How to Experience Real Freedom

Light in the Darkness

Part 8 – How to Experience Real Freedom

John 8

31 ….Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”… 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:31-32; 8:36

1.  Escape the suffocating grip of in your life by receiving God’s .

2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:2-11

21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:21-24

2. Choose to faithfully Jesus and receive the !

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. John 1:4.

Why does it matter that Jesus calls Himself the Light of the World?

• God’s first creation was . (Genesis 1:3)
• God’s presence with his people after they departed Egypt was symbolized in the by night and a cloud by day. (Exodus 13:21-22)
• Light symbolized . 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
• was depicted as a light to guide his people. 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

3. Believe Jesus is your Savior and avoid the ultimate of .

24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” John 8:24

30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him. John 8:30

4. to Jesus’ teaching!

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 3:17.

How to experience real freedom…

1. Escape the suffocating grip of sin in your life by receiving God’s amazing grace.

2. Choose to faithfully follow Jesus and receive the light of life.

3. Believe Jesus is your Savior and avoid the ultimate penalty of disobedience.

4. Hold firmly to Jesus’ teaching!