Jesus says some hard words to his audience this week to set them free.
In John 8:30-59, Jesus addresses the Pharisees and the Jews because they believe since they are descendants of Abraham they have no need for Jesus. Jesus reveals what it actually means to be saved and it can’t be achieved by anyone else’s faith.
This week Pastor Britt challenged us to ask ourselves if we see evidence of true saving faith in our lives. Do we see the areas of our lives where we are still in slavery? Do we trust Jesus enough to give him our loyalty and obedience? Do we see how God provides all we need through his Son?
Let’s read together.
Grow Together
Read this from the Bible together:
John 8:21-29
*31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”*
Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Pastor Britt explained how remaining and continuing in our discipleship to Jesus isn’t a one time event. In what ways have you been continually rescued by Jesus? Have you subconsciously believed that your initial “conversion” is the only saving you need?
“We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone.” Jesus doesn’t want your parents or your grandparents belief in him, he wants your personal faith in him. Have you ever been tempted to rely on your service in church, your upbringing, or your spouse’s faith to constitute as your own? Why do you think naming our sins is an important part of a personal faith in Jesus?
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin…” What do you think it means to “practice sin”? When was the last time you confessed that you needed Jesus to set you free from your sin?
Next Steps
When we name our sin Jesus is always ready to free us from it. If freedom is the goal for confession of sin, why do you think it can feel so unnatural to name our sin? In what ways have you thought that sin was freedom?
“In the story of Abraham, we see that he keeps putting his promises in jeopardy.” In Gen. 22 we learned the Abraham was incredibly faithful to God in areas of trust, loyalty and obedience. Even so, Abraham still made mistakes. How is this encouraging for you?
”The only thing we can give God is our trust.” Does your life reflect trust in Jesus? What have you given God your trust in? What areas do you need to grow in trust?
