Finding Real Freedom

John 8:31-36

John 8:31–36 (NLT)

31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.

32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33 “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”

34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.

35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.

36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

INTRODUCTION:

On the fourth of July, citizens of the United States celebrate Independence Day. Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.

The Founding Father delegates of the Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. The Congress voted to approve independence by passing the Lee Resolution on July 2 and adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later, on July 4. Thus July 4th has become associated with and is a symbol of freedom.

The source of real freedom, however, can never be found in a political party, process nor country. It is found in Christ alone.

I- THE SOURCE OF REAL FREEDOM (John 8:31-32, 36 )

A- Abiding in the Word of God. (John 8:31)

1- The source of freedom is found in following the teachings of Jesus.

John 8:31 (NLT)

31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.

2- It is impossible to experience real life and real freedom apart from following Christ.

(John 15:4)

John 15:4 (NLT)

4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

B- Accepting the truth of God. (John 8:32)

John 8:32 (NLT)

32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

1- God’s word is truth.

(John 17:17)

John 17:17 (NLT)

17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.

2- The Holy Spirit of God guides us in understanding God’s truth.

(John 16:13)

John 16:13 (NLT)

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

C- Aligning your life with the Son of God. (John 8:36)

John 8:36 (NLT)

36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

1- Only Christ can truly set us free, through his salvation.

2- We must make a choice to serve Christ or sin.

(Romans 6:14-17)

Romans 6:14–17 (NLT)

14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

15 Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!

16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.

17 Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.

II- THE SUPPLY OF REAL FREEDOM (JOHN 8:33-35)

A- Real Freedom destroys the deception of Satan. (John 8:34)

John 8:34 (NLT)

34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.

1- Choosing to serve sin makes us the slave of sin.

2- Satan will attempt to persuade us that we find freedom in choosing sin, but he is a liar. Sin enslaves, it does not provide freedom.

(John 8:44)

John 8:44 (NLT)

44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

B- Real Freedom declares the truth about the sin that binds us. (John 8:33)

John 8:33 (NLT)

33 “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”

1- The worst thing that we can do is deceive ourselves about our own condition.

2- Our sin has given us death and eternal condemnation.

(Romans 5:15-17)

Romans 5:15–17 (NLT)

15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.

16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.

17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

C- Real Freedom demonstrates the relationship from which it springs. (John 8:35)

John 8:35 (NLT)

35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.

1- Real freedom is found in a new relationship with God through Christ.

2- Real freedom is expressed in living out the new relationship that comes through Christ.

(Galatians 5:13)

Galatians 5:13 (NLT)

13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

III- THE SECURITY OF REAL FREEDOM (John 8:31, 32, 36b, 51)

A- The assurance of being Christ’s disciple. (John 8:31)

John 8:31 (NLT)

31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.

1- The freedom given by Christ provides assurance of eternal life.

2- Absolute assurance of eternal life is possible.

(1 John 5:13)

1 John 5:13 (NLT)

13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.

B- The anchor of knowing the truth of God. (John 8:32)

John 8:32 (NLT)

32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

(John 16:13)

1- Knowing God’s truth provides an anchor for living.

2- The Holy Spirit guides us in the application of God’s truth, providing us with real freedom.

John 16:13 (NLT)

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

C- The absolute promises of a faithful Lord. (John 8:36b, 51)

1- Freedom

(John 8:36b)

John 8:36b (NLT)

36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

(Galatians 5:1)

Galatians 5:1 (NLT)

1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

2- Eternal Life

(John 8:51)

John 8:51 (NLT)

51 I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!”

CONCLUSION: