Go! And Live In The Freedom Of Truth - John 8:31-32 Series

Go! And Live in the Freedom of Truth - John 8:31-32

Introduction:

Today we gather to delve into the profound words of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in John 8:31-32 (NLT):

"Jesus said to the people who believed in him, 'You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"

These verses encapsulate a transformative promise: abiding in Jesus' teachings leads us to truth, and this truth grants us freedom. But what does it mean to remain faithful to His teachings? How does knowing the truth liberate us?

Today, we will explore three pivotal truths:

Abiding in Christ's Word Defines True Discipleship

Knowing the Truth Transforms Our Lives

The Truth of Christ Grants Genuine Freedom

May the Holy Spirit illuminate our hearts as we journey through these divine truths.

1. Abiding in Christ's Word Defines True Discipleship

Jesus addresses those who believed in Him, emphasizing that genuine discipleship is evidenced by steadfastness in His teachings. The Greek term for "remain" is µ??? (meno), meaning to stay, abide, or continue. This denotes an ongoing, active engagement with His Word.

John 15:5-7 (NLT): "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!"

Here, "remain" (µ???) illustrates the vital connection between the believer and Christ. Just as branches draw life from the vine, we must draw spiritual sustenance from Jesus. Abiding in Him results in a fruitful life, reflecting His character and will.

Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT): "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do."

The psalmist portrays the blessedness of those who immerse themselves in God's Word. Continuous meditation on Scripture anchors us, making us resilient and prosperous in our spiritual journey.

Consider a sponge submerged in water. It doesn't merely touch the water's surface but absorbs it fully. Similarly, true disciples don't merely skim through Jesus' teachings but absorb and live them out.

A.W. Tozer once said, "The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us."

Ah, yes! That powerful quote from A.W. Tozer strikes right at the heart of the spiritual struggle so many believers face today.

Church, let’s be honest: most of us don’t mind Jesus being our Saviour—we rejoice in His grace, His forgiveness, His mercy. But when it comes to letting Him be Lord, when it comes to surrendering control, that’s where the battle begins.

Tozer's words are a mirror. They show us that as long as self is on the throne, we will never experience the fullness of what God desires to do in us or through us. We will be troubled. We will be restless. We will make little progress, not because God is absent, but because we are in the way.

That’s why Jesus said:

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” — Luke 9:23 (NLT)

You see, spiritual maturity is not about adding more knowledge, or even more ministry. It’s about losing more of ourselves so that Christ might live in us more fully. Paul got it when he said:

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” — Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

Tozer reminds us that we often try to manage God rather than submit to Him. We interfere with His sanctifying work because we want the blessing without the breaking, the crown without the cross, the transformation without the surrender.

But God cannot fill a heart that is already full of self.

Imagine a sculptor trying to shape a block of stone, but every time he lifts his chisel, the stone moves. That’s how some of us are with God—we keep wriggling off the altar, we keep questioning His process, we keep holding on to our own blueprints for life. And then we wonder why we don’t look like Jesus.