The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Freedom

***Contemporary Service begins at 53:25 on video

The Son has set you free!

Big Idea: Jesus explains the fear of the Lord in John chapter 8 with this sequence: If you hold to my teaching, you are my disciples. If you are my disciples, you know the truth. If you know the truth, it will set you free. Knowledge of the teachings and faith in the Teacher makes one a disciple. Jesus the Teacher is the Truth, and he sets us free from sin, death, and the devil to follow him in righteousness for eternity!

o Law: The Jews think that their affiliation with Abraham makes them free, forgetting God’s mighty hand in delivering them out of slavery. Let us never think that we are righteous on our own, forgetting God’s deliverance through the cross of Christ.

o Gospel: We are gifted with Jesus – a living relationship with Him, and His word to continually call us to repentance, faith, and life in him. Freedom in Christ is true freedom; distinct from our social and political notions of freedom.

o Application: We hold to the teachings of Jesus, and we remain in relationship with the True Teacher, where we receive life and freedom now and for eternity. Psalm 46 brings comfort in this journey. Revelation 14 brings hope.

Scriptures:

o Revelation 14:6-7 – The Gospel is proclaimed to every nation, tribe, language, and people

o Psalm 46:1-11 – “God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble.”

o John 8:31-36 – “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Prayer of the Day: Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.