What does "believe in Me through their message" mean for evangelism today? The Verse in Focus “ I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message.” John 17:20 Who Is “Their”? • “Them” in context = the eleven apostles gathered in the upper room (vv. 6-19). • Jesus looks beyond that generation to “those who will believe,” showing He foresees a continuous, unbroken line of disciples until His return. What Is “Their Message”? • The apostolic testimony to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Rooted in Scripture as God-breathed truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Preserved in the New Testament so every generation hears the same authoritative Gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:13). How Belief Happens • Belief is produced by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). • The Holy Spirit opens hearts to respond (Acts 16:14). • God ordains human messengers—He does not bypass them (Romans 10:14-15). Implications for Evangelism Today • Continuity: We do not invent a new message; we relay the apostolic Gospel exactly as received (Galatians 1:8-9). • Confidence: Jesus prayed specifically for the success of our witness; therefore fruit is certain (Isaiah 55:11). • Urgency: Every unbeliever alive today falls under the phrase “who will believe,” awaiting a clear presentation (2 Corinthians 5:19-20). • Unity: Our shared proclamation binds believers together (John 17:21); division distorts the message. • Dependence: Prayer undergirds proclamation, just as Jesus modeled by praying for future converts (Colossians 4:3-4). • Multiplication: Those won through the message are to become messengers themselves (2 Timothy 2:2). Practical Steps • Guard the Gospel—study, memorize, and teach it accurately. • Share it verbally—use Scripture, not merely personal opinion. • Live it visibly—holy conduct authenticates the words (1 Peter 2:12). • Pray for specific people by name, trusting Christ’s intercession alongside yours (Hebrews 7:25). • Equip new believers immediately to pass the message on. Encouragement for Everyday Witness Because Jesus has already prayed for those who will believe, every conversation that faithfully conveys the apostolic message carries divine backing. Keep speaking, keep sowing—the Lord of the harvest is still using the same message to bring many to saving faith. |
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