Central Truth

God's desire is that we are free to live for Him and this is done through Jesus Christ (the Way, the Truth, and the Life) and the power of the word of God.

Reflections

Freedom... What a powerful thing!  As followers of Jesus we often think that messages of freedom are for the unsaved, but I have learned that even believers can still be deceived by Satan and this means captivity, not true freedom.   

According to John 8:44 "... he (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."  

Many people; including Christians, do not realize that there are places in their lives where they have believed lies.  For example,  “God can’t forgive all of my sin,”  “I can’t help the way I am,”  “If my circumstances were different, I would be different,” or “If I feel something, it must be true.” 

Lies worm their way into our minds in a slow progression from listening to a lie, dwelling on it, believing it, and finally acting on it.  Lies lead to bondage like bad habits, addictions, and fears.  For me it was fear.

The good news is that there is a direct connection between knowing the Truth and living free.  Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” John 14:6.  Recognizing Jesus as Savior is the beginning because He is the source of freedom and truth.  In John 8:31-32 Jesus says “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”   I have found this freedom in a daily, growing relationship with Jesus.  Even for seasoned Christians, this means prayer and reading God's word.  We cannot forget the importance of God's word because this is where we find power and where Christ Himself found it when Satan was trying to deceive Him by temptation. (Matthew 4)  Everything we think and do must be evaluated in the light of God's word; pray it over yourself and your family and meditate on it.  Remember “so if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (John 8:36) 

Discussion Questions

1. How can knowing "the truth" set a person free?

2. Check your thoughts, do they line up with God’s word?  Remember, anything that is opposite from God's word is a lie.

3. What lies have you listened to, believed, and acted on that have put you in captivity?

4. There is no lie, no area of bondage bigger than Jesus. What does God's Truth (the Word of God) say about the lie you have believed?

5. According to John 8:31-32, how can you live in the freedom Christ already paid for?

6. In John 8:31-32, what do you think Jesus meant when he said "remain faithful to my teaching"?