FREE INDEED

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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Today ends our three-part devotional study of Jesus’ teaching on the path to true freedom. So far, the Lord has made it clear that all who receive his teaching, who accept his true nature and person, and who receive the gift of his grace as revealed and made available on the cross and in the empty tomb, will discover that they have been set free from their bondage to this world and to sin.

Before we get into the conclusion of this teaching on the gift of freedom, we need to revisit where this message began. In the passage that follows, we hear the big idea that Jesus was presenting in his teaching. 

Consider these words one more time:

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

(John 8:31-32 NIV11)

Second

As discussed in the second part of this devotional series (click hear to read more), the gift of freedom has been extended to all who are ready and willing to confess their need for freedom. 

•   If we do not see our need for the forgiveness of our sin, then we will not be willing to receive the sacrificial death that Jesus died on the cross for those sins. 
•   If we do not see ourselves as being slaves to our flesh, to our sin, and to the principles of this world, then we will not receive the gift of grace as found in the reception of the teaching of Jesus. 
•   If we do not see that we need the healing and correction offered to us in the truth of God’s word, then we will not hold to that which opens the doors of our captive minds and souls. 

Last

In the last part of our study, the Lord Jesus had more to say about our need for his gift of freedom:

34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

(John 8:34-36 NIV11)

Everyone who

A good friend of mine (Pastor Robert Emmit) once said, “Not everyone will go to heaven, but anyone can.” Meaning, not everyone will accept their need for the Savior. Not everyone will accept and hold tight the message of the Christ, but anyone can. 

Not everyone will see their need for salvation, their need for forgiveness, or their need for rescue and freedom from their bondage to sin, but anyone can be free if they are willing to receive the gift of freedom being given through Jesus Christ.

Slave to sin

We are all guilty. We are all fallen. We are all in a place of addiction to self and to the destructive force of sin. To be a slave to sin is to be in bondage, to be in a prison of need. 

When we see our situation clearly, we must agree that we too are in a place of need. Without the help of God, I am and will always be a slave to sin. I am in need of rescue. 

Slave / Son

A slave does not have personal rights. A slave cannot change his or her situation by force of will. They are the property of another and live under the sovereignty of their masters. 

An heir of the Master, or a child of the Master, has the right to act on his or her will. The Heir is free to act on his or her own volition. They are free and carry all the needed authority in their own being. 

Freedom

When we, slaves to sin, are freed by the Heir, by the Son, we are set free unconditionally. Beyond simple freedom, Jesus Christ gives us the gift of joining with Jesus as heirs and children of God. 

If Jesus Christ has set you free from your addiction to sin and from your slavery to self, then you are now and will always be free. 

The more we embrace the truth of our freedom in Christ, the more we will live in freedom. 

Today

If you are struggling to live in the freedom given to you by our Lord, stop whatever you are doing, and pray with me. 

Lord Jesus Christ, I confess my need for you today. Without you, I am lost in my sin, lost as a slave to sin. But Lord, you have loved me so much that you came into my life and died in my place. You bore the high price of my slavery and as God the Son, you have set me free. I did not deserve this gift of grace, but your love is greater than my failure. Help me to live as a child of God, one who is indeed free. Thank you Lord.

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Senior Pastor at PARK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

Worked at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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