How does the "glory" in John 17:22 empower us to witness effectively? The Glory Jesus Gives John 17:22: “I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one.” • The word “glory” (Greek doxa) points to the visible, weighty expression of God’s own character. • Jesus is not speaking of future heaven only; He says, “I have given”―a present, completed gift to every believer. • His shared glory is the indwelling reality of His life (cf. Colossians 1:27, “Christ in you, the hope of glory”). Glory That Transforms Our Identity • We move from spectators to participants in God’s redemptive plan (2 Corinthians 3:18). • This identity shift removes fear of man; we carry the honor of heaven, freeing us to speak boldly (Acts 4:13). • Knowing we are already “seated with Him in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:6) gives confidence no earthly rejection can shake. Glory That Creates Unity • Jesus ties glory to oneness: “so that they may be one.” • A unified body provides credible witness (John 17:23). The world sees something supernatural when believers love across lines of age, race, and background (John 13:35). • Unity amplifies the message; discord muffles it. Glory That Radiates Christ’s Character • God’s glory is His goodness manifested (Exodus 33:18-19). When His glory rests on us, the fruit of the Spirit becomes visible (Galatians 5:22-23). • Consistent Christ-likeness authenticates our words; people are drawn to the Savior they perceive in us (1 Peter 2:12). Glory That Supplies Power • The same glory that raised Jesus dwells in us through the Spirit (Romans 8:11). • Acts 1:8 connects the Spirit’s power with effective testimony: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses…” • We witness out of overflow, not mere human effort (John 7:38). Glory That Illuminates the Message • 2 Corinthians 4:6: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” • Our proclamation is not information alone; it is light breaking into darkness, empowered by divine glory. Putting the Glory to Work • Abide in Christ daily; His glory is experienced, not earned (John 15:4-5). • Guard unity—choose forgiveness quickly, pursue reconciliation, and esteem others (Ephesians 4:3). • Serve with humility; glory flows through broken vessels that point away from self (2 Corinthians 4:7). • Speak the gospel plainly, expecting the Spirit to confirm the message with conviction and transformed lives (1 Thessalonians 1:5). In short, the glory Jesus shares is His own life shining through us—making our witness credible, compelling, and Spirit-empowered. |
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