INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Discipleship of Christ: “Ye Shall Be My Disciples Indeed”
2. Doctrine of Christ: “Ye Shall Know The Truth”
3. Deliverance of Christ: “The Truth Shall Make You Free”
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today, Jesus describes to those Jews who followed him how they were to become His disciples; know the doctrine of truth and be delivered from their sin. He states to them which then believed on Him: “If you continue or abide in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," John 8:31-32.
2. First, he says: "If ye continue or abide in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." It is therefore clear that discipleship comes through continuing in the word of the Lord. Many are believers just like these Jews; but, are not yet disciples. Discipleship is promised to those that continue in the word of God.
3. Secondly, he says: "If you continue in my word, ye shall know the truth." The truth here is the "doctrine of Christ." Why IS IT SO IMPORTANT to know the truth? These Jews were believers; but were unaware of “the truth” which Jesus mentions. I should stress, that “the truth” promised by Jesus, was revealed by the Holy Spirit, after the Lord returned to heaven, John 16:13. It was not made know to these believers during the, “personal ministry of Jesus.”
4. Finally, he says: "If you continue in my word... know the truth ...which will deliver you from your sins." Once a sincere searcher has found and obeyed the truth; they were made free from their sins. Jesus said: "If the Son shall make you free, then are ye free indeed." Paul wrote: "But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine, which was delivered you, being then, made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness," Romans 6:17-18. With this introduction, let’s consider our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I. DISCIPLESHIP OF CHRIST: “Then are ye my Disciples Indeed.”
A. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him. We should remember the audience who Jesus is now speaking unto. These are Jews that believe on Him and have followed him, and have accepted His teaching. However, we can see, just belief alone does not make one a disciple; or ensure they know the truth; or have been forgiven of (freed from) their sins.
B. Disciple means, "learner" or "follower."
1. Moses' disciples. Some Jews claimed to be Moses' disciples, John 9:27-29.
2. Disciples of John the Baptist, Matthew 11:2-6, Acts 19:1-7.
3. Disciples of Jesus:
a. The twelve sent forth to preach, Matthew 10:1ff; Acts 9:26; Acts 14:2; Acts 21:4. Illustrate: Unity of the faith.
b. The seventy followers are sent forth to preach, Luke 10:1ff.
c. It is truly interesting that when Jesus sent out His disciples during His personal ministry: They all preached the same thing. They had one message: “And as you go, preach saying, the kingdom of God is at hand,” Matthew 4:17.
d. Their message: “The kingdom of God is nigh unto you,” Matthew 10:5-15; Luke 10:1-12; Psalms 133:1.
e. Christ NOW reigns over His kingdom. Notice:
1) Christ’s reign began on Pentecost; when He sat down on the right hand of God, Acts 2:30-36; Luke 1:31-33; Daniel 7:13-15.
2) Christ reins over His kingdom NOW, 1 Corinthians 15:20-27.
3) We are members of His kingdom NOW, Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Revelation 1:9.
4) We shall be members of the heavenly kingdom, as well, 2 Timothy 4:16-18; 2 Peter 1:10-11; Matthew 25:34; Matthew 25:46.
C. "If you continue in my word." The words spoken by the Savior in the preceding discourse convinced many of his hearers - Jews. They "believed on him," but their faith was not yet made perfect through obedience.
1. Hence Jesus adds to the terms of discipleship. If you continue in my teaching or abide in it – “ye shall become my disciples indeed” e.g., truly, or of certainty.
2. The full truth of the gospel had not yet been revealed by the Lord, John 16:12. Illustrate: Can you handle the truth, John 3:1. Jewish leaders and these disciples believed on the Lord; but some, “would not confess Him,” John 12:42-43.
3. The Spirit was to guide the Apostles into all truth, John 16:13. We will speak to this later in the lesson.
4. Today, doctrinal differences discourage unity and causes religious divisions and confusion. If indeed we all believe the same things – then, why aren’t we all practicing the same things? 1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 3:16.
