June 28, 2026
John 8:32 (NLT) — “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
How do we Worship In Freedom?
INFORMATION: Lies That Block Freedom
John 8:31-36 (NLT) — “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ ‘But we are descendants of Abraham,’ they said. ‘We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, you will be set free?’ Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.'”
Four lies Jesus dismantles right here:
Lie 1: “I was born free.”
The crowd said it out loud — we just think it. But Jesus is clear: everyone who sins is a slave to sin, and that’s everyone.
John 8:34 (NLT) — “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”
Lie 2: “I declared my freedom.”
A decision is a starting point, not a finish line — Jesus ties our freedom not just to deciding but to abiding and remaining.
John 8:31 (NLT) — “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.”
Lie 3: “I can maintain my freedom.”
True freedom can’t be self-managed, self-achieved, or self-maintained — it’s only found in Jesus.
John 8:36 (NLT) — “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
Lie 4: “My heritage guarantees my freedom.”
Growing up in church or a Christian home is a gift — but your lineage won’t get you true freedom. Only the Son does.
John 8:37-38 (NLT) — “I know you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there is no room in your hearts for my message.”
INSPIRATION: You Were Made to Live Free
1. You can’t earn it.
The work is finished. Past tense. Done. Settled. You don’t need to get it together before you turn to Him — the moment you turn, freedom is available.
Galatians 5:1 (NLT) — “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”
2. Transformation happens as we follow.
Freedom isn’t a one-time event — it’s the daily decision to let God renew the way you think.
Romans 12:2 (NLT) — “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
MOTIVATION: Finding True Freedom
Obstacle 1: “I go through the motions but I still don’t feel free.”
Religion without relationship keeps you declaring freedom without ever receiving it — freedom is found in abiding, staying genuinely connected to Him.
John 8:31 (NLT) — “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.”
Obstacle 2: “I grew up in church and it didn’t work.”
You didn’t fail — you just didn’t know what you didn’t know. Holy Spirit leads you into all truth, and that relationship is still available to you today.
Romans 10:9-10 (NLT) — “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”
TRANSFORMATION: Kingdom Living
THREE CALLS TO ACTION:
- Today — Invite someone to join you next Sunday as we launch Kingdom Living.
- Daily — Start your morning praying for the people God brought to mind — the friend, the coworker, the family member who are far away from the Father.
- This month — Keep inviting. Someone in your life needs hope. Someone needs to break free. Someone needs to come home to the Father.
Hope is designed to be given away.
Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community