John 8:31-36

31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33 “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”

34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. 35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

When I exchanged death for eternal life by believing in Christ, I assumed that as a daughter of God, I would no longer be a slave to sin- instantaneously.

I was wrong.

As I’ve continued on my journey as a disciple of Jesus, who wants to know and remain faithful to His teachings I’ve discovered that being set free is also a journey. A journey of knowing the truth.

How do I know the truth?

-I must get to know Jesus.

John 14:6

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

How do I get to know Jesus?

-I read His Word.

-I worship Him.

-I talk…and listen to Him. I tell Him my needs and my wants. I ask questions, then listen for His still, small voice:

“Lord, what do I need to repent for?”

“Father, who do I need to forgive?”

“God, what do You want me to do/not do?”

After I’ve heard Him speak, I have the opportunity to obey Him- or try harder not to sin. Trying harder by reasoning, avoiding temptations, reading self-help books or depending on others to fix the problem never brings freedom. All my efforts, all my discipline, and all my sacrifice may cut the top off the weed temporarily, but it won’t eliminate the root system of sin.

If I want to experience freedom in Jesus I must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit in order to believe Him in every area of my soul (mind, will & emotions). Only then can I be released from captivity and be truly free to bring Good News to others.

Luke 4:18

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
 for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
 He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
 that the blind will see,
 that the oppressed will be set free…