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Consecrate them in the truth.
This is what Jesus desires for us. We see that it is also what Paul desires for his congregation.
And now I commend you to God
and to that gracious word of his that can build you up
and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.
I have never wanted anyone's silver or gold or clothing.
Jesus and Paul both desire their people to be grounded in the truth. They don't want to see the flock given into the hands of wolves or the people into the hands of the Evil One. Although we are called to remain in the world we need not belong to it.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
As long as we remain consecrated into the truth of Jesus the Evil One need not have power over us. This is important because "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Jesus wants to send out an army of disciples more ready to give themselves away than to receive anything.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
Paul himself was an example of this as he worked with his own hands to sustain himself rather than taking anyone's silver or gold.
The reason Jesus is so concerned with the truth, with keeping us safe from the enemy, and training us to give,is because he wants his people to share in his joy completely.
I speak this in the world
so that they may share my joy completely.
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