John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
It is interesting that the Bible expressly says, “As He spoke these words, many believed on Him” (John 8:30). Although the Gospel of John highlights the value of believing, yet here Jesus is not at all impressed by His audience’s faith! Why? What would it take for them and us to “impress” Jesus?
Firstly, being an authentic Christian demands CONTINUANCE. Our Lord has no interest in superficial faith. It is not enough to have a shallow or passing appreciation of the Word of God. Enthusiastic applause during the ministry of the Word is not sufficient to please our Master. It’s what happens when the hype goes down that matters. Beloved, how deep is your faith?
Secondly, abiding in the Word of God enables us to KNOW the Truth. In context, the knowing in question here is more than a merely mental knowledge. Rather, it’s an experiential knowledge of the Truth. Notably, this Truth is not just concepts, but refers to the Person and Message of Christ. Dear saint, may knowing the Truth be your greatest ambition! Refuse to have only a passing knowledge of Jesus and His Word.
Thirdly, authentic disciples of Christ are made FREE by the Truth they know. It is interesting here that Jesus’ audience vigorously protest their freedom while exhibiting serious bondage! Beloved, spiritual slavery is a very real challenge among us today as it was back then. Many religious folks today are bound and they have no clue!
Spiritual liberation calls for something more than nice slogans and rituals. It is not about being declared free, but it is about becoming free as a direct result of your intimate and experiential knowledge of the Truth. That means our liberty increases as we grow in the knowledge of Christ and His Word by the Spirit’s enablement. Let real freedom manifest in every facet of your life!
Pastor Josh