DCLM Daily Manna 1 October 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Truth Sets Free
TOPIC: Truth Sets Free (DCLM Daily Manna 1 October 2022)
TEXT: John 8:13-38 (KJV)
13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
KEY VERSE: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – (John 8:31,32)
MESSAGE:
Herbert S. Agar, a U.S. writer states that “the truth which makes men free is for the most part the truth which men prefer not to hear.” Despite its great liberating and healing power, truth is regarded by many people as poison.
The Pharisees in our text accused Jesus of false record about Himself because they did not believe that He is the Messiah. Jesus used the law to justify His record, stating that the Father bears witness of Him, which confirms that His testimony is true because He came from God. He further went on to tell them that after crucifixion, they will know that He is the Son of God, because He will rise again the third day. Thereafter, He turned to those who believed on Him and encouraged them to continue in His word as evidence of discipleship and to know the truth, which gives complete freedom.
To know and have permanent freedom from sin, one must belong to, be in and continue with Christ. It is only when we continue that we will know the truth that truly sets free. It means we must continue in the faith – believing in God’s words to have everlasting life. Two, continue in faithfulness – bid permanent farewell to evil and Satan. Three, continue in fervency – not being lukewarm. The older you get, the more fervent and gracious you should become.
As a continuing believer in the truth, your determination, in spite of life challenges and wiles of the devil, should not wane. True freedom is found in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Only abiding Christians are truly liberated.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Jude
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
