John 17:15 Kept From the Evil

John 17:15 (KJV)  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

Why did Christ pray that believers remain in the world? It is in the will of God that believers continue to be in the world as Christ’s witnesses.

John 17:18 (KJV)  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV)  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Though believers are in the world, they are not of the world. They do not belong there as the world’s system is opposed to God.

John 17:16 (KJV)  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

He assured believers that whilst they are in the world, He would keep them from the evil one. Just as in the case of Job. Satan is merely a puppet of God pulled with invisible strings from the third heaven.

May each day be lived for His glory, Amen.