5. In truth many are not His disciples because they have not heard, believed and obeyed the truth – that make one a Disciple of Christ – indeed, (Gr., alethia, of certainty, surety or of a truth). Notice:
a. Paul speaks of the Ephesians:
1) “In whom ye also trusted,”
2) After that ye heard the word of truth,”
3) The gospel of your salvation,”
4) In whom also after that ye believed,”
5) Ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Galatians 3:14; Ephesians 4:30.
b. Paul speaks of the Colossians: “Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth,” Colossians 1:4-6; Colossians 1:23; Acts 20:24.
c. Paul speaks of the Thessalonians: “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe,”1 Thessalonians 2:13.
d. Each of these became believers and Disciples of Christ after obeying the word of truth; the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16-17; Romans 10:16-17.
D. “Then are ye my disciples indeed.” They must do more than just believe; their belief must move them to accept his word and obey it. Notice the Lord’s conditional statement regarding discipleship.
1. “If ye abide , remain or continue in my word:
a. Then are ye my disciples indeed;"
b. Ye shall know the truth; and"
c. The truth shall make you free," John 8:32.
2. If you abide in His word, is the real condition of becoming Christ's disciples. This harmonizes with the entire Old and New Testament writings, John 6:44-45.
3. The promise of discipleship: "then are ye my disciples indeed.”
4. The New Testament does not teach salvation or justification is by faith ONLY, James 2:24. Faith is merely the first step unto salvation; it is not the only step!
5. Faith must be active through obedient.
a. Faith, "must work through genuine love," Galatians 5:6.
b. Love is the true sign of discipleship, John 13:34-35.
c. Peter admonishes: “Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover a multitude of sins,” 1 Peter 4:8.
6. True faith - leads one to “obey the gospel,” Romans 1:4-5.
a. Peter wrote: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently; being born again," 1 Peter 1:22-23.
b. Paul's statement to the King: "I was not disobedient," Acts 26:19.
c. The reason many believers have not become Christ’s disciples:
1) These believers have not sought out the truth concerning Christ’s discipleship.
2) Denominational leaders do not believe or teach Christ’s message regarding discipleship.
3) Many of these leaders have not become Christ’s disciples themselves.
4) Many of these leaders are unwilling to declare the truth of real discipleship unto their followers/memberships.
d. Disciples were divinely called (Gr., chrematizo) "Christians" first at Antioch (of Syria), Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16.
1) The apostles’ preached the message of discipleship, Matthew 28:19-20.
2) Illustrate: The Name Christian, “Christ’s followers; or Christ like.”
3) Is there something in a name? Notice:
a) McDonald, Sears and Roebucks.
b) Jesus said: “Lazarus, come forth,” John 11:43.
c) Neither is there salvation in any other name, Acts 4:12.
E. Discipleship not without cost. Jesus said: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me,” Matthew 16:24. He also warns: “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me, is not worthy of me,” Matthew 10:37-38.
1. Many followers disserted Him when they learned of what is truly required to be his disciple. The Lord asked: “would the disciples also go away?” Peter replied: “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life,” John 6:65-69.
2. Apostles disserted Him at his arrest and capture. Mark wrote: “They all forsook him and fled,” Mark 14:50.
3. Father disserted Him on the cross: “After darkness covered the whole land from the sixth hour until the ninth. Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, (Gr., Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani): Which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Mark 15:33-34. Why? Fulfillment of Isaiah 53:10-12.
4. He was forsaken for a moment; that we might not for a moment ever be forsaken! Later He cried: “Father into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost,” Luke 23:46.
5. The temple veil. Mark wrote: “And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom,” Mark 15:37-38; Matthew 27:50-51. Signifying:
a. That the way into the Holy of Holies is now open unto all mankind.
b. The high priesthood is no longer on earth; but in heaven.
c. The saints of God can now: “Offer unto God spiritual sacrifices through prayer and good works. We can now offer prayers of confession, praise, thanksgiving and make know our requests unto God; our heavenly Father because of Jesus’ death and resurrection on our behalf, Hebrews 13:15-16.
d. The blood pierced side of Christ has given us access unto God: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil; that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our heart sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water,” Hebrews 10:19-22; John 19:34.
e. It took a “heavenly intervention (death of Christ); that there might be human intercession (our presence) before the throne of God.”
1) Christ is our high priest; and we are “kings and priest unto our God,” Revelation 1:6.
2) Peter wrote: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should show forth the praises of him who that called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people... people of God: ...had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy,” 1 Peter 2:9-10. Let’s now consider the “doctrine of Christ” that is, “ye shall know the truth.”
