THE STORY OF JESUS: John 8:31-41
“Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34)
If I still sin, what does that say about my relationship to Jesus?
Have I been “set free indeed” (v.36) if I still sin?
The issue here is between who I am, and what I do.
Jesus has made it possible for my identity to be restored.
I am like Paul, still trapped within this body of death (Romans 7:24).
Like Paul, I am set free “through Jesus my Lord” (Romans 7:25).
Jesus changes my identity immediately by this death and resurrection.
Jesus changes my behaviour over time through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do you define yourself as God’s child, and as a Jesus follower?
Then make every effort to live a life that reflects that identity.
If you are God’s child, and Jesus’ follower, then strive to do what they do.
You will fail, but if you persist, you will slowly become more like Jesus.
“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to make Your way my way. When I fail, help me not to give up, but to persevere because I know that You will complete this work You’ve started in me!
Although they protested, they were saying a truth that God was their Father as He is mine. However they were not living for Him nor hearing His Word. They were living ‘selfies.’
I need to live for Jesus in all I say and do. Not my way but His Way. And those around me need to see that I am a child of the King – Jesus Christ. I am His follower walking daily in His SonShine. showing me the Way I need to walk. Help me Lord each day in my pilgrim’s progress.
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.