“True Freedom”
John 8:13-36

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are my disciples. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” [Jn 8:31-32]

It really is interesting to hear what some call freedom. The one that loves to drink says, “I’m free to drink,” but is he? Is he free to or does he have to? It is the same with the workaholic. Is he free to or does he have to? What about the lonely, is he free to see someone or does he have to? Even the gossip will say, “I don’t need to say anything,” but then finds himself needing to be heard.

You see, oftentimes what seems like liberty is bondage. In these situations, one might think he has freedom, but his desire dictates what he does. And that is bondage.

“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” [John 8:32, NKJ] Some of the newer translations have this verse ending as “…set you free,” although the NASB 1977 and 1995 use “make” as the NKJ and KJ versions. I like “make,” for this subtle reason; “set” is from without, “make” is from within [i.e., it becomes who you are].

The point is that true freedom is not something that comes from without but within. Truth, absolute truth, from the Spirit of God changes from within, it makes you free.

“If you abide in My word you are my disciples” [v.31]. “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” [v.32].

Paul introduced himself in several of his Epistles as a “bondservant of Christ,” which means a slave of Christ [ref. Rom 1:1; Php 1:1; Tit 1:1]. But to be a slave of Christ is to be free from bondage. If you want to be free, abide in Christ. He is the only Truth that makes one free. It is freedom from within; it is Who He becomes in you. It is a love relationship so powerful on the inside that nothing can control you from the outside.

Have you ever not wanted to do something that you ended up doing? Or have you ever not done something that you know you ought to do? Those come from being in bondage to your physical and emotional appetites [i.e., your flesh]. And Paul struggled with this same thing [ref. Rom 7:13-25].

Jesus, however, wants to make us free, and this comes by abiding in Him and He in you. It is the only way to true freedom.