Freedom In Christ

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed

There are many like these Jews, who say, “We never were in bondage to any man,” while every step they take you hear the clang of their shackles. While these boastful Jews talked of their freedom they were—

1. In bondage to the Romans.

2. In bondage to the letter of the law.

3. In bondage to pride and unbelief.

Christ makes us free from—

1. The power of our enemies.

2. The broken law.

3. From the pride of life.

It is a glorious freedom, but we shall notice—

I. What it is Not. It is—

1. Not Freedom from Bodily Suffering. The eleventh chapter of the Hebrews is abundant evidence to this.

2. Not Freedom from Divine Chastisements. To be without these is to be without a very impressive evidence of sonship (Heb. 12:8).

3. Not Freedom from the Temptation of Satan (Matt. 4). The disciple will not escape, for the Master did not. “But count it all joy” (James 1:2).

4. Not Freedom from the Presence of Sin (1 John 1). This freedom we shall have when He shall change this vile body.

II. What it Is. It is to be made free from the—

1. Curse of the Law (Gal. 3:10). “The law was holy, just and good” (a reflection of the Divine character), but the holy, just, and good can curse where there is violation and sin.

2. Guilt of Sin (Rom. 8:33). There is now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus. Who shall lay anything to their charge?

3. Dominion of Sin (Rom. 6). Sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

4. Power of Darkness (Col. 1:13). Being liberated by the translating power of grace, we are no longer under the rule of Satan, but under the blessed government of the Prince of Peace.

5. Fear of Man (Acts 4:18–20). The fear of man brings a snare and puts it on the hands, the feet, the tongue, the mind, and the heart, and hinders the Holy Ghost from working through us.

6. Sting of Death (1 Cor. 15:56, 57). “O death, where is thy sting?” The sting of death was sin. Sin was taken away by the Lamb of God. So the sting is gone, and we have freedom from it.

III. The Responsibilities of the Freed. Let us not forget that ours is the—

1. Freedom of Sons (1 John 3). Dishonour not the Father.

2. Freedom of Servants (1 Cor. 7:22). Be faithful to the Master.

3. Freedom of Worshippers (Heb. 10:19). Come with boldness.

IV. How He makes Free.

1. By Coming to Him.

2. By Resting in Him.

3. By Working for Him. “Whom the Son makes free are free indeed” (John 8:36).