Disciples – Know the Word, Truth, and Freedom
Abiding in His Word Leads to True Freedom
SCRIPTURE:
John 8:31-32 CSB - Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 8, we read the account of the woman caught in adultery. We're told she was caught in the very act.
John 8:4 CSB - "Teacher," they said to him, "this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery.
Jesus handled the situation with both truth and grace. He showed grace by not condemning the woman, but rather by forgiving her. He showed truth by telling her to "go and sin no more." She was set free—but she also had a responsibility: not to return to her sin.
Later, Jesus made a bold statement that reflected His actions toward the woman.
It revealed what He came to accomplish:
John 8:12 CSB - Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life."
This brings us back to the beginning of John’s Gospel—and to who Jesus is:
John 1:5, 14, 16-17 NKJV - And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. ... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. ... And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the light of the world—exposing sin while offering grace and truth. He showed that grace trumps the law and that truth sets us free.
As He spoke these things, many believed in Him.
John 8:30 CSB - As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
Jesus then laid out three things that identify us as more than mere followers—they show that we’ve become true disciples, like the woman who had been forgiven:
1) Continue in His Word - The first step from follower to disciple is to remain in His Word. This is where we grow in our walk with and relationship to Jesus. When we realize our sins are forgiven, something happens—we want to know more about Jesus. Who wouldn’t?
Jesus said our lives would change as we remain in His Word.
John 8:12 CSB - Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life."
Psalm 119:105 NKJV - Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
His Word brings about supernatural transformation—change we can’t make on our own.
2) Know the Truth - What’s the best way to recognize a lie? Know the truth. The more we handle the truth, the easier it is to spot a counterfeit.
As we continue in His Word, we begin to see clearly:
But truth sets us free:
John 8:34-36 CSB - Jesus responded, "Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. "A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. "So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.
3) Know Freedom
John 8:31-32 CSB - Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 8, we read the account of the woman caught in adultery. We're told she was caught in the very act.
John 8:4 CSB - "Teacher," they said to him, "this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery.
Jesus handled the situation with both truth and grace. He showed grace by not condemning the woman, but rather by forgiving her. He showed truth by telling her to "go and sin no more." She was set free—but she also had a responsibility: not to return to her sin.
Later, Jesus made a bold statement that reflected His actions toward the woman.
It revealed what He came to accomplish:
John 8:12 CSB - Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life."
This brings us back to the beginning of John’s Gospel—and to who Jesus is:
John 1:5, 14, 16-17 NKJV - And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. ... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. ... And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the light of the world—exposing sin while offering grace and truth. He showed that grace trumps the law and that truth sets us free.
As He spoke these things, many believed in Him.
John 8:30 CSB - As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
Jesus then laid out three things that identify us as more than mere followers—they show that we’ve become true disciples, like the woman who had been forgiven:
1) Continue in His Word - The first step from follower to disciple is to remain in His Word. This is where we grow in our walk with and relationship to Jesus. When we realize our sins are forgiven, something happens—we want to know more about Jesus. Who wouldn’t?
Jesus said our lives would change as we remain in His Word.
John 8:12 CSB - Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life."
Psalm 119:105 NKJV - Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
His Word brings about supernatural transformation—change we can’t make on our own.
2) Know the Truth - What’s the best way to recognize a lie? Know the truth. The more we handle the truth, the easier it is to spot a counterfeit.
As we continue in His Word, we begin to see clearly:
- Without Jesus, we have no hope.
- Without grace, our sins remain.
- We would still be “caught in the very act”—with no power to change.
But truth sets us free:
John 8:34-36 CSB - Jesus responded, "Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. "A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. "So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.
3) Know Freedom
There is nothing like the freedom we can have in Jesus. No money can buy it, no status can obtain it, no works can earn it, and nothing can match it. It is tragic that not every Christian experiences this freedom, which can never be found except by abiding in God’s word and being Jesus’ disciple. – David Guzik.
We have been set free. We no longer need to be bound by our sins. The Son has set us free—and we are truly free.
APPLICATION:
Live in freedom today. Be His disciple. Know His Word. Know the truth and walk in it.
“Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”
Don’t go back to being caught in the act. Live in victory over sin and in freedom in Christ because of the grace He showed on the cross.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your grace—Grace that enables me not only to be forgiven but also to be transformed into a disciple who walks in Your truth and freedom. May Your Word continue to change me—so those around me would see a man who isn’t just forgiven but forever changed by Your love and grace.
APPLICATION:
Live in freedom today. Be His disciple. Know His Word. Know the truth and walk in it.
“Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”
Don’t go back to being caught in the act. Live in victory over sin and in freedom in Christ because of the grace He showed on the cross.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your grace—Grace that enables me not only to be forgiven but also to be transformed into a disciple who walks in Your truth and freedom. May Your Word continue to change me—so those around me would see a man who isn’t just forgiven but forever changed by Your love and grace.
True discipleship is remaining in God’s Word, knowing His truth, and living in the freedom Jesus provides.
Posted in 04 - John
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