To show the freedom that comes from true belief and connecting it to the legacy of Martin Luther.
Good morning, church! Welcome to our service today. We are so blessed to be gathered here in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, we'll be diving deep into the book of John, specifically John 8:31-36. We're going to reflect on the power of Jesus' words, explore the freedom that comes from true belief, and connect it all to the legacy of a pivotal figure in Christian history - Martin Luther.
As we get ready to delve into the Scriptures, I am reminded of a quote from the esteemed Christian author, A.W. Tozer, who once wrote, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." This is a profound reminder of the importance of our belief and our thoughts about God, which we'll be discussing today.
When Jesus speaks, His words are not merely sounds or vibrations in the air. They are living, active, and powerful. They are transformative, capable of changing hearts, minds, and lives. They are authoritative, carrying the weight of divine truth. They are liberating, setting people free from the bondage of sin and death.
In John 8:31-36, Jesus uses His words to convey a profound truth about spiritual freedom. He tells the Jews who believed in Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." A. Here, Jesus is not just speaking; He is teaching, guiding, and promising. His words are not empty or meaningless. They are filled with divine wisdom and power. They are an invitation to a life of discipleship and a promise of true freedom.
B. The power of Jesus' words is also seen in the way they challenge and confront. When the Jews question Him, saying, "We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?" Jesus does not back down or soften His message. Instead, He speaks with even greater authority and clarity, saying, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." These words are not just a rebuke; they are a revelation of the true nature of sin and freedom. They expose the lie that sin is not a form of bondage and affirm the truth that true freedom comes only through the Son.
C. We experience Jesus’ word when we read the Bible. When we read Scripture, we hear the voice of God. We are hearing the words of Jesus. We are receiving His teaching, His guidance, His promises. We are being challenged and confronted by His truth. And if we respond in faith and obedience, we can experience the transformative, liberating power of His words.
D. The power of Jesus' words is also seen in the way they endure. Thousands of years after they were first spoken, they continue to guide, inspire, and liberate people all over the world. They are not bound by time or culture. They are eternal, just as Jesus Himself is eternal. They are a testament to His divine nature and His unchanging truth.
The freedom of true belief is the idea that genuine faith in Jesus Christ liberates us from the bondage of sin and death, and sets us free to live a life of love, joy, peace, and righteousness ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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