4 Controversial Uncompromising Life-Changing Truths” Series

Today, I want to speak to you about “4 Controversial Uncompromising Life-Changing Truths” from the lips of Jesus Himself. These 4 truths are unpopular for many. They are likely to start a good argument at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Many of these, if not all of these, run against the current notions of many, if not most, Americans. These four truths are not even fully embraced by even those who belong to our church.

Find John 8 with me, if you will.

From the moment our ancestors tossed tea in the Boston Harbor, we’ve been looking for freedom. Listen carefully as Jesus tells us how to secure freedom and what to do with freedom when we have it.

Today’s Scripture

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?’

Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.’

They answered him, ‘Abraham is our father.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did.’ They said to him, ‘We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God” (John 8:31-47).

Jesus’ words are for true believers in Jesus today – listen carefully. Jesus’ words are for unbelievers here today – listen colorfully. Jesus’ words are for phony believers here today – listen meaningfully.

Sermon Preview

Why do I need freedom?

Who gives real freedom?

What does freedom look like?

Jesus offers us a remarkable solution only after He shows us our deep-seated problem. You’re more messed up than you could imagine, but you’re more loved than you can comprehend.

1. Non-Believers are Addicted to Sin at Birth

“Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin’” (John 8:34).

Everything Jesus says here is controversial. Everything Jesus says here is aimed at people who think they believe but don’t really believe.

1.1 When Slavery Doesn’t Feel Like It

Most people who are enslaved know they are slaves. The girl who is abducted and taken into the worldwide human trafficking ring knows she’s a slave. You don’t have to tell her this. But there is a kind of slavery where people don’t fully realize they are enslaved. In verse 33, you can see the people push back – “We … have never been enslaved to anyone” (John 8:33b). Jesus tells us about a slavery that doesn’t feel like slavery.

1.2 Jesus is Blunt

Jesus is so blunt here: ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin’” (John 8:34b).

In verse 32, Jesus says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus repeatedly tells us we need to be set free. Jesus tells us that we are addicted to our sinful ways. We are enslaved to our flawed thinking, evil attitudes, and corrupt practices. But it doesn’t feel like it.