Comparative Study: Set Apart for a Purpose

(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will examine John 17:13-19 to discover why God sets apart His followers for special purposes.

(5–8 minutes, easy setup)

Remind learners that Jesus prayed for His disciples on the eve of His arrest and crucifixion. Lead learners to examine how His prayer continues to apply to His followers today in John 17:13-19. Call on a volunteer to read the passage. Then, lead learners to discuss these questions based on the passage:

Why does the world hate those who hear and respond to God’s call? (Because His followers have His Word.)
What is Jesus’ specific prayer for His disciples? (Not to take His followers out of the world, but to protect them from the evil one.)
What purpose did Jesus reveal for not taking His followers from the world? (Jesus’ followers are sanctified by the Word of God and sent into the world as His witnesses.)

Conclude by asking: With this in mind, why is it important that believers be “set apart” for God’s purposes? What might be His specific purposes for your life right now?