“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” [John 8:12]
In Chapter 8, John continues to unpack the person and deity of Jesus the Christ. Jesus himself says that in Him there is light, freedom and life. In fact, there are 4 specific promises in this chapter.
– “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” [v. 12]
– “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [v. 31-32]
– “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” [v. 36]
– “I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” [v. 51]
Each of these statements contains a prerequisite and a promise. These are things that will be true in our lives if we fulfill the conditional element.
I love the fact that we are free in Jesus. There is nothing that can hold us in bondage or keep us enslaved when we give our lives completely to Him. I love that in Christ…and Him alone…we are totally free!
So here’s the deal…no matter where you have been or what you have done, you can follow Him and never walk in darkness. [ref. John 8:12] There is no sin in your life that cannot be overcome through His life, death and resurrection!
Know this, my friends, if you find yourself stuck in an area of sin or shame, you can be free. There are no bonds that Christ cannot break or pit He cannot lift you from. “For in him we live and move and have our being.” [Acts 17:28] He gives life!
Take time today to pray & praise Him for His power, grace and freedom. Clear the air with Him about any strongholds and confess areas of bondage in your life. Seek His forgiveness and freedom. Then live each day in the truth and knowledge that “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” [v. 36]
April 5, 2014
Straight stuff! Follow the Light + hold to His teaching + know the Truth + be Free + keep the Word = Eternal Life. The Pharisees hated hearing this, but we should love it, because this is our hope. Heading into Easter, this is a huge encouragement! Thanks, Shawn, for helping us stay on track.
April 5, 2014
i am praying for my brother Dan’s salvation while we are fasting/studying/praying. i pray that God will help him accept Jesus and walk free like you blogged about today. he walks away when we pray over our food or bring up subject of Jesus. But i will just keep holding him up!!!
God has more power to free him than the devil has to hold him.
April 6, 2014
Kathy,
Never give up hope. God is faithful. April 7th will be 5 years since our son died. His mission in life was completed. His brother is now a believer and our daughter has finally been coming to church with us on a regular basis.
Our prayers for her are finally being answered, in God’s timing. Keep praying and being an example, He is faithful.
We will keep Dan in our prayers.