The Power to Protect Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: The Power to Protect --------------------------------------- Date: 7/22/2000 Keywords: "name" "power" "protect" "unity" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: John 17:11-12* 11. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name — the name you gave me — so that they may be one as we are one. 12. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction, so that Scripture would be fulfilled. Questions 1. Who protected Jesus' disciples while he was in the world?   2. Who protects them now?   3. Is there any power greater than the one who protects Jesus' followers?   4. Why does Jesus pray for protection for his disciples?   Practical help What's in a name? Apparently from this passage, a whole lot. The name of Jesus is an acknowledgment of who he is. His disciples used his name to work miracles, healing and driving out demons as a testimony to who Jesus is (see Acts 3:6, 16:18). It's a whole lot more than a caboose to our prayers. Jesus' name is the source of our strength to face every trial, just as it was the source of supernatural power to Peter and Paul. Struggles with Internet porn are no exception. There is no exception. "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21). "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one" (2 Thessalonians 3:3.) Verse 12 should not be read to suggest that God's power was insufficient to save Judas Iscariot. It was God's will that Judas should do what he did so that Scripture would be fulfilled and so that Jesus could enter into his glory. God chose to allow his perfect will to be accomplished by Satan. He can also turn the work of Satan into glory in our lives. We needn't worry that he'll give up on us, because Peter said (2 Peter 3:9): "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." As you face your immediate struggles, here and now, reflect on the name and the person of Jesus Christ. Remember who he is, what he wants for you, and how his power is sufficient to accomplish his will. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2000 by eXXit *Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version, © copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.