To Tell the Truth

April 28, 2013 Speaker: Joel Sutton Series: The Real Jesus: Do You Believe?

Scripture: John 8:31–8:47

To Tell the Truth

John 8:31-47

Pastor Joel Sutton, April 28, 2013

The Real Jesus: Do you Believe?

 

True Freedom: "the opportunity to be all that you were meant to be."

 

Pathway to True Freedom:

Step 1: Become a true disciple of Christ.

 

Fake disciple . . .

• Stands on self-sufficiency (vv. 33, 39)

• Stands on moral superiority (v. 41)

 

True disciple . . .(v. 31)

Abides

• In Christ's word

 

Step 2: Know the truth(v. 32)

 

Step 3: Freedom (v. 32)

 

Take Home Idea: True freedom comes, not from doing anything we want, but from being a true disciple of Christ.

 

Discussion Questions

Opening:

When you think of "freedom" what is the picture that comes to your mind? Explain why.

Look at the Take Home idea. Explain it in your own words.

Dig:

Compare the groups in 8:30 & 31. Do you think there is a difference between the two groups of people or not?

What happens between 8:31 "believed in him" and 8:45-46? When put to the test what two reasons did Pastor Joel give as to why these "believers" in vs. 31 failed? What does this show us about the difference between "believing" Jesus and true "faith" in Jesus?

How is "everyone who sins a slave"? In what way are we all slaves?

What does Jesus say is the ultimate test of those who "belong to God" (vv. 42-47)?

How does Jesus account for their misunderstanding and not believing Him (vv. 37, 43, 45, 47)

Look over the Pathway to Freedom. vv. 31-32

  • What does "abide" in v. 31 mean?
  • What is a true disciple to abide in?
  • How does that help us know "the truth?"
  • How will the truth set a disciple free?

Reflect:

Of what are you proud of in your religious heritage? In what ways has it been a handicap to being a true disciple?

How has sin made you a slave? What does it take to freedom?

How can you be sure if there is room in your life for his word? What might need to be cleaned out so there is room?

Close by sharing your answers and then praying together.

More in The Real Jesus: Do You Believe?

June 16, 2013

Salt and Light

May 26, 2013

A Controversial Deed

May 19, 2013

A Controversial Claim