A lesson on the holy purpose of the Christian’s life: to preach the Gospel. As Jesus continues His High Priestly prayer, His next statement is simple enough to understand, but often difficult to apply. Just as Christ was sent into the world by the Father, so too are we sent by Christ to preach the good news to the world: peace and reconciliation with God, and freedom from bondage to sin. Though we are in the world, we are not to be of it, but instead to be lifted up by Christ’s joy, separated from the world (even though for a short time we remain in it,) sanctified through the Word of God abiding in us, and taking the message of eternal life out into the world.

We are to call people to repentance and to put their trust in Christ. As His followers, we are promised that Christ’s sheep will come, because it is the Father’s will, Christ’s purpose in coming, and the work of the Holy Spirit to apply. Take courage! All that is required of us is to be faithful. In so doing, God is glorified, souls are saved, and sin is subdued. For this reason we are in the world, but not of it. We are to preach the Gospel, taking care not to become polluted with worldliness ourselves. And the way to do that is by meditating on God’s Word regularly, taking time to pray and make petition to God with the right motive (His own glory.) Also hearing the Word preached, receiving the ordinances of God (baptism and the Lord’s Supper,) having fellowship with other believers who stir us up to do good, and at last coming to the end of ourselves; realizing that the goal of life is not health, prosperity, nor fleshly contentment, but God’s glory in the proclamation of the Gospel. That is our mission, and God is faithful to reward the faithfulness of His people.