December 3, 2023
“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” Acts 20:24 (NLT)
“Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.” John 8:31-38 (NRSV)
Walking in freedom and purpose, involves living a life that is aligned with God’s will, emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically, and financially seeking His guidance, and embracing the freedom that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. It means being set free from the bondage of sin and living in the fulfillment of the purpose that God has for each one of us.
Are you free to walk in your God-given purpose? Are you living the life God designed just for you? Depending on your stage in life, periodically many will take an assessment of their lives and find themselves asking some of the following questions. Am I on a career path that aligns with my passion and skills? Am I meeting my financial goals or how can I navigate financial setbacks or unexpected expenses? Should I change careers or stay in my current job and overcome career-related challenges and obstacles?
You may also be asking, what is the God’s purpose for my life, and how can I find meaning and true spiritual fulfillment? How can I live a life that aligns with my spiritual values and beliefs deepening my relationship with God to grow in my faith and journey with Christ?
You may be focused on the legacy wanting to leave behind not only a financial legacy but also an educational legacy and, how can I work toward that goal? How can I build and maintain healthy and meaningful relationships with family members/ and others that is pleasing to God?
Each of our journeys is unique! Many may be seeking guidance, advice, or counseling which can be beneficial in navigating these important life questions. As Believers in Christ We can know one thing for sure, the Son has set you free and given us the power of the Holy Spirit to be all the He has purposed for your life. Praise God for Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus came to offer salvation and freedom to humanity by paying the price for our sins through His death and resurrection. Through faith in Him, people can be set free from the bondage of sin and its eternal consequences. We are set free from condemnation and the power of sin, allowing us to walk in the freedom of the Spirit and live out our purpose.
John 8:36 is a well-known verse from the New Testament that delivers an important message about freedom through faith in Jesus Christ. Let’s look at a biblical explanation: John 8:36. Jesus says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” This year in Bible Study Fellowship we are studying the book of John and John wants us to know who JESUS is and what He came to do.
In this verse “the Son” refers to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus identifies Himself as the Son of God and teaches about His unique relationship with the Father.
“Sets you free” indicates liberation or freedom from something. In a broader biblical framework, it often refers to freedom from the power and consequences of sin. Jesus came to offer salvation and freedom to us by paying the price for our sins through His death, burial, and resurrection. When we put our faith in HIM, we are set free from the bondage of sin and its eternal consequences.
“You will indeed be free” gives us the assurance that our freedom that comes from JESUS, and it is the only way we can be set free. When Jesus sets us free, our freedom is real and complete, it is a finished work. It’s not a temporary or partial freedom; it is a deep and transformative change in our spiritual condition. This freedom includes forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life with HIM.
John 8:36 points out the fact that through faith in Jesus Christ, as Believers we can experience true freedom from the bondage or enslavement of sin. This freedom is not just a superficial or temporary state; it is a profound and lasting transformation that results from a personal relationship with the Jesus the Son of God. It means being free from the guilt and power of sin and the assurance of eternal life with the Father- Hallelujah!! This is the central message of the Gospel and the hope that comes through Jesus Christ.
The following verses from the highlight the interconnected themes of purpose and freedom in the context of faith, underlining the importance of a life aligned with God’s will and the freedom that comes through a relationship with Him.
BE REMINDED – His Word says…..
Galatians 5:1. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”As Believers we are FREE! We are encouraged to stand firm in their freedom, walking in the purpose of living a life that is not burdened by sin or worldly constraints.
Psalm 119:45. “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” This verse highlights the idea that seeking and following God’s commandments leads to a life of freedom and purpose.
John 8:36. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” The book of John underscores that true freedom comes through Jesus Christ, and when He sets you free, you are truly free to walk in God’s purpose.
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” We are encouraged to submit to God in all aspects of their lives, trusting that God will guide them in the right direction, helping them walk in purpose and freedom.
Ephesians 2:10. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We are created for a purpose, and in Christ, they are empowered to carry out the good works that God has ordained for them.
Romans 8:1-2. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” As Believers we are set free from condemnation and the power of sin, allowing them to walk in the freedom of the Spirit and live out their purpose.
Isaiah 61:1 (NIV) “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” This passage, often associated with the mission of Jesus, emphasizes the purpose of bringing good news, healing, and freedom to those in need.
2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” True freedom is found in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and as believers walk in His guidance, they experience freedom and purpose.
James 1:25. “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard but doing it, they will be blessed in what they do.” Studying and following God’s Word leads to freedom and blessings in our actions and purpose.
Psalm 16:11. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Walking in the presence of God presence and following His path leads to a purposeful and joy-filled life.
HEART
CHALLENGE: Do you keep a “to do” list of things you need to accomplish each day, week, month or year? Doing this brings purpose to our lives, helping us to stay focused and on target. If you could reduce your entire life to a short list of only three or four items, what would they be? The top item on that list would come very close to identifying the purpose of your life. According to the Bible, our purpose is to be inspired by a vision as to how God can use us in accomplishing His purposes.
How many people have you shared the good news this year that “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NRSV) God’s purpose toward people is love. God’s love is not limited to a few or to one group of people, but His gift is for the whole world. God’s love was expressed in the giving of His most priceless gift, His unique Son. Share HIM with those that do not know HIM!
A PURPOSE-DRIVEN
HEART: God has a special purpose each of us. Each one of us was chosen by God to live a holy life and show his love and kindness to us through Christ. My ministry verse is Acts 20:24 which says, “My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord.” God has given each of us work to do, which is part of his purpose to bring his good news of salvation to all creatures. Our work in the kingdom is telling others the good news about God’s wonderful kindness and love.
2 Timothy 1:9. “It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began-to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus.”
FATHER GOD, Thank You for Your Word that give us clear instructions on how we are to walk in freedom and purpose is to all generations. Help us to be mindful that YOU said if the Son sets us free, we are truly free. Thank You Father for Your sacrifice for our freedom, in the Precious, Powerful and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!