JOHN 8:31-32
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Discipleship through Continuance:
Jesus tells those who believed in Him that if they continue in His word, they are truly His disciples. This highlights the importance of ongoing commitment and adherence to His teachings. It implies that genuine discipleship involves a continuous relationship with Jesus and a steadfast dedication to following His words.
Knowing the Truth:
Jesus further states that by continuing in His word, they will come to know the truth. Here, "truth" refers to the revealed truth of God's Word and the person of Jesus Himself, who declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Knowing the truth involves a deep understanding and personal experience of the reality of God's Word and the person of Jesus Christ.
Freedom through Truth:
Jesus declares that knowing the truth will result in freedom. This freedom is not merely a physical or worldly liberation, but a spiritual and internal freedom from the bondage of sin, guilt, and the power of falsehood. The truth of God's Word, when embraced and lived out, has the power to set people free from the chains that hinder their spiritual growth and relationship with God.
It's important to note that the freedom Jesus speaks of is not freedom to do whatever one pleases, but rather freedom from the enslavement to sin and the ability to live in accordance with God's will.
In summary, according to John 8:31-32, the Word of God can set people free when they continue in Jesus' teachings and come to know the truth. This truth, rooted in God's Word and found in the person of Jesus Christ, brings spiritual freedom, liberating individuals from the bondage of sin and falsehood. Embracing the truth and living according to God's Word allows believers to experience true freedom in their relationship with God.
How can believers embrace the truth and live according to God's Word in their daily lives?
Embracing the truth and living according to God's Word is a lifelong journey for believers. Here are some practical ways to apply God's Word in daily life:
Regular Scripture Study:
Set aside time each day to read and study the Bible. This allows believers to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word, His character, and His will. Choose a reading plan, study guide, or devotional that suits your needs and commit to consistent engagement with Scripture.
Prayer and Seeking God's Guidance:
Develop a habit of prayer, seeking God's guidance and wisdom. Pray for understanding, clarity, and the ability to apply God's Word in your daily life. Invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures and empower you to live according to God's will.
Meditate on God's Word:
Reflect on specific verses or passages throughout the day. Consider their meaning, relevance, and practical implications for your life. Meditating on God's Word helps internalize its truths and allows for personal application and transformation.
Apply Biblical Principles:
Seek to align your attitudes, actions, and decisions with biblical principles. As you encounter various situations and challenges, ask yourself, "What does the Bible say about this?" and strive to live in accordance with God's standards.
Community and Accountability:
Engage in a community of fellow believers who are also seeking to live according to God's Word. Join a local church, participate in small groups, or find a mentor who can provide guidance, support, and accountability in your spiritual journey.
Obey God's Commands:
Actively obeying God's commands is a tangible expression of living according to His Word. Seek to obey His commandments out of love for Him and a desire to honor and please Him.
Apply God's Word to Specific Areas:
Identify specific areas of your life where you need to align with God's Word. This could include relationships, work, finances, integrity, forgiveness, or any other aspect of life. Seek the guidance of Scripture and the Holy Spirit to make necessary adjustments and live in obedience.
Cultivate a Teachable Spirit:
Approach God's Word with humility and a teachable spirit. Be open to correction, guidance, and growth. Allow God's Word to challenge and transform your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
Remember that living according to God's Word is a process, and no one is perfect. It requires a daily commitment, dependence on God's grace, and a willingness to surrender our own desires and align with His will. By continually seeking God, studying His Word, and applying its truths, believers can grow in their ability to embrace the truth and live according to God's Word in their daily lives.
Pay close attention to what Jesus truly stated. The ones who "try the word for a bit" or "start in the word" will not be let free. The teachings of Jesus—His Word—must be continued. Not merely someone else's interpretation or a religious tradition, but His true message must be conveyed.
Instead of "continue," other translations use the word "abide." Abide refers to continuously being somewhere. In any case, sticking to it is part of the message.
Jesus stated in verse 32, "and you will KNOW the truth..," take note of this. You don't necessarily become free just by hearing the truth. You must be SURE that it is accurate. You will take action on what you KNOW. You do not yet fully KNOW anything if you are not taking action on it.
It's not enough to just hear the truth. It is insufficient to love the truth. Even telling the truth is insufficient. You must keep going until you are certain that you are certain that you are certain. The moment when the truth will set you free won't come until then.
The devil wants to keep you in slavery and is working against you. The only way you can act in faith and defeat the devil's tricks is when you KNOW where you stand.
You could query, "How do I KNOW what is true? All I have is fragile trust."
Jesus provided the solution: keep reading His Word. You will become assured, you will know, and you will get faith as you continue to study God's Word. When you have enough knowledge to take action, you have reached that point. The truth will set you free in this way.
This is applicable to many facets of life, including relationships, health, and wealth. Continue studying the Bible on any topic, and ultimately you will be experiencing freedom in that aspect of your life.