ETERNAL LIFE

                                                                 John 17:3 (796)

    Introduction

          A.  John 17 is a prayer that Jesus prayed to His Father.  Let’s read verses 1-3.

                1.  According to verse three, Jesus made mention of eternal life.

          B.  Eternal life is a major theme of Christianity.  John 3:16-17 (781); 2 Corinthians 5:21

                (854)

          C.  Several truths about eternal life taught in God’s word.

      I.  Eternal life is a future blessing.  Titus 1:1-2 (881); Titus 3:7; 1 John 2:23-25 (900)

     II.  Eternal life is also a present possession.  1 John 5:10-13 (902)

           A.  We can know that we have eternal life.

           B.  We have eternal life now and we’ll have eternal life in the future.

    III.  Eternal life is the result of knowing  God and Jesus.  John 17:3 (796)

           A.  What does it mean to know God and Jesus? 

                 1.  To have a personal relationship.  John 10:14, 27-30 (789)

                 2.  What is involved?

                      Obedience:  1 John 2:1-6 (900)

                      Love for God and Jesus: John 14:15,21 (794)

                      The possession of the Holy Spirit.  Acts 5:32 (805); Ephesians 1:13-14 (863); Rom

                      8:11 (834)

     Conclusion

             A.  Do you know Jesus personally or by hear say?  Illustration:

             B.  Have you appropriated the sacrifice Jesus made for you and have you been united

                   with that sacrifice?  Romans 6:3-6 (833)