Prepare – John 8:31-36
John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Devotional
Sometimes, especially when I am struggling, I need to get back to the basics of the Christian life. As we come to the last two days of this special series, 30 for 30, it is important to be reminded again of a couple simple truths. Today’s emphasis is on the importance of God’s Word.
Jesus says something very important in this passage: abiding in and persevering in God’s Word confirms to us that we are his followers. When we depend on God’s Word, when we look to and cherish his promises, we are exhibiting our trust in God, which confirms to me that I his child. That is a very encouraging thing! If I want to see if my faith is real, Jesus tells me that one way to recognize and authenticate my faith is to see how much I trust his Word. Trusting God’s Word sets me free from worry, fear, and whatever else might be enslaving me.
God’s Word establishes me in faith, when I believe it. If Jesus says the truth will set me free, I believe it. God’s Word gives me a rock-solid confidence to move forward, in faith. What special promises to you have that you cling to regularly? As we wrap up the month of April and move into May, don’t forget the habit of daily being in God’s Word and clinging to the truths he has given to you.
~ Pastor Craig Johnson
Praise
Watch and listen to “Word of God Speak” by Mercy Me and “Word of God” by Vertical Worship.
