2. Jesus’ Prayer for the Apostles (Jn. 17:6-19) He prayed for their protection from Satan (v. 15). The apostles had kept God’s word (v. 6-8). “Father keep them in Your name” (v. 11). Jesus had kept (guarded) them (v. 12). Have joy in spite of the world’s hatred (v. 13-14). They were kept from Satan having been sanctified by the truth (v. 17). In this lesson, we will examine how the apostles fulfilled Jesus prayer and how we can too!

3. Keep the Apostles from the Evil One (17:15) They overcame division among themselves to be united (Jn. 17:11; Luke 22:24-27; Acts 2:14). They overcame the temptation to stop preaching and were joyful while suffering persecution. (Jn. 17:14; Acts 5:28-29; 40-42) Jesus left a perfect example so they could follow in His footsteps (1 Peter 2:21f; John 16:1-2). Jesus did not pray that they might not be tempted but that they be guarded from the evil one (John 17:15).

4. How Does God Deliver Us from the Evil One? The temptations the apostles faced are common to all of us (1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). The power of His word (John 17:8, 14; 1 John 2:13-14; Matt. 4:4ff) The conviction of faith (John 17:8,20; 1 Thessalonians 2:13) The virtue of purity (John 17:17-19; Titus 2:11ff) The blessing of unity (John 17:21-23; Acts 4:32; Eph. 4:1-3, 31-32)

5. Keep Young People from the Evil One Obey your parents instead of evil companions (Eph. 6:1-3; Pr. 1:7ff; 19:27; 1 Cor. 15:33). Flee youthful lusts (immorality, greed, disputes) (2 Timothy 2:22; Galatians 5:19-21) Humble your pride (Romans 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 8:1-2; 1 Pet. 5:5-6) Remember Your Creator and don’t forget Him (Eccl. 12:1; Ps. 10:4)

6. Keep Older People from the Evil One Be Sensible instead of Stubborn in Your Mind (Psalms 78:8; Acts 7:51ff; Titus 2:2) Be Diligent instead of Complacent (Revelation 3:15ff; Hebrews 2:1-3; 6:11) Be Content instead of being a Cynic (Philippians 2:14-16; 4:11) Don’t Retire from the Lord’s Service and Give Up (Luke 12:15-21; Galatians 6:9-10)

7. Things to Remember about Temptation & Sin Temptation is real and sin is deadly (James 1:13-16) God knows us better than we know ourselves (1 Cor. 10:12; Luke 22:31-34) God does not give up on us (Luke 22:32; 1 Kings 19:4ff) God will forgive you of every sin when you repent (2 Peter 3:9; Acts 2:38; 8:20-22)

8. Conclusion Are you overcoming the evil one in your life? The apostles failed for a period of time and so do we (Rom. 3:23). But they overcame him through Jesus Christ and so can we (Phil. 4:13). We can overcome the devil through the power of God’s word, the conviction of faith, the virtue of purity, and the blessing of unity.

9. Conclusion Don’t let your stubborn heart cause you to refuse God’s kindness & lose your soul (Rom. 2:4-5). Respond to the power of His word with the conviction of faith (John 20:30-31). Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30-31). Confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God before men (Matt. 10:32; Acts 8:37). Be baptized in water so that your sins will be forgiven (Acts 8:38; 22:16).