Truth setting us free

The phrase “The truth will set you free” gets banded about both inside and outside the church. But is it true? “Well,” you say, “it’s in the Bible, and so of course it’s true!” Really? Here is another question “Is the above statement taken on its own taken our of context?” Let me say this, I have spoken the truth to others, and spoken it in love, but it did not set them free, they got angry! So let’s look at the context. In John 8:31,32 we read “If you abide in My word, then you are truly My disciples, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” You see the statement “The truth will set you free” is the “then” part of an “if, then” promise. “If you work hard, then you will pass the exam!” But if you do not work hard, would you still expect the pass the exam? Likewise we cannot expect to be set free if we do not abide in His Word.

The Amplified Bible expands “abide” as “abide [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them].” In particular, “knowing the truth” is not independent of obedience, living in accordance with His Word. Indeed we “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18). To put it another way, truth is a “use it or loose it” concept. The other thing  is that truth is far more than a set of statements about truth.  Jesus says of Himself “I am the way, the Truth and the life” (John 14:6). This is not just saying that Jesus teaches the truth, though that's true, it's saying that Jesus is Truth in the flesh. And there is a substantial difference between knowing about a person, and knowing a person as in experiencing them.  In particular when we abide in His Word we essentially abide in and experience Him.

I have described being in the prison ministry, and being in a faith based twelve-step ministry, as exciting and frustrating (even heart breaking). It is exciting because I get to share the deep things of God with those who need to be set free. It is frustrating and heart breaking, because it is one thing to get free, but quite another thing to stay free. This is why it is important to notice the tense in verse 31, or as the Amplified Bible puts it “continually obeying My teachings.” The word disciple is interesting, it literally means “learner.” We speak at the University about life long learning. As Christian we are to be life long learners of the Word and the Truth, and when we are, we become progressively free, for then the Son (the Truth) shall set you free, and you will be fee indeed (verse 36).

Lord Jesus, Your Word warns about thinking that we have arrived (1 Corinthians 10:12; 1 Corinthians 8:2). Even after the twelve had walked with You, learned from You and followed You, You told them just before Your crucifixion “I have many things yet to tell you, but you were not yet able to bear them” (John 16:12). And we are no different Lord! And  I want to thank You this morning,  that You are gentle and humble of heart. And because of this I would much rather receive the truth from You in and through Your word than I would from others.  You are such a good friend Lord,  and I worship You this morning in Your precious and lovely Name Amen