifelong Journey of Sanctification (MLJTrust) uses the same set of cross-references, with particular emphasis on the Old Testament background (e.g., Exodus 19) and the application of sanctification language to both objects and people, reinforcing the dual meaning of separation and devotion.

Understanding the Journey of Sanctification in Christ (MLJTrust) also draws on these passages, especially highlighting the connection between Christ's sanctification and the believer's, and the continuity between Old and New Testament uses of the term.

Jesus' Love: Consecration, Sacrifice, and Our Sanctification (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) references several passages to expand on John 17:19: Hebrews 2:10 and 5:8, which discuss Jesus being made perfect through suffering and learning obedience; Hebrews 9:26 and 10:10, which speak of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice and its sanctifying effect; Ephesians 5 (Christ loving the church and giving himself to sanctify her); Titus 2 (redeeming and purifying a people for himself); and 1 Peter 2 (bearing our sins so we might die to sin and live to righteousness). These references are used to show that Christ’s consecration is both the means and the model for believers’ sanctification, and that sanctification is inseparable from justification and glorification.

Sanctification Through Scripture: A Journey of Growth (Ligonier Ministries) draws on a wide array of cross-references: Hebrews 7:26 (Christ’s holiness and separation from sinners); John 4:34, 5:19, 5:30, 6:38, 7:18, 8:28–29, 14:31 (Jesus’ perfect obedience to the Father’s will); 1 John 2:5–6, 2:12–14 (stages of spiritual growth); 2 Corinthians 10 (spiritual warfare as a battle for the mind, with truth as the weapon); Ephesians 4:13–14 (warning against spiritual immaturity); 1 Peter 2:2 (craving the pure milk of the word for growth); Psalm 119, Psalm 19, Psalm 1 (delight in God’s law); Job 23:12 (treasuring God’s word above food); and Acts 23:1, 24:16 (Paul’s clear conscience). These references collectively support the sermon’s thesis that sanctification is rooted in truth, modeled by Christ, and experienced through the word.

Rooted in Christ: The Journey of Sanctification (Desiring God) references Hebrews 12:14 (striving for holiness), Philippians 3 (pressing on toward perfection), John 13 (Jesus washing the disciples’ feet as a symbol of ongoing sanctification), 1 Thessalonians 3 (Paul’s concern for the faith of new believers), 1 Peter 5:8 (the devil seeking to destroy faith), and Luke 22:32 (Jesus praying for Peter’s faith not to fail). These passages are used to illustrate the ongoing battle for holiness, the necessity of faith, and the means by which God preserves and sanctifies his people.

John 17:19 Christian References outside the Bible:

Understanding the Process of Sanctification in Faith (MLJTrust) explicitly references several Christian figures and works in its discussion of John 17:19 and sanctification. The sermon discusses John Wesley's doctrine of Christian perfection, noting Wesley's definition of perfection as the absence of willful, known sin and his emphasis on "perfect love." It also references George Whitefield and Augustus Toplady as representatives of alternative views, and John Fletcher as Wesley's collaborator. The preacher recommends the book "Holiness" by Bishop J.C. Ryle as a positive exposition of the progressive view of sanctification, and mentions Evan Hopkins' "The Law of Liberty in the Christian Life" as a key text for the Keswick (counteraction) view. The sermon encourages critical engagement with these works, noting their influence on the development of sanctification doctrine.

Understanding the Lifelong Journey of Sanctification (MLJTrust) repeats these references, again highlighting the contributions of Wesley, Whitefield, Toplady, Fletcher, Ryle, and Hopkins, and recommending their works for further study.

Understanding the Journey of Sanctification in Christ (MLJTrust) also cites these same figures and works, reinforcing their importance in the ongoing theological conversation about sanctification and John 17:19.

Jesus' Love: Consecration, Sacrifice, and Our Sanctification (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) explicitly references several Christian authors and commentators: Tasker, who suggests John 13:1 is an introduction to the entire latter half of the Gospel; Bishop Ryle, who calls John 17:19 a "hard passage"; Ronnie Stevens, who describes the verse as taking us to "the heights and the depths"; Stott, who warns against separating the Father’s plan from the Son’s sacrifice; KY (the Scottish commentator), who describes Jesus’ consecration as "inch by agonizing inch"; and Alex Motyer, who discusses Christ’s "inflexible obedience" and growth from innocence to holiness. Begg also alludes to Karl Barth’s famous statement, "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so," as the greatest theological truth. These references are used to deepen the understanding of Christ’s consecration and its implications for believers.

Sanctification Through Scripture: A Journey of Growth (Ligonier Ministries) cites J.P. Moreland, who writes, "The mind is the soul’s primary vehicle for making contact with God, and it plays the foundational role in the process of maturation and spiritual formation, the mind," and Bishop Moule, who composed a prayer for Christ to be the "master of my mind." The sermon also references John Bunyan’s conviction in prison, quoting his refusal to violate his conscience: "If I did that, I would make of my conscience a continual butchery and slaughter shop." These references are used to illustrate the importance of the mind, conscience, and conviction in the process of sanctification.

John 17:19 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Jesus' Love: Consecration, Sacrifice, and Our Sanctification (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) uses the example of watching the Italian film "The Children on the Train," set during World War II, to illustrate the feeling of emptiness and abandonment experienced by orphans. Begg connects this to Jesus’ promise not to leave his disciples as orphans, highlighting the depth of Christ’s love and care. He also uses the analogy of a transatlantic flight and the pilot’s warning about turbulence to illustrate Jesus’ forewarning to his disciples about coming trials, emphasizing the comfort and assurance found in Christ’s love and preparation.

Sanctification Through Scripture: A Journey of Growth (Ligonier Ministries) references the brand Nike when explaining the Greek word "nikao" (to overcome), drawing a connection between the biblical concept of victory and the popular sports brand’s name. The sermon also humorously critiques contemporary church culture by comparing shallow worship to "singing a 7/11 chorus, you know, seven words eleven times," and likens some churches to "Christian comics at worst" or "People Magazine at best," to underscore the dangers of superficiality in spiritual growth. These secular references serve to make the biblical concepts more relatable and to critique modern trends in church life.