Living Free/ Life in Christ Part 3
Complete Bible References are listed in the order they appear in Living Free - Part 3 Sunday Sermon, 8/9/26
The Truth Will Make You Free
Central Biblical Truth
Jesus Christ is the Truth who sets us free through the power of the cross. As we abide in His Word, trust Him, and obey Him, our lives bear spiritual fruit.
Key Scriptures
Galatians 5:1; Acts 26:18; John 8:31–36; John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 23–24; Galatians 3:13; John 15:7–8
Opening Prayer
“Lord Jesus, quiet our minds and open our hearts to Your Word. Help us see spiritual truth, trust Your promises, and obey what You ask of us. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
1. Christ Bought Our Freedom
“For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.”—Galatians 5:1
True freedom is found only in Jesus Christ. We cannot free ourselves from sin through good works, religion, success, or self-discipline. Sin enslaves us, but Jesus paid the price for our redemption through His death and resurrection.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”—John 8:36
Acts 26:18 describes salvation as a movement:
From darkness to light.
From Satan’s power to God.
From guilt to forgiveness.
From bondage to an eternal inheritance.
The cross demonstrates God’s grace. Jesus took the judgment we deserved so that we could receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law,
having become a curse for us.”—Galatians 3:13
Discuss
What has Jesus freed us from?
Why can’t human effort save us?
How does the cross make freedom possible?
2. Freedom Begins with Spiritual Understanding
“To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan to God.”—Acts 26:18
Spiritual freedom begins when God opens our eyes to see our need for Christ. Sin can blind us to the truth about God, ourselves, and the consequences of our decisions.
Faith means trusting God even when we cannot see everything clearly.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.”—Hebrews 11:1
Faith is not wishful thinking. It is confidence in God’s character and promises. As God opens our eyes, we turn away from darkness and toward His light.
“Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
for You are the God of my salvation.”—Psalm 25:5
Discuss
What does spiritual blindness look like in everyday life?
Where do you need God to open your eyes?
What is the difference between biblical faith and wishful thinking?
3. Jesus Is the Truth
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”—John 14:6
Truth is not merely information or an idea. Truth is found in the person of Jesus Christ. He reveals who God is and shows us how we are to live.
The Bible reveals the truth about:
God’s character.
Our sin and need for salvation.
Jesus’ identity and mission.
The meaning of the cross.
God’s will for our lives.
Human knowledge alone cannot lead us to spiritual truth. We need the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”—Proverbs 1:7
Discuss
According to John 14:6, who is truth?
Why can knowledge alone fail to lead us to God?
Are you asking God to lead and teach you?
4. The Cross Is God’s Power and Wisdom
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”—1 Corinthians 1:18
The cross challenges human pride. Some people want visible signs; others want complete intellectual understanding. But the gospel calls us to humble faith in Christ crucified.
“We preach Christ crucified… Christ the power of God
and the wisdom of God.”—1 Corinthians 1:23–24
Jesus’ death may appear weak or foolish from a human perspective, but it is God’s plan for salvation. Through the cross, Jesus defeated sin and opened the way for forgiveness.
Discuss
Why does the cross challenge human pride?
How do people try to replace the cross with achievement or human wisdom?
What does it mean to trust the cross as God’s power?
5. Abiding in Jesus’ Word Brings Freedom
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”—John 8:31–32
To abide means to remain, dwell, or continue with Jesus. A disciple does not merely hear Christ’s words but remains in them.
Abiding in Christ includes:
Listening to His Word.
Believing the truth.
Remaining close to Jesus.
Obeying His commands.
Bearing fruit through the Holy Spirit.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you…
you will bear much fruit.”—John 15:7–8
We do not study Scripture to earn God’s acceptance. We study because, through Christ, we have already been accepted. His Word helps us know Him, corrects us, strengthens us, and guides our decisions.
Discuss
What does it mean to abide in Jesus?
How does Scripture deepen our relationship with Christ?
What fruit should be visible in someone who abides in Christ?
What is one practical way you can remain present with Jesus this week?
Personal Application
Ask yourself:
Am I walking in the light or hiding in darkness?
Am I trusting Jesus or relying on my own wisdom?
Am I abiding in His Word or merely hearing it occasionally?
Is my life showing the fruit of faith and obedience?
What truth is God asking me to believe and practice?
This Week’s Practice
Each day:
Read a portion of Scripture.
Ask God to reveal His truth.
Write down one promise or instruction.
Put that truth into practice.
Pray for spiritual fruit in your life.
Closing Challenge
Jesus is the Truth. The cross is the power of God. The Word reveals Christ. Faith receives the truth. Obedience demonstrates that we believe it.
Will we merely hear Jesus’ words, or will we abide in them?Will we continue in bondage, or stand firm in the freedom Christ purchased for us?
As we remain present with Jesus, trust His truth, and obey His Word, our lives will bear fruit that glorifies God.
Closing Prayer
“Lord Jesus, thank You for taking our curse and giving us freedom through the cross. Open our eyes to Your truth and deliver us from darkness. Help us abide in Your Word, trust Your promises, and obey Your voice. Produce good fruit in our lives so that You may be glorified. Amen.”
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