1. To grow in the knowledge of Christ as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18, we must "search the Scriptures" as Jesus taught in John 5:39. 2. In this lesson we are making 4 observations about "spiritual freedom" from the Lord's interaction with some Jewish people in John 8:30-59.
Discussion:
I. FIRST, IN VS.34 JESUS REVEALED THE CAUSE OF SPIRITUAL BONDAGE: "SIN"
A. We learn from 1 John 3:4 that sin is the transgression of God's law. B. We learn from additional passages that sin is a widespread problem (Romans 3:23), the wages of which is death (Romans 6:23a).
II. SECOND, IN VS.36 JESUS IDENTIFIED HIMSELF AS THE SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM
A. Jesus had just identified Himself as "the light of the world" who provides "the light of life" to His followers (John 8:12). B. He later identified Himself as the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
III. THIRD, JESUS REVEALED HIS CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING SPIRITUAL FREEDOM IN VS.31-32
A. To be freed from bondage to sin by the Lord 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 set free those who submit to His will (John 1:12-13).
