Free Indeed

Free Indeed

John 8:31-38 (NIV)

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendantsa and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you do what you have heard from your father.b”

[1]

I.       Introduction: What is true freedom? Is everyone in our nation free? What would you say if I told your slavery is strong in America, from shore to shore?

II.    Find Freedom in Following Christ

A.    Jesus Invites Us to be His True Followers

1.      Real Disciples Believe In Him

2.      Real Disciples Listen To Him

B.     Jesus Offers Us True Freedom

1.      Jesus Gives Knowledge of the Truth

2.      Jesus Gives Freedom Through the Truth

III. Find Freedom from the Slavery of Sin

A.    Recognize The Real Bondage of Sin

1.      See the Lack of Freedom

2.      See the Evidence of Bondage

B.     Reach for the True Deliverance of Christ

1.      Freedom From the Slavery of Sin

2.      Freedom through the Son of God

IV. Find Freedom in the Family of God

A.    Become a Child of God

1.      Refuse the Notion of Privilege

2.      Embrace the Word of Christ

B.     Bear the Image of your Father

1.      Reject the Image of the Father of Lies

2.      Reflect the Image of the Father of Life

V.    Conclusion: If you would truly find freedom in America, you have to cross the dividing line of separation of church and state, and embrace Christianity. You have to embrace Christ, who is the author of freedom, for true freedom can come only from the truth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who alone can deliver us from the bondage of sin and set us free to live lives pleasing to God our Father.

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a  Greek seed; also in verse 37

b  Or presence. Therefore do what you have heard from the Father.

[1]  The Holy Bible New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, c1984.