I) Jesus Offers the Possibility of Freedom (31-32)
Jesus makes one of the most amazing Inspirational claims in history. Consider for a moment the incredible hope expressed in the promise that Jesus can set people free. To those living in bondage, Jesus offers freedom!
A) The freedom offered by Jesus is spiritual.
True Spiritual Freedom is not dependent upon physical circumstances that may have led or contributed to your bondage. One of the main truths of divine freedom is Jesus is more concerned about setting your soul free than defeating the Roman Empire or some other external force in your life.
B) Jesus' freedom is also purposeful.
Freedom is not a lack of restraint that allows one to fulfill any selfish desire, but genuine freedom takes place in the arena or stadium of divine truth. As we abide in Christ we are released from the chains of the world and released to be all that God created us to be. (Romans 6:1-2)
Christ is the only one who can set us free to enjoy the life as a child of God instead of living as a slave of the world.
II) The Obvious Perils of Freedom (33)
Even though Jesus clearly declared that freedom was possible, the sad reality is that very few experience it. (Matthew 7:13-14)
The following is not an exhaustive list, but several perils or roadblocks hindering freedom are identified in the text.
A) The first peril is Ignorance.
Jesus is declaring a new truth to some who did not know that freedom was available. (Romans 10:3) The Bible describes those who lacked knowledge of Christ's ministry as "living in darkness".
B) A second peril is arrogance.
The Pharisees' statement that they had never lived as slaves is not just inaccurate; it is arrogant. (Romans 3:23) They were unwilling to admit that they had failed to meet God's holy standard.
C) Reluctance to change.
This group was not ignorant. They were not arrogant because they recognized a need for Christ, but they were unwilling to surrender to the lordship of Christ
D) Complacency in life.
Contained in the text is the exhortation to be free indeed or complete freedom. This exhortation seems to stand in contrast to those who would accept marginal freedom.
I am convinced far too many individuals who call themselves "Christians" live complacent lives choosing blessings from the bottom shelf when abundant freedom is available. (John 10:10b) Are you living "fee indeed?"
III) Understanding the Process of Experiencing Freedom
Jesus identifies a process for experiencing true freedom with the words, "If.. then."
The little word "if" is a big concept in the kingdom of God. The word represents an invitation. True freedom will not attack you; rather you must respond to God's invitation to accept His complete freedom. Jesus declares that true freedom is found in, "MY word."
Two concepts emerge from the text related to abiding in truth.
1) Abiding refers to perseverance.
True freedom is not found through a casual glance at the claims of Christ, but one must be willing to "dwell" in the Word of God (v.31).
2) Abiding in a place or location.
Abide comes from the root word abode meaning home or dwelling place. The word picture communicated is one of moving to a new home.
In Closing: Just as the 4th of July represents our freedoms as Americans. We know that you don’t have them if you are not a citizen living in the USA. The same applies to God’s freedom, we must abide in His Word to experience it.
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