Getting Free and Staying Free

John 8:31-32 - So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

You are probably not a slave in the normal sense. While certainly there are still slaves and human trafficking victims in the world, if you are reading this, you most likely have never been the property of another person. You are like these new believers Jesus spoke to in John 8:31-32. They responded to Jesus’ words much like you or I would. “[We] have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” (John 8:33b)

Jesus explained that they were slaves of another kind – slaves to sin. To people in America today who do not attend church, this saying may seem archaic and irrelevant. How can I possibly be enslaved to something called ‘sin’? Yet, Jesus’ words are as true now as ever: “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34b) Think about it. Every drug addict, every alcoholic, every shopaholic, every food and sex addict, and every person with out of control anger is enslaved to their behavior. Billions of dollars are spent by people trying to get free from their addictions and compulsions. We may not like calling these things sin, but their power to enslave is undeniable.

Jesus has the way to freedom for you and me. In John 8:31 above, he says if we abide in his word, we will know the truth that will set us free. I and millions of others have experienced that freedom that can come from no other source. Yet, this freedom is not a one-time event Notice that the condition is “abiding” in Jesus’ word. The Greek word meno has the connotation of “living” in a place on an ongoing basis. It can also be translated “remain.” Jesus says people who get free and stay free make their home in his word and stay there for a lifetime. These are the ones who are free indeed.

Of course, reading and learning the Bible is a big part of abiding in Jesus’ word. It is also living out what scripture says. As we do that through faith and relationship with Jesus, we get the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in our lives through whom Romans 8:13 tells us we can put to death the corrupt things are bodies do. 

If you find yourself bound today, please come and make your lifelong home in Jesus’ word. When Jesus sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)