First shared on 11.9.22. First posted 11.13.22. Much of this material is from a previous John 8:31-36 sermon.
- Introduction
- Bible Study Audio
- Bible Study Video
- Live Stream Recording
- Bible Study Slideshow
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
Introduction
By One, Get One(self) Free: Best Deal Ever
By One, get one(self) free, By One, get one(self) free.
Now, I don’t know about you, but whenever I see a sign that says, “Buy One, Get One Free,” my eyes light up.
Buy One, get one free: that sounds like a great deal! Isn’t it great when something we want is free of cost?
Well, my brothers and sisters, the freedom we enjoy as Christians did not come free of cost. Christ paid all the cost when he was slayed on the cross. And by Him alone, we can be truly be free.
He is the Truth. And the truth shall set you free. By One, get one(self) free.
And that’s the best deal in the world!
The Love of “Freedom”
But what does it mean to be “free”? What does it mean to be “free”? Do you want to be free?
We Americans love freedom, don’t we? We Americans love independence.
The song, “God Bless the USA” says:
“And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me”
Now, depending on the year, many people may be more or less proud to be an American – depending on who’s in power in the White House. But there’s One who’s in power in the Father’s House – One whom we can put our trust in every year.
And by that One, one can get oneself free. By One, get one(self) free.
Now, we Americans love freedom. We love freedom. Just “Think” about it.
Aretha Franklin sang a song that said, “Freedom, freeedooom, freedoooooommmmm, freedom!” Now, Aretha Franklin is called the Queen of Soul. But who do you call the King of your soul?
We Americans love freedom. We don’t want a king or queen ruling over us. We’re used to elections – where we choose who will be in power over us.
And, if you know world history, you know that this is pretty novel concept: the people who are ruled actually vote to choose their ruler…
Most people in the history of the world never had that choice. But we Americans love free choice; we love freedom.
Now, what song do we sing before every sporting event? The Star-Spangled Banner. The national anthem.
And how does the national anthem climax? O say, does that Star-Spangled, banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free…[1]
You know, as a high school and collegiate athlete – and a marching band geek – I have heard and played the national anthem countless times. And some people perform it better than others.
Now I know that Alpha Baptist Church is located in Willingboro, NJ, and that Carl Lewis is one of our hometown heroes. As a sprinter, I believe he’s won like nine Olympic gold medals.
But his performance of the national anthem before an NBA game in 1993 was not so golden.
He may have tried to sing a little out of his range…
As you may recall, the national anthem was written by Francis Scott Key; SportsCenter said he sang like Francis Scott Off-key.
Moreover, the American conception of freedom is likely a bit off-key.
Freedom is not only the highlight of the anthem of our nation but, as studies affirm, freedom is likely the most highly cherished value of our nation.[2]
But what does it mean to be “free”? How do we define “freedom”?
It seems that many if not most American define freedom as independence: freedom from constraints. Freedom to choose to do whatever we want.
As long as we don’t hurt anyone, we should be free to live our lives however we please. This is the modern concept of freedom.
One researcher characterizes this attitude in this way:
“Most of us in America believe a few simple propositions that seem so clear and self-evident they scarcely need to be said. Choice is a good thing in life, and the more of it we have, the happier we are. Authority is inherently suspect; nobody should have the right to tell others what to think or how to behave.”[3]
Another summarizes this attitude this way:
“Let each person do their own thing, and . . . one shouldn’t criticize the others’ values, because they have a right to live their own life as you do. The [only] sin which is not tolerated is intolerance.”[4]
Nowadays, if you even question someone else’s freedom – that is, their ability to live however they want – you may find yourself labeled a “bigot”.
One of the main philosophies that permeates almost every facet of our society – our politics, our education, our entertainment – is this: “No one has the right to tell me how to live my life, unless I hamper the freedom of others.”[5]
In other words, you can’t take away my freedom unless I’m somehow taking away someone else’s freedom.
