FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF VILLA RICA, PCA

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TRUE FREEDOM

By

Todd W. Allen

John 8:31-47 LORDS SUPPER

July 6, 2003 Villa Rica

 John 8:34-36 (NASB) Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35“The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

If I were to choose a spot most anywhere in the USA and take a survey of the general public asking them if there was freedom in America no doubt almost all would say yes. Some might qualify their answer by saying they don’t have as many rights as they think they should have. But by comparing ourselves with many other people in Islamic or dictator controlled countries I am sure they would consider themselves free.

We celebrated our Independence on July 4th with a national holiday. It is great to live in America and be free. We can come and go as we please. We have constitutional rights that are precious.

The Jews of Jesus day, though they were under the authority of Rome, considered themselves reasonably free. When he spoke of knowing the truth and becoming free they protested that they were Abraham’s offspring and had never been in bondage to any man. So they wanted to know what he meant by becoming free.

            Good question. And Jesus gave them an answer. He said, "Truly, Truly, I Say 'to You, Every One Who Commits Sin Is The Slave Of Sin. And The Slave Does Not Remain In The House Forever, The Son does Remain Forever. If Therefore The Son Shall Make You Free, You Shall Be Free Indeed. (John 8:34-36)

The Lord Jesus was talking about the bondage men are in to their lusts and cravings that are sinful. Men are held captive by their sinful desires and ambitions. Even though a man may believe that he is acting from a will that is free the truth is he is held captive by sin. He may think he is free. He is not forced to obey; yet when he does he is thereby showing that he is a victim of sin. He is serving a master that will bring him down to ruin.

A great American patriot, Patrick Henry said these words: Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I. There Is Power In God’s Word

A. The truth of the Word of God liberates us from faulty notions about ourselves and the meaning of life. As a man learns that he is a creature made for an immortal existence, that God is the One with whom He must answer for his life, that Christ is a Savior from sin and able to deliver him from all his sins, he can act upon that truth and it will transform his life. 

Being free is so much more than just being able to walk about freely. This life is merely the gateway to a life that has eternal duration. However, that life cannot be what it ought to be unless there is release from the bondage of sin. 

B. Jesus points out that the Son remains forever in the house but that the slave does not. What did he mean by that? Well, he meant that the house of God is his permanent abode. He will remain in it forever. He is the Creator of it and the Master over it. But the sinner will not be permitted to dwell there. There must be freedom from the slavery of sin, and that must happen here. He says to whoever is willing to hear… If Therefore The Son Shall Make You Free, You Shall Be Free Indeed. People cannot change truth, but truth can change people.   

When we turn to Christ we find release and deliverance from sin in Him. His truth will set us free. His blood will cleanse from all sin. His Spirit will apply His Word to our thinking and our willing. This brings freedom. True Freedom. Not just a walking around freedom but an inward freedom, freedom from guilt, from the lusts of the sinful nature that would draw us into sinful conduct.

II. THE LORD'S SUPPER CELEBRA'IES OUR LIBERATION

A. Just as the Passover Supper was a celebration of God's deliverance out of the bondage of Egypt, so the Lord's Supper is a celebration of Christ's victory over sin and death. We come to this table with a knowledge that belongs only to true believers in Christ. We know that Christ died for our sins. We know that Christ lives within. We know that Christ delivers us from the power of sin and finally from the very presence of sin. When he sets a sinner free he is free indeed.

Are you free in Christ on this Lord’s Day following our national Independence Day last Friday? Are you free from the lusts of this world? Do you have a peace within because you know that Christ is your Savior and your King? If not, you can ask him into your heart today. He will come and be a Savior for you just as for all true Christians. If you are locked in to a life of guilt and fear of death I can tell you today on the authority of God Himself that Jesus Christ will set you free. Come to him as we give the invitation to the table today. Partake of his offer of salvation and feast upon his word so that you may be free indeed.