II. DOCTRINE OF CHRIST: “Ye shall know the Truth.”
A. And ye shall know the truth. The Lord advises that as one continues in his word – he/she shall know the truth. As stated earlier disciples are learners. Their work is to learn and know the truth. The way to know the truth is to engage in a devout study of the word of God.
1. Is it possible to know the truth? Jesus said it is: "Ye shall know the truth," (Gr: gnostos, from ginosko; e.g., “to know, perceive, learn or recognize; to know in one’s mind - the truth."
2. Illustrate: Hidden Figures, NASA Space Race, 1960. The movie illustrated the truth of mathematical calculations.
3. Pilot asked Jesus: What is Truth? Jesus said: “I am come to bear witness of the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice,” John 18:36-38; John 10:27-30. Notice these references to truth:
a. First: "Forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth," 1 Timothy 4:3. Paul speaks of meats and God’s sanctification of it. All can be eaten.
b. Further: "I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth," 1 John 2:21. Illustrate: Truth, that Jesus is the Christ, 1 John 2:22-25.
c. Next: "The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all those who have known the truth," 2 John 1:1.
d. Finally: "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life," 1 John 5:13.
B. The Truth – not yet revealed unto his disciples. Although the embodiment of truth stood before them at this time – the truth he promises was not yet divinely given to his apostles or unto the world.
1. Christ is the "Word" and the "Truth," John 1:1, John 1:14; John 17:17.
2. The Declarations of Christ: “I am the way, the truth and the life,” John 14:6. Review this lesson on SermonCentral.com.
3. Grace and truth: "Came through Jesus Christ," John 1:17.
4. However, it was not yet revealed unto the world during His personal ministry.
C. Truth promised to be revealed to the Apostles through the Holy Spirit, John 16:13. The truth was promised; but at this time it was not yet manifested.
1. Listen to Jesus: "My doctrine is not mine but his that sent me (God the Father). If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine (future tenth), whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself," John 7:16-17.
2. What is this word or doctrine he speaks of in this verse? It is the “doctrine of Christ.” Let’s consider the doctrine’s (truth) passing from the Father to the Apostles. This was a, “Heavenly transfer of authority,” Matthew 28:18.
3. This is the “truth which is after godliness:” Titus 1:1-3.
a. Conceived by God, that cannot lie, before the world began;
b. Commissioned by God, to be manifested (made known) by preaching in due time, and
c. Committed by God, unto the apostles by the commandment God our Savior.
d. Illustrate: Side Bar in Heaven.
D. The "Chain-of-command" of the "doctrine" or "the word of truth,” John 16:12-15. The Father hath given all things unto the Son.
1. The doctrine that was of the Father, became – the doctrine of the Son, John 16:15. Notice, John the beloved Apostle: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son," 2 John 9. Illustrate: The Oneness Doctrine, Ephesians 4:4-6.
2. The doctrine that was of the Son, became – the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Notice: “Howbeit when he the Spirit of Truth is come... He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine and shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he (the Spirit) shall take of mine and shall shew it unto you,” John 16:13-14; John 14:26; and John 15:26-27.
3. The doctrine that was of the Holy Spirit, became – the doctrine of the apostles, Luke 10:16. The doctrine was granted to the apostles by the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-14. Illustrate: Given to Paul by Revelation, Galatians 1:10-12.
4. The doctrine that was of the apostles – became the doctrine of the first century church, Act 2:42.
a. Not just what they taught, but, also all that they have written.
b. Luke wrote: "And they (saints) continued steadfastly (Gr., proskartereo, e.g., devoting themselves; continued instantly), in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship (Gr: didache kia koinonia), and in breaking of bread, and in prayers," Acts 2:42.
c. Paul wrote: "If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord," 1 Corinthians 14:37.
5. The doctrine that is of the church, is called - “sound doctrine.” Healthy teaching!
a. Paul reminds Timothy:
1) First, “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightiest charge some that they teach no other doctrine (Gr., he-te-ro-de-dä-skä-le'-o),” 1 Timothy 1:3. Again, he admonishes Timothy.
2) Further, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast learned of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 1:13.
3) Finally, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also,” 2 Timothy 2:2.
b. Paul admonishes Titus:
1) First, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine,” Titus 2:1; Titus 1:9.
2) Next, “Sound speech that cannot be condemned,” Titus 2:8; Jude 3.
c. That charge is unto us today: “To teach no other doctrine.” We once believed sincerely in this charge. But, something has happened along the way?
