WWJP? Part 2
What Would Jesus Pray?

Text: John 17:6-19

Several years ago, I attempted to take on a class on 2nd graders in tug-of-war at a school field day. When I looked at how small and weak these children were, I thought I would have no problem forcing my will upon them. But I underestimated the strength of twelve little kids pulling together. After a short struggle, they soundly defeated me!

This is an example of what it's like when we attempt to live the Christian life without intrusive community. We underestimate the power of the world, the devil, and the flesh and overestimate our ability to live victoriously when we are not faithful in all the means of grace God has provided. We think our flaws, sins, struggles, and anxieties are too little to defeat us. We aren't committing the "big" sins. But over time, these small sins break us down. They will defeat us. And by defeat, I mean that they will undermine our joy, making us apathetic to the purposes of God and callused to the desires of the Spirit.

We must drink from all of the fountains of God's graces, including intrusive community.

In John 17:6-19, Jesus intercedes for His eleven disciples. In His first request, Jesus prays,
"I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one" (John 17:11). 

The unity of the Trinity is the example for the unity of believers with one another through their union with Christ. This glorious prayer request by Jesus should reveal to us how essential the need for deep spiritual unity is. Yet, many of us are guilty of putting up obstacles and excuses to avoid true, biblical community. Tim Keller addresses this problem when writing, "Everyone says they want community and friendship. But mention accountability or commitment to people, and they run the other way."

Are you embracing deep spiritual community?  If not,

• Start by joining a Kgroup.
• Ask someone in your Kgroup (or within our church) to meet with you. I like the group to be 3-4 people, so look around and find a few like-minded believers.
• Get a good discipleship study like this. I can provide other recommendations.