You see, this modern concept of freedom is the ultimate value, the highest good. And, this secular doctrine is preached everywhere from campaigns, to colleges, to kid’s daycares.
“Let it Go”, the anthem of the hit Disney movie, Frozen, boasts:
Disney had kids singing, “No right, no wrong, no rules for me. I’m free.”
I wish I would’ve sung about no right, no wrong, and no rules in my parent’s house. If I broke my parent’s rules, they would tell me I was wrong with a right (hand)!
In any case, we want freedom from constraints, freedom from limitations, freedom from oppressive authority.
We want independence – the freedom to, essentially, do whatever we want.[6]
Freedoms Conflict
But though we champion such “freedom” in our society, living this way is virtually impossible. Why? Because freedoms often conflict.[7]
Let’s just think about it. We usually can’t be free to have lasting health, and be free to eat or drink whatever we want.
You can’t be free to run a marathon, and be free to never exercise.
And, as I learned in college, you can’t be free to be a good student and be free to be the life of every single party. (Though I tried)!
So, because our freedoms conflict, we have to decide which freedoms are more important.[8] For example, if you want the freedom to earn and spend money, you likely have to put certain constraints on your freedom – by working a certain number of hours at a job.
And if you want a good job, you have to put certain constraints on your freedom – while getting the necessary training or education.
To be a great scholar or athlete or musician, one has to sacrifice certain freedoms in order to gain other freedoms. So, in the words of Tim Keller, freedom is not merely “the absence of constraints but… choosing the right constraints…”[9]
The Freedom of Love
I can think of no better example than love.[10] Do loving relationships not constrain our freedom? When we love others, we begin to sacrifice our freedoms.
Can someone be a faithful, loving spouse if they seek to be intimate with whomever they want? Can someone be a faithful, loving parent if they spend their time and money however they want?
To be loving spouses and parents, we have to make certain sacrifices of our own freedoms for the sake of those we love.
And while society tells us that being free from all constraints will make us happy, social science research confirms that we are likely most happy when we have strong social relationships.
One researcher says that having strong relationships:
“strengthens the immune system, extends life (more than…quitting smoking), speeds recovery from surgery, and reduces the risks of depression and anxiety disorders… We need to interact and intertwine with others; we need the give and the take; we need to belong.”[11]
It’s been said that “There is no greater feeling of liberation than to…be loved well.”[12] And, ironically, we have to give up our some of our own freedoms to be free to enjoy a liberating, loving relationship – a relationship in which there is a mutual sacrifice of freedom.[13]
My sisters and brothers, I believe this is kind of freedom Jesus speaks of in the eighth chapter of John when He says, “the truth will set you free.”
The Truth Will Set You Free
Now, “the truth will set you free” is a popular motto.[14]
Among many other institutions, “the truth will set you free” is the motto of Ottawa University,[15] the University of Charleston,[16] the University of Portland,[17] Lafayette College,[18] John Hopkin’s University,[19] and the world-renowned California Institute of Technology.[20]
This motto is even engraved in stone at the Original Headquarters Building of the CIA.[21]
And though this motto has become something of a classic cliché, we must be careful not to read our modern conceptions of freedom into the words of Jesus…
[1] “When ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ is sung at sporting events, the climactic phrase comes to an elongated high note: “O’er the land of the freeee . . .” The cheers begin here. Even though the song goes on to talk about “the brave,” this is an afterthought. Both the melody line and our culture highlight freedom as the main theme and value of our society. It’s our national anthem, and for good reason.” Timothy Keller, Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical, Penguin Publishing Group, Kindle Edition, 97.
[2] “In their landmark sociological study of American culture, Robert Bellah and other researchers discovered that “for Americans . . . freedom was perhaps the most important value.” Keller, 97 citing Robert Bellah et al., Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life(Berkeley: University of California Press, 2008), pp. xlvii–xlviii.
