Freedom in Jesus: Jesus Rescues (John 8:31-36)

Series: Freedom in Jesus

Sermon Title: Jesus Rescues

Scripture: John 8:31-36

Date: July 22, 2018

 

Then Jesus said to thsoe Jews who believed 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."  They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone.  How can You say, 'You will be made free'?"  Jesus answered them, "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."  (John 8:31-36)

 

JESUS RESCUES

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed 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."  (John 8:31-32)

 

I want to talk tonight about being set free in a general way, and then we'll tackle some more specific places.

1. Remember
   • The Holy Spirit sets us free.
   • Here are two key things to remember to be set free:
     1. Truth
        • And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  (John 8:32)
        • Do we really want to be free from all sin to serve Jesus or just free from the sins that trouble us like guilt and shame?
        • Truth is found in 2 places:
          1. Scripture
          2. Jesus
     2. Tools
        • Here are several tools the Holy Spirit uses to set us free:
          1. Scripture study, memory and obedience
             • If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  (1 John 1:9)
             • There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  (Romans 8:1)
          2. Prayer
             • Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  (James 5:16)
          3. Confession
          4. Fasting
             • However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.  (Matthew 17:21)
          5. Friendships
2. Repent
   • Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  (Hebrews 12:1a)
   • They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone.  How can You say, 'You will be made free'?"  Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin."  (John 8:33-34)
3. Renounce
4. Rely
   • It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  (Galatians 5:1, NIV)
   • "Be free - because you already are free.  Your enemy is dead - so silence the lies in your head.  No enemy can imprison you - because your Savior empowers you.  Nothing can hold you in bondage - because you are held by him.  Not one thing can hold you back - because his arms are holding you."  -Ann Voskamp
   • You are free now if you are saved - Penalty of sin
   • You are also being set free if you are saved - Power of sin