That's a great source of joy

To see how the sun is interceding on behalf of his people in heaven

And arguing, making a case before the father on our behalf

Which is a good, strong case, that we should be kept

and not allowed to become a duty.

What secures our place in the love and care of God?

In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper turns to John 17, 9 to 13,

to show how the Father preserves us his people. This instruction was originally delivered

on a Sunday evening at Bethlehem Baptist Church on February 9, 1986.

Tonight, we're going to look at verses 9 to 13.

Let's read them together.

I ask on their behalf.

Now, here he begins, he hasn't done this before,

here he begins praying for the disciples. Before he prayed for himself, glorify me that I might glorify you. Now he prays for the disciples. I ask on their behalf. I do not ask on behalf of the world,

but I ask on behalf of those whom you have given me. While we're reading through here,

perhaps kill two birds with one stone and read it and block off the major units of thought

and just comment on them as we go.

That's one right there.

You might call it just an introductory statement of intent.

I am now about to pray, Father, and here's who I'm going to pray for.

But he doesn't get praying until right here.

That is, he doesn't get asking for anything.

...