There are few things more coveted than freedom. People die for it. People pray for it. People strive for it. True freedom comes from knowing "truth." Knowing truth ultimately comes by living in obedience to Jesus. In John 8:31, before understanding how the truth sets you free, we ought to "..hold to my (Jesus') teaching.." then "you are really his disciples." If you do not know His teachings, if you don't read the Bible, if you don't learn and imitate Jesus, then you're not holding to His teachings. Therefore you're not His disciple (follower) nor did the truth set you free?
Truth is not just something you simply think about or believe. "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder." James 2:19 (niv)
Truth is something you do, you live (James 2).
This morning, I asked the church to memorize this 1-2-3-4 (John) verses for this week. I pray that this does hit the core of your heart. We cannot simply say, "I believe God" and do the things God does not want us to do. I have seen many "so-called Christians" who claims to "know and love Jesus" but doesn't follow the Scriptures or live an obedient life. That certain person is a liar! Read 1 John 2:3-4:
"We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:3-4 (niv)
"If someone claims, "I know him well!" but doesn't keep his commandments, he's obviously a liar. His life doesn't match his words." 1 John 2:4 (msg)
Indeed, if the person doesn't keep His commandments, then that certain person is a liar, even if he or she calls him/herself a Christian. Why? Because the person's life doesn't match Jesus!
Jesus' teaching often ends with the exclamation: Blessed are you who do these things! Only by doing will we ever know the truth that liberates us.
No comments:
Post a Comment