[3] Alan Ehrenhalt, The Lost City: The Forgotten Virtues of Community in America (New York: Basic Books, 1995), p. 2. Quoted in Charles Taylor, A Secular Age (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2007), p. 475. Quoted in Keller, 97.
[4] Charles Taylor, A Secular Age (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2007), 484 as quoted in Keller, 97.
[5] Keller, 97 (in a footnote)
[6] “Freedom has come to be defined as the absence of any limitations or constraints on us. By this definition, the fewer boundaries we have on our choices and actions, the freer we feel ourselves to be.” Keller, 101.
[7] Keller, 101f.
[8] Keller, 101f.
[9] Keller, 102.
[10] Kelle, 107f.
[11] Jonathan Haidt, The Happiness Hypothesis: Putting Ancient Wisdom and Philosophy to the Test of Modern Science (London: Arrow Books, 2006), p. 133 as quoted in Keller, 106.
[12] Keller, 107.
[13] Keller, 108.
[14] “The statement in v. 32 has become classic. Indeed, parts of it are embossed on the seals of colleges and universities.” Borchert, 303..
[15] http://ottawa.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2016-2017/Catalog/About-Ottawa-University/The-Ottawa-University-Crest
[16]http://www.ucwv.edu/uploadedFiles/University_of_Charleston/Faculty_and_Staff/Communications_and_Marketing/UCBrandingManual.pdfPage 12.
[17] https://www.up.edu/commencement/traditions/coat-of-arms-and-chain-of-office.html
[18] https://sites.lafayette.edu/specialcollections/about/
[19] https://alumni.jhu.edu/files/docs/FunFactsaboutJHU.pdf (Page 1).
[20] http://www.caltech.edu/content/fun-facts
[21] https://fas.org/irp/cia/product/facttell/building.htm
Bible Study Audio
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Bible Study Video
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Live Stream Recording
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Bible Study Slideshow
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No Pictures 11-9-22 Bible Study Slides John 8_31-36
Conclusion
Positive and Negative Freedom
Now philosophers distinguish between negative freedom and positive freedom. Negative freedom is freedom from; positive freedom is freedom to. There’s freedom from and freedom to.[1]
Negative freedom is freedom from: freedom from constraints, freedom from limitations, freedom from oppressive authority. As we discussed earlier, this is the modern conception of freedom in the American Land of the Free.
However, we have already seen how it is virtually impossible to live life however we desire, because our freedoms often conflict.
We cannot live without any constraints; we must choose the constraints that are the most liberating.
Furthermore, social studies and experience both suggest that we feel the most liberated when we are in loving relationships – relationships in which there is a mutual sacrifice of freedoms.
Now, in contrast to negative freedom, positive freedom is freedom to: freedom to live a certain way,[2] freedom to reach a certain goal, freedom to fulfill a certain purpose.
And, my brothers and sisters, we have been created for a purpose. We were created to be in communion with ourCreator, to be in relationship with our God. We were created in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27) to know God, to serve God, and to love God.[3]
But we sinned and became slaves of sin, damaging our relationship with God. We cannot free ourselves from the shackles of sin. And, because of our theological Stockholm Syndrome, we consider our bonds to be beautiful.
We become enchanted by our chains, fascinated by our fetters, riveted by our restraints. Sin captivates us, and we develop feelings for our captor.
But thanks be to God, Jesus is the Son who sets us free from spiritual slavery to sin. He redeems and reconciles and restores us back into right relationship with the Father.
As God’s only Son, He is the only One with the rights and the power to give us true independence.
And, ironically, independence from sin requires dependence on Christ!
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we must remain in the constraints of His word – constraints that will ultimately set us free.[4]
So, what does it mean to be “free”? What is true freedom?
Christian freedom is both negative and positive: Though we will never be perfect in our earthly lives, Christ sets us free from the power of sin, and gives us the freedom to fulfill our purpose – our purpose of being in right relationship with God.[5]
Mutual Sacrifice of Freedom
And this is what sets Christianity apart from every other worldview: the One we can truly call “My Lord” gave up His freedom to give us eternal freedom.[6]
Jesus paid all the cost when He was slayed on the cross. Through Him – by One – get one(self) free. That’s the best deal in the world.
This is no one-sided relationship; it is a loving relationship where there is mutual sacrifice of freedom.
Out of love, we ought to give our lives to the One who gave His life – in order to give us eternal life (cf. Rom 12:1-2, 2 Cor 5:15, etc.).
Metaphorically, if we vote for Jesus as our Redeemer, we have to be devoted to Jesus [as] our Ruler.
Now, one of the biggest holidays in America is Independence Day. But, as Pastor Scotton said, let’s declare every day a “Dependence Day”[7] for our dependence on Christ – our Lord who, indeed, gives true freedom.
(Aretha Franklin voice) “Freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom!”
The Queen of Soul sang “freedom.” The King of our soul brang Freedom.
And we should sing:
I’m proud to be a Christian
For at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the Man who died
To give that right to me
May God Bless the USA.
And may the LORD bless you and keep you (Num 6:24).
[1] Keller, 108 (though he uses the terms negative and positive “liberty” and “freedom from” vs. “freedom for”
[2] Keller, 108.
[3] Keller, 113.
[4] Freedom “is expressed in obedience, not independence (35). The recipient becomes a loving, obedient child within God’s family.” Milne, 134.
[5] “True freedom is not the liberty to do anything we please, but the liberty to do what we ought.” Carson, 350 (also quoted by Milne, 134).
[6] “Christianity is the only religion that claims God gave up his freedom so we could experience the ultimate freedom—from evil and death itself. Therefore, you can trust him. He sacrificed his independence for you, so you can sacrifice yours for him. And when you do, you will find that it is the ultimate, infinitely liberating constraint. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).” Keller, 117.
[7] From Rev. Danny Scotton, Sr. sermon on July 1, 2018.
Bibliography
- Arndt, William, Frederick W. Danker, Walter Bauer, and F. Wilbur Gingrich. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000. [BDAG]
- Balz, Horst Robert, and Gerhard Schneider. Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1990–. [EDNT]
- Beale, G. K., and D. A. Carson. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, UK: Baker Academic; Apollos, 2007.
- Beasley-Murray, George R. John. Vol. 36. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2002.
- Borchert, Gerald L. John 1–11. Vol. 25A. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996.
- Brand, Chad, Charles Draper, Archie England, Steve Bond, E. Ray Clendenen, and Trent C. Butler, eds. “Festivals.” Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
- Burge, Gary M. John. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000. [Burge N]
- Burge, Gary M. “John.” In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, 3:840–80. Baker Reference Library. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995.
- Burge, Gary M. “Gospel of John.” In John’s Gospel, Hebrews–Revelation, edited by Craig A. Evans and Craig A. Bubeck, First Edition., 37–164. The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary. Colorado Springs, CO; Paris, ON; Eastbourne: David C Cook, 2005. [Burge BK]
- Carson, D. A. The Gospel according to John. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991.
- Elwell, Walter A., and Barry J. Beitzel. “Booths, Feast Of.” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988.
- Guthrie, Donald. “John.” In New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, edited by D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, and G. J. Wenham, 4th ed., 1021–65. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.
- Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of John: A Commentary & 2. Vol. 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012. [Keener]
- Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.
- Keller, Timothy. Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
- Klink, Edward W., III. John. Edited by Clinton E. Arnold. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016.
- Kruse, Colin G. John: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 4. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003.
- Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. New York: United Bible Societies, 1996. [LN]
- Michaels, J. Ramsey. The Gospel of John. The New International Commentary on the Old and New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, UK: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2010. [Michaels]
- Michaels, J. Ramsey. John. Understanding the Bible Commentary Series. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011. [Michaels U]
- