John 8:31-36 – 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. (New Living Translation)

What Does It Look Like for Truth to Set Me Free?

1. ____________________ to the truth about life

Psalm 51:3-5 – 3 I recognize my faults; I am always conscious of my sins. 4 I have sinned against you – only against you – and done what you consider evil. So you are right in judging me; you are justified in condemning me. 5 I have been evil from the day I was born; from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful. (Good News Bible)

Psalm 19:1-4 – 1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. (New Living Translation)

Psalm 19:7-8 – 7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life. (New Living Translation)

Psalm 119:111-112 – 111 Your laws are my treasure; they are truly my heart’s delight. 112 I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end. (New Living Translation)

☺ My _____________________ of truth will determine my ______________________ of truth

2. ______________________ with the truth in your life

James 5:16 – Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. (New Living Translation)

☺ Forgiveness comes from God, but healing comes from God and _______________________________

Proverbs 28:13 – If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. If you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy. (New Century Version)

☺ Confession breaks the cycle of _________________________

3. ___________________ with the truth in your friend’s life

Ephesians 4:15 – God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love – like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. (The Message)

☺ We must hold __________________ and _________________ in balance

Proverbs 27:5-6 – 5 An open rebuke is better than hidden love! 6 Wounds from a friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (New Living Translation)

Proverbs 28:23 – Honest correction is appreciated more than flattery. (Contemporary English Version)

How do I do this?

▸ Get _______________ about the issue

▸ Ask God if ________________________________ to address the issue

▸ Address the issue in __________________________ and in ______________________________

▸ Be gentle, but ____________________________

▸ ____________________________ – don’t unload and abandon

Lord, I love ________________________________ too much not to get involved. Give me the courage, wisdom, and grace to speak the truth in love.