"Sanctify them in the truth," Jesus says in John 17:17, "your word is truth." Jesus is praying for His followers just before His crucifixion. He is about to experience such depths of agony. He would not waste this time praying for non-essential things. No, to be sanctified by the truth of God through His Word is not optional. It holds so much importance that Jesus spent His final moments laying a prayerful foundation for the sanctification of all who would follow Him. (The quotes below are from Dr. Steven Lawson ) Godliness > Giftedness "God is more concerned for your godliness than for your giftedness." When Jesus prays for His followers' sanctification, He is praying that they would be set apart, made more like Him every day. How is this to be? By the work of the Holy Spirit through God's Word, the Bible. Elsewhere in Scripture, God expresses a desire for His followers to cultivate their gifts and talents for His glory. However, thi