Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. - John 8
In Name of Jesus. Amen. Freedom--I can still hear the cry from William Wallace--in the movie Braveheart. Freedom! This 1995 movie was a box office hit. Why? That desire for freedom--the hunger for freedom inside of us. Here in America--we celebrate Independence Day--land of the Free and home of the Brave. Yes we have been set free from the tyranny of the British. What kind of freedom do you live in?
When Jesus was preaching and teaching His Word and the freedom that Jesus brings--He was NOT talking about political freedom. Jesus was not referring to a freedom from a hostile force--like the British.
When Jesus brought His Words of freedom to people they fought against Him. “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” (John 8)
Never? Well there was that time where Israel was in slavery for 400 years in Egypt. Never? Also the 70 years of slavery in Babylon. Never? Even while the words are on their lips--of never--they are in slavery under the Roman Empire.
But once again this is not what Jesus has come to set us free from. Jesus declares--“Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin." (John 8)
If we live in America or Communist China--we all have the same problem--sin--and slavery to sin. Or as God told Cain--"Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”( Genesis 4) Sin’s desire is to own you--dominate your life.
Jesus has come to set you free from the worst tyranny in the world--slavery to sin. Anger, hate, lust, idolatry, cursing, coveting, rebellion and all of its chains--that sin brings.
" So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8) This is why Christ has come--to break the devil’s grip on you to set you free from your sin, death and the power of the devil. Jesus sets us free by His blood. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1) The victory cry from Jesus— "It is Finished!" Jesus blood sets you free from the tyranny of your sins, sets you free from death, setting you free to live eternal--in your Savoir.
The Lord gives you freedom in the Waters of Life in Holy Baptism--set free to live as a Child of God. Present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. (Romans 6)
Living in the truth of God's Word--setting you free. In Name of Jesus. Amen.
-Pastor Berndt
689 Let Me Be Thine Forever, verse 1
Let me be Thine forever, My faithful God and Lord;
Let me forsake Thee never Nor wander from Thy Word.
Lord, do not let me waver, But give me steadfastness,
And for such grace forever Thy holy name I’ll bless.