(The picture in this post was drawn by Jaimelyn Sapienza during a recent sermon at the Church at LifePark.)

What percentage of people would you say are experiencing freedom in their lives? A number of people are in bondage due to the lies of the enemy. Jesus gave us a prescription so that we may experience freedom,

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Jesus revealed that a true disciple is one who continues in His word. The word “continue” conveys the idea to hold on or  to abide. Jesus used this word referring to a branch that bears fruit – it must hold on or abide in the vine. We continue in Jesus’ teaching, not to gain His favor, but because of His favor. Dallas Willard teaches us that, “Grace is not earned, but it’s not opposed to effort.”

A disciple is one who knows truth. Truth may be viewed as reality from God’s perspective. The result of knowing truth is that you will experience freedom. Freedom is not doing whatever you wish. A leaf that blows off from a tree may appear to be free, but actually it’s dead; it is separated from the source of life.

Freedom is saying yes to God. Do you have the ability to do what God commands? This is why we practice the spiritual disciplines, so we can bring the totality of our being into conformity to Jesus. Freedom is also the ability to say no to sin. Do you have the power to say no to the temptations that come your way?

Freedom means that you can be who God created you to be. Why do so many people find it difficult to live in freedom? Freedom implies responsibility. Edward Gibbon, author of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, wrote, “When the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again.” We see that the Jews were relying upon their heritage as the source of their freedom,

They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:33-36)

Notice the selective nature of sin, they overlooked the fact that they had been slaves to the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and currently the Romans. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wisely observed, “None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.” Jesus can set you free! Don’t settle for bondage when God offers you freedom.

freedom. Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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