THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE John 8:1-11, Key Verse: 31,32 “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” Nothing in the world can set us free from the bondage of sin and death. But Jesus can set us free from the bondage of sin and death. Do you want to be free, really free? May God teach us how to be really free!

Then Neither Do I Condemn you Verse 1. “But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.” Verse 2. “At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people sat gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.” The word of God and prayer were the two basic ingredients in Jesus’ daily life. Let’s learn from the Lord what must be the priorities in our lives.

Then Neither Do I Condemn you Verse 6b. “But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground.” Most likely he wanted to give them a few moments to reflect on what they were doing and come back to their senses. Verse 7b. “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Jesus challenged their consciences and their consciences were pierced.

Then Neither Do I Condemn you. Jesus did not condemn, but saved her. How does Jesus save condemned people? In order to save condemned people like us, he became a condemned person. He was condemned and crucified on the cross. Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: `Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’” Because he was condemned on our behalf, there is no condemnation for us.

Go Now and Leave Your Life of Sin Jesus not only saved her from condemnation; he also commanded her to start a new life -- life based on God’s word, not on her sinful desires. Jesus wanted to restore the image of God in her as well as her beauty as a woman. Jesus wanted her to live as a useful person. Jesus wanted her to live in the light. When we come to Jesus, he gives us strength to get out of condemnation.

If You Hold to My Teaching, A runner cannot be declared a winner if he stops in the middle of the race course. Christian faith is a continuing process. To be born again one day is one of the greatest events in one’s life, but it is not the end but a beginning. Just as a new-born baby needs to drink milk and grow, a Christian must drink the spiritual milk and grow in faith. The expression “hold to” means “abide in” or “remain in.” We abide in Christ when we place ourselves in him and continue there, drawing life from his words. This produces ongoing discipleship.

Then You Will Know the Truth. Everything in this world is temporary. Nothing in this world stays constant forever. Nothing in this world can be applicable to everyone. Therefore the truth cannot come from this world. The truth must come from God who is eternal. If we hold to Jesus’ teaching, we come to know the truth. Every word of God written in the Bible is the truth.

Then You Will Know the Truth. Through the study of Genesis, I came to know the truth about God that he is the Creator of my life. He created me in his own image and for his glory so that I might know him, worship him, and serve him. I came to know the truth about myself that I was a sinner, a slave of Satan, who was destined to go to hell. I came to know the truth about God’s plan of salvation.

Then You Will Know the Truth Through the gospel study, I came to know the truth about Jesus who came to save me from the bondage of sin, death, and Satan. He died for my sins and rose again from the dead. I came to know and accept the truth that God loved me so much and he sacrificed his one and only Son Jesus Christ for me. When I accepted the truth that Jesus is my Savior and Lord, I was set free from the bondage of sin, death and Satan. Jesus gave me forgiveness, eternal life, and glorious freedom. I came to know the love, hope and power of God.

Then You Will Know the Truth Through the study of Acts and the epistles, I came to know the truth about the Holy Spirit who dwells in the heart of every believer. The Holy Spirit is the Wonderful Counselor. The more I study the word of God, the more I realize the word of God written in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is absolutely true.

Then You Will Know the Truth Abraham: “I will make you a father of many nations….You will be a blessing.” (Ge 12:2) Isaac: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in the land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you.” (Ge 26:2-3) Jacob: “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel” (Ge 32:28). Moses: “Go to Pharaoh and bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” (Ex 3:10) Joshua: “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.” (Joshua 1:6)

Then You Will Know the Truth When Jesus spoke of “knowing the truth,” he was ultimately speaking of knowing God’s revelation to man. Who is God’s revelation? This revelation is embodied in Jesus himself, the Word. Therefore, to know the truth is to know Jesus. When we come to know Jesus personally, we become truly free because we are free to do God’s will and fulfill God’s ultimate purpose in our lives.

And The Truth Will Set You Free Man cannot be truly free until he is free from sin and death. Who can free us from sin and death? The gospel of Jesus sets us free from our sin and death. Jesus died on the cross and was raised on the third day to set us free from sin and death. Only Jesus’ teaching is the life-giving word of God. Without knowing the truth no one is really free. Only Jesus can set us free.

In Conclusion, Jesus says the condemned woman, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” These words of Jesus set the woman free. The word of Jesus is the truth that sets us free from sin and condemnation. May we come to Jesus, accept the truth, hold to his teaching, and enjoy glorious freedom and eternal life!

Prayer Topics and Announcements We may get out of condemnation and live a new life, by accepting Jesus’ word, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” We may hold to (abide in or remain in) Jesus’ teaching, become his true disciples, know the truth, and enjoy glorious freedom. Each of us may serve and lead one person to Christ until he or she is set free from the bondage of sin and death. Visit Joseph (Aug ), Staff Conference (Aug.26-28). Spiritual preparation for fruitful new school year.

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Benediction The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.