“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).
I. The world’s freedom is actually bondage.
No Truth! –This is the world’s cry right now. The world says there is no truth, one can do what he wants and decide what is true for himself. To claim that there is Truth that is normative for everyone puts us in bondage. We must be free to do what we want. As a recent bumper sticker put it: “There is no right or wrong—only fun or boring.”
- How is this teaching that there is no Truth reflected in the media and culture of our day?
- Discuss how this “freedom” that the world desires has actually put the world in bondage to sin.
- What are the consequences of this bondage to sin? (Temporal and eternal)
II. The Christian’s “bondage” is actually freedom.
The Christian joys in being bound to Jesus Christ who is the Truth. He understands that true freedom is knowing the Truth and living according to the Truth.
- In what way is the Christian “bound”?
- How does this Christian bondage really set one free?
- Jesus says this freedom comes by continuing in his Word. His Word sets us free because it releases us more and more from the heartfelt desire for sin. Ultimately it is a heart issue. How does continuing in Jesus’ Word release us from the desire for sin? What does this say about the importance of catechism, and preaching, and Bible study?
III. Do PRC youth realize the freedom of being bound to God’s Word? Do they realize the bondage of the world’s freedom?
- Is there a culture of drinking among our youth?
- How do you think God reacts to such sins amongst us youth? Does God chastise us?
- Is there an assumption among us that we live like the world when we are young and then when we get married mature spiritually?
- How can we help each other realize the “freedom” of the world is actually bondage and live according to God’s Word?