40 Days in the Book of JOHN
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of JOHN
Day 17 | THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE | John 8:31-32
40 Days in the Book of JOHN
Day 17 | THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE | John 8:31-32
THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE
John 8:31-32
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NAS)
Everyone I know enjoys freedom. Freedom of movement, freedom in what they eat, their clothing, where they live, go to church, watch on TV and on and on. I don’t know anyone who prefers being told by someone else what they can and can’t do in all areas of life.
However, the Jews of Jesus’ time were in a type of bondage. They were bound to the Jewish laws (all 613), which were inflexible. They were taught to believe that God would smile on them IF they kept ALL of the commandments.
Jesus came, in part, to set His people free… which was why He was hated by the religious rulers of the time. They were in control, had the power, and liked it. (The other part is He came for us Gentiles (non-Jews) too!)
So, Jesus came and claimed to be the long-awaited Jewish Messiah and many Jews believed in Him.
Then Jesus adds – “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples.” (John 8:31 AMP)
And then John 8:32 continues “And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” (AMP)
A genuine believer holds fast, obeys, and practices Jesus’ teaching.
This 21st century has become a time when TRUTH is under heavy attack. More and more people believe in “my truth” (which means whatever they want to think) instead of objective, absolute Truth. They are living in darkness and are bound by it.
Thankfully, we who know Jesus have THE Truth, which can truly set us free.
Prayer: LORD, I want to know you better. I want to follow you more closely. I want to enjoy your Truth which will set me free. Amen.
John 8:31-32
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NAS)
Everyone I know enjoys freedom. Freedom of movement, freedom in what they eat, their clothing, where they live, go to church, watch on TV and on and on. I don’t know anyone who prefers being told by someone else what they can and can’t do in all areas of life.
However, the Jews of Jesus’ time were in a type of bondage. They were bound to the Jewish laws (all 613), which were inflexible. They were taught to believe that God would smile on them IF they kept ALL of the commandments.
Jesus came, in part, to set His people free… which was why He was hated by the religious rulers of the time. They were in control, had the power, and liked it. (The other part is He came for us Gentiles (non-Jews) too!)
So, Jesus came and claimed to be the long-awaited Jewish Messiah and many Jews believed in Him.
Then Jesus adds – “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples.” (John 8:31 AMP)
And then John 8:32 continues “And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” (AMP)
A genuine believer holds fast, obeys, and practices Jesus’ teaching.
This 21st century has become a time when TRUTH is under heavy attack. More and more people believe in “my truth” (which means whatever they want to think) instead of objective, absolute Truth. They are living in darkness and are bound by it.
Thankfully, we who know Jesus have THE Truth, which can truly set us free.
Prayer: LORD, I want to know you better. I want to follow you more closely. I want to enjoy your Truth which will set me free. Amen.