John 8:31-32
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
What do you think “freedom” looks like in your own life? Maybe you think freedom is the right to decide our will. For example, you might think about “freedom of speech” or freedom in what you eat or how you dress. Or the freedom to hang out with whoever you want… that kind of thing.
Let’s take a look at what God’s word says about “freedom.” Romans 3:23 says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Why is this important though, in regards to the concept of freedom? Well, no one is an exception to needing God’s grace. Believing Jesus died on the cross to save us, frees us from sin’s control and allows us to repent.
Ooooo, “repent.” That’s a strong word, but also an incredibly important word especially when it comes to “freedom.” Repentance provides victory over sin. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Hearing this good news (or the Gospel), believing it, repenting of sin, and making a confession of faith leads to true freedom. Only then are we able to discern and live out God’s “good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
God’s will for our lives gives us more freedom than the absolute power of sin.
John 8:31-32 says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Jesus is the truth; real freedom is eternal life. Only Jesus can free us from sin and lead us into the freedom of eternal life with Him. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Isn’t it just so awesome that Jesus gives us the freedom to follow God’s will while we are here on Earth? As we seek out God’s heart and His perfect will for our lives, His perfect truth frees us of our own self-deception, as well as the Enemy’s.
Today, you can live into that freedom with Jesus. Do you live in freedom with Jesus? In what way? What is one thing you’re doing to follow God’s will? What is one thing you need to start or stop doing?