(Jhn) 17:14-19 CJB “I have given them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world — just as I myself do not belong to the world. I don’t ask you to take them out of the world, but to protect them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth — your word is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. On their behalf I am setting myself apart for holiness, so that they too may be set apart for holiness by means of the truth.”
Many men want to follow Jesus without conflict, but Jesus makes it clear that holiness for Christian men will always create tension with the world. The reason is simple: when a man lives by God’s Word, he no longer belongs to the world.
God’s Word does not blend in—it sets men apart.
What Is Holiness for Christian Men?
Jesus defines holiness in one sentence:
“Set them apart… by means of the truth—your word is truth.”
Holiness for Christian men is not cultural morality or religious activity. It is being set apart by God’s truth.
This means:
- Scripture defines what is right and wrong
- Scripture determines how we live
- Scripture directs what we proclaim
Holiness is not subjective—it is grounded in objective truth.
Why the World Responds with Hostility
Jesus says:
“The world hated them… because they do not belong to the world.”
When men live according to God’s Word:
- Their values change
- Their convictions sharpen
- Their lives expose what is false
This creates friction.
Truth confronts error.
Light exposes darkness.
Holiness for Christian men will not be applauded by the world—it will often be opposed by it.
The Danger of Compromise
Some claim to follow Jesus but adjust His Word to fit the culture.
This happens when:
- God’s commands are softened
- Truth is reshaped to avoid offense
- Sin is tolerated rather than confronted
At its root, compromise reveals a deeper issue:
loving the approval of people more than the truth of God
But Jesus is clear—His people are set apart by truth, not shaped by culture.
Sent into the World, Not Separated from It
Jesus prays:
“I do not ask that you take them out of the world… but protect them…”
Christian men are not called to withdraw—but to engage.
“Just as you sent me… I have sent them…”
Holiness for Christian men is not isolation—it is mission with distinction.
We are:
- in the world
- but not of the world
We go into the world carrying the truth of God.
Obedience Leads to Proclamation
Holiness is not silent.
A man set apart by God’s Word will:
- obey what Scripture commands
- speak what Scripture teaches
This includes:
- proclaiming the gospel
- teaching obedience to Jesus
- calling others to repentance and faith
Even when it costs him.
The Cost of Following Jesus
Jesus was rejected.
Those who follow Him should expect the same.
- Speaking truth may bring ridicule
- Living faithfully may bring opposition
- Standing firm may bring loss
But this is not failure—it is faithfulness.
Holiness for Christian men often includes suffering for the sake of Christ.
The Mark of a True Disciple
Jesus says His people are:
- set apart by truth
- sent into the world
- distinct from the culture
So the question becomes:
Is your life shaped by God’s Word or the world’s approval?
A true disciple:
- saturates himself in Scripture
- obeys what Jesus commands
- teaches others to do the same
Run Today’s Play:
Ask yourself:
Where am I compromising God’s truth to avoid conflict?
Then act:
- Open God’s Word and identify one clear command
- Obey it—even if it costs you
- Speak truth in one situation where you’ve been silent
- Pray for courage to stand firm
Don’t shrink back.
Step into holiness today.
