let us make 4 observations about spiritual freedom (john 8:30-59)
Introduction:
1. In these verses Jesus had a discussion with some people in the temple. a. We learn from vs.30 that many people believed on the Lord after hearing Him teach. b. According to vs.59, these people wanted to stone Jesus. c. They did not appreciate Jesus' telling them how they could be free. 2. As we examine their conversation, "let us make 4 observations about spiritual freedom." Discussion: I. FIRST, JESUS REVEALED THE CAUSE OF SPIRITUAL BONDAGE: "SIN"
A. The Lord made this clear in vs.34. B. We learn from 1 John 3:4 that sin is the transgression of God's law. C. We learn from additional passages that: 1. sin is a widespread problem (Romans 3:23) 2. the wages of which is death (Romans 6:23a). II. SECOND, JESUS IDENTIFIED HIMSELF AS THE SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM
A. The Lord made this clear in vs.36. B. In John 8:12 Jesus had just identified Himself as "the light of the world" who provides "the light of life" to His followers. C. He later identified Himself as the only way to the Father (John 14:6). III. THIRD, JESUS REVEALED HIS CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING SPIRITUAL FREEDOM
A. The Lord made it clear in vs.31-32 that we must "continue" [abide] in His Word. B. We learn from additional passages that: 1. the Lord's doctrine must be obeyed from the heart (Romans 6:17-18) 2. we are made free when we obey the Gospel (Romans 6:3-7). IV. FOURTH, THOSE WHO REJECT THE LORD'S CONDITIONS REMAIN IN BONDAGE
A. Please note that Jesus was speaking to people who believed on Him. B. They responded to the Lord's conditions by: 1. denying ever being in bondage (vs.33), even though they had been under the power of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome 2. trusting in their relationship with Abraham (vs.39) 3. attacking Him (vs.48, 52a, 59). C. One of their problems was that the Lord's Word had no place in them (vs.37b). Conclusion:
1. Rejecting the Lord and His Word is a serious offense (John 8:24; 12:48). 2. The good news is that Christ will grant spiritual freedom to those who submit to His will (John 1:12-13).