E. Truth must be rightly divided: “Study to show thyself approved unto God,” 2 Timothy 2:15. Illustrated: Hog Killing Day. He Learned How to cut it out.
1. Sought after with a true heart:
a. Jeremiah wrote: "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart," Jeremiah 29:13.
b. Isaiah says: “Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail,” Isaiah 34:16. Illustrate: Seek ye the Lord, Isaiah 55:6-11.
2. Jesus says: “Search the scriptures,” John 5:39.
a. Why do religious people err? Jesus said: “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God,” Matthew 22:29.
b. Religious leaders: “For the leaders of this people cause them to err,” Isaiah 9:16.
c. Blind lead the blind: “Both shall fall into the ditch,” Matthew 15:13-14; Matthew 23:24.
3. God desires all: “To be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth,” 1 Timothy 2:3-7.
a. Truth must be sought after, believed on, and obeyed. Many will not seek the truth nor believe it when they hear it.
b. Jewish leaders: “Many believed on him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue. For they love the praise of men, more than the praise of God,” John 12:42-43.
c. Honor of men. Jesus says: “How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only,” John 5:44.
d. When truth cost us, many are unwilling to pay for it. The wise man said: “Buy the truth and sell it not, also wisdom, and instruction and understanding,” Proverbs 23:23.
4. Believers must have a: “Good and honest heart to hear Jesus,” Luke 8:15.
a. Jesus said: “Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice,” John 18:37.
b. My sheep: “Hear my voice, I know them and they follow me,” John 10:27.
c. Illustrate: Mother of the church; president of the deacon board; etc. Many seek honor among men; rather than the Lord. Let’s now consider the last point.
III. THE DELIVERANCE OF CHRIST: “Truth shall make you Free.”
A. The truth Jesus speaks of here was not given, believed or obeyed during his personal ministry. No miracle, healing, cleansing, act of forgiveness or example of salvation performed by Jesus during his ministry can claimed to be “the truth that makes one free from their sins.”
1. These were all done under the Old Testament – or during the close of the old covenant – the Law of Moses. The truth that makes one free was promised; but not preached in fact during the personal ministry of Christ.
2. It was after Christ's death, burial and resurrection; that the truth which “makes one free” was preached, in the city of Jerusalem.
B. The prophecy and promises of this truth:
1. Prophecy: “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness,” Zechariah 13:1.
2. Promise: “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning me,” Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:1-8; Acts 2:1-4.
3. Proclaimed: The Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:14-35; Acts 2:36-47.
C. The truth was preached and taught by the Apostles:
1. The truth which is after godliness, Titus 1:1-3; Titus 2:11-12.
2. The mystery of godliness. “Christ was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory,” 1 Timothy 3:16.
3. The truth – the gospel of their salvation, Ephesians 1:13.
4. The truth of the gospel, Galatians 2:4-5.
5. The truth revealed to apostles/prophets by the Spirit, Ephesians 3:1-7.
a. Received by Paul through revelation.
b. Recorded by Paul through inspiration.
c. Recognized by us through examination.
d. Results in us an illumination.
6. This is “the truth that makes one free,” John 8:31-32; John 8:36.
a. It is that form of teaching (Gr., tupos didache) that makes one free from their sins. How does one become free from sins?
b. Notice Paul: "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from (Gr., ek; out of) the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness," Romans 6:17-18. Illustrate: When was then?
7. What was “that form of doctrine which was delivered?” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
a. If we can know the “doctrine” then; we can determine the “form or pattern.”
b. Paul defines the doctrine, as the “death, burial and resurrection of Christ.”
c. Therefore, the form must be similar to Christ's death, burial and resurrection, Romans 6:1-7.
D. No place for feelings. Jesus did not say: "Ye shall feel the truth." Feelings are deceptive and cannot be a sign of true discipleship. There is “joy” after one obeys the gospel. There was joy in the hearts of the Samaritans, Acts 8:5; Acts 8:8; and the Ethiopian, Acts 8:35-39.
1. Great songs of the faith when sang with the spirit and understanding inspires my soul. Songs like, "Amazing Grace; How Great Thou Art."
2. Likewise, the Old School "soul music" encourages my heart, i.e., Aretha Franklin's pop hit, "Respect." Send chills up and down my back.
3. Surely I could not rely upon these feelings as proof of my salvation!
4. Feelings can have no place in the learners search for truth.
5. Truth will hurt your feelings; before it will bring you joy! Galatians 4:16; Acts 2:36-41.
6. You will struggle with truth before you obtain the joy from its salvation.
E. Religious experience. Still others claim they have had a religious experience (heard voices, seen an angel, received a revelation). These experiences - I call "significant emotional events." I will not argue they did or didn't experience them. But surely, this cannot make void what Jesus said: "ye shall know the truth?"
1. Paul had a "significant emotional event." He never claimed salvation as a result of his talk with Jesus on the Damascus highway, Acts 9:1-18; Acts 22:1-21, Acts 26:1-32. After his questions, the Lord said: "Go into the city, and it will be told thee what thou must do." The instruction came from Ananias.
2. Cornelius experienced a "significant emotional event." But he never claimed salvation as a result of his talk with an angel in his house, Acts 10:1-48. The angel of the Lord said to him: "Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter, who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and thy house shall be saved," Acts 11:14. Peter spoke to Cornelius and his house the message of grace.
3. Neither Paul nor Cornelius relied upon their experiences - or "significant emotional event" as proof of their salvation. You cannot rely upon yours either - if you claim to have had one!
4. The Jailer's “significant emotional event,” Acts 16:25-34. "He supposed the prisoners had fled." Why didn't he just get up and look. He, like many today are committing spiritual suicide - "supposing they are saved." Here is my challenge to you:
a. Can you find what you believe in the scriptures?
b. If you are so confident of your faith, salvation, and brotherhood.
c. Why not open your bible NOW, and put your fingers on the verses!
d. Discover right now if you truly know the truth; you are Christ's disciple; and, you have been made free from your sin. Before I conclude, let me review the last experience in this lesson.
5. The "mourner’s bench experience." Many have claimed a similar experience at the altar or mourner's bench. Like me, once.
6. Illustrate: The Hiscox Guide. Hiscox Guide (for Baptist Ministers) contained these comments over the years pertaining to Christian baptism and the forgiveness of sins:
a. “Baptism may not be necessary to salvation, but it is essential to obedience.”
b. “We do utterly repudiate the dogma of baptism for the remission of sins.”
c. Baptism is to be administered to those, and to those only, who have exercised and professed a saving faith in Christ; that is, to believers.
d. “Baptism, therefore, is an act of obedience, but it possesses no power in itself to remit sin, to change the heart, or to sanctify the spirit.” Consider:
1) In denominationalism (Baptist faith) the saved are baptized because they claim to (profess a saving faith in Christ), thus, already forgiven of their sins.
2) In the Christian System (the truth that makes one free) sinners are baptized “for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16.
3) This is that “truth which is after godliness; and that “form of doctrine”; which makes one “free from their sin,” Romans 6:17-18; John 8:31-32; John 8:36. Amen. Before I conclude, let me review quickly what we have discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Discipleship of Christ: “Ye shall be my Disciples Indeed”
2. Doctrine of Christ: “Ye shall know the Truth”
3. Deliverance of Christ: “The truth shall make you Free”
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, Jesus said: "If we continue in his word, we will become his disciples." It is therefore clear that discipleship comes through the knowledge of the truth. Many today are merely believers just like these Jews, but are not yet disciples because they have not heard, learned or obeyed the truth of the gospel.
2. Secondly, Jesus said: "If we continue in his word, we shall know the truth." Truth is therefore learned, and we can know it. But truth is not the product of our feeling or emotions. Truth is not felt or experienced through some "significant emotional event."
3. Finally, Jesus said: "If we continue in his word – the truth shall make us free" or "deliver us from our sins." Once the sincere searcher has found and obeyed the truth. It will be then; they shall be made free from their sins. Jesus said: "If the Son makes you free, then are ye free indeed." Remember how Paul explained to the Romans' how they had obtained their "freedom from sin." If you want to receive forgiveness; to be released from the guilt and penalty of sin; you have heard the truth; you now know the truth, come now and obey the truth and become his disciple!
C. Invitation. How did first century preaching make disciples? Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 11:26.
D. Motivate. "Behold now is the acceptable time; behold, today is the day of salvation," 2 Corinthians 6:2. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not promised. All we have is today!
E. Persuade. "Knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men," 2 Corinthians 5:11. "With many other words," Acts 2:40.
