I'M FREE

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Message delivered to the SIB Metro City Mall Inaugural Church Camp on June 5, 2010 at the Beringis Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Topic: I Am Free

Text: John 8

Introduction:

Words are given meaning when used in a particular context. This means that the context in which a word is used determines its meaning hence it is important that we study the context in which Jesus used the word “free” to understand what He meant,  This is all the more important because the word “free” means different things to different people based on the context of its usage.

It has been suggested by biblical scholars that John 8:1-11 is not part of the original text as many ancient manuscripts do not contain it. Some versions put it in parentheses while some leave it out altogether. Whatever the case may be I find these verses to be in complete agreement with the whole chapter. This account of the woman caught in adultery sets the tone for our understanding of what Jesus meant when He said that He brings freedom.

The Context:

1.  The Woman caught in adultery-8:1-11

·       Freed from condemnation- the Greek word used for “condemn” is a legal term denoting a sentence or judgment delivered in a lawfully constituted court. Having heard the merits of the case, the court declares the defendant to be not “condemned”.

·       Freed from the Law of Moses- Jesus inaugurates a new era of grace.

·       Freed to not sin again-this in itself is a great word of liberation because it indicates that she isn’t a slave to sin anymore. This does not mean she won’t or can’t sin but that she can choose to not.

·       Freed to understand God’s heart- forgiveness, mercy and another chance.

This encounter with the woman sets the tone for the rest of the chapter and helps us to understand the freedom that Jesus brings.

2.  His relationship with God the Father-8:12-30

·       His teachings were very radical considering the Jewish understanding of God being one.

·       He challenged the prevalent theology and general understanding of His audience

·       Though rejected by most, some believed.

3.  To those that believed-8:31

·       True discipleship means holding on to the teachings of Christ-8:31b

·       We will know the truth

·       And this truth will set us free

Objections rose:

• They are descendants of Abraham (even believers can be dulled to God’s truth if not mixed with faith)
• Never been slaves (clearly not true-slaves of the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians and now the Romans)

Jesus’ Answer:

• One who sins is a slave to sin-v.34
• A slave has no permanent place in the home (a temporary one only) - In Romans times slaves were owned by their masters including their spouses and children. Sometimes sexual relations occurred between master and slave but the child born would still be considered a slave. But the brothers/family of the master can decide to bring this child to become a full member of the family hence freeing him/her from slavery and granting him/her a permanent place in the family.
• It is in this context that we can understand Jesus’ saying that if the “son” sets one “free” one is “free indeed”.
• This leads to His teaching on sonship as opposed to slavery. Jesus gives the believer the security of a permanent place in God’s house and frees him from the impermanence which is the hallmark of slavery. He provides surety and security.
• Jesus leads them through His radical teachings and their cross examination of Him to a true understanding of the identity of the Father. He leads them into thinking as to who their real Father is. It is not Abraham but Father God. Failing to grasp this caused Jesus to conclude that their true father is the devil because the devil lies and opposes the truth refusing to believe.

All this leads to the question as to the true identity of Jesus. Who is Jesus?

• One who forgives (woman caught in adultery)
• He brings grace not law
• He is the light of the world
• The Father’s Son
• His preexistence (before Abraham He existed)

So in this passage Jesus deals with:

·       Slavery

·       Mosaic Law

·       Descendants of Abraham-who & what exactly

·       Forgiveness

·       Status-Son not slave

·       The true identity of Jesus

Summary

1.   Know the truth

2.   The truth sets us free

3.   The truth= Jesus

4.   Slave to sin= slave

5.   Slave stays outside the house (temporary)

6.   Son stays in the house (permanent)

Way to freedom: Truth-v.32

Source of freedom: Jesus-v.36

The characteristics of freedom:

1.   Freedom of Grace-In the Old Testament (OT) it was Law. In the New Testament (NT) it is grace.

2.   Spiritual Freedom- in the OT God was feared and considered unapproachable. In the NT He is Immanuel-God our friend who is with us and yet we are not consumed. (this is expressed in the conduct of Jesus who is fully God/Man as He interacted with people here especially sinners)

3.   Freedom from rules and regulations of religion- See Acts 15:10, Galatians 3:24, 5:1ff. Jesus offers not a system of rules and regulations but a living relationship with God.

4.   Freedom from slavery to become sons-We are adopted into God’s family. This is a very special privilege. God is ABBA and not just a ruler. We can approach Him without fear.

5.   Freedom from death-future benefit- Romans 6:18; 8:2,21

What freedom is not:

1.   Not no sin

2.   Not never sin again

Freed by:

1.   The atonement of Christ on the Cross. We trust in the finished work of Christ on the Cross. In is HIS righteousness that saves us as we receive Him by faith. The sin nature in a person remains till death. But we are not aiming at sinless perfection in order to achieve salvation but rather trust in the finished work of Christ. Of course we will sin less as we grow in grace and holiness.

2.   The forgiveness of sin offered by Jesus.

Conclusion:

1.   Jesus brings us freedom from the Law of Moses

2.   He offers a new “law” of grace (probably this is what He was writing on the temple  floor with the “finger of God:”)

3.   He brings us into God’s family. We are “sons” (children) of God.

4.   He gives to us the security of a permanent place.

5.   He gives us the freedom to stop sinning in a particular way. (“go and sin no more”)

Rev. John E. William

5^th June 2010

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Ps John E William
SIB Metro Church
blackjew@hotmail.com

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