In these short verses, John uses the word sanctify three times. It's a very 'churchy' word, isn't it? Do you ever use it outside of a Bible study? Sanctify means to make holy; set apart; to purify or free from sin. Here are some synonyms for sanctify that help me get away from the 'religious' view of this word:
- absolve
- consecrate
- glorify
- anoint
- dedicate
- hallow
- bless
- deify
- purify
- cleanse
- enshrine
- set apart
Why is it so important to be sanctified? John is quoting Jesus in these verses, and Jesus is telling his disciples that, while the world will reject them, his prayer for them is that they will be 'sanctified by the truth; your word is truth. (v. 17)'
The Evil One is real. And he hates the truth. Jesus prays that we will be protected from the evil one (v. 15). And one way to be protected is to be in God's word, and to claim his promises and protection. And to know that, ultimately, our end goal is not that the world will love us, but that we will do God's will, and one day we will be greeted with the words "well done, my faithful servant. Enter into my rest."
Lord, I struggle with the desire for the world's acceptance. Help me to long for sanctification more. Give me a desire to know you and serve you, and help me to flee the Evil One. Amen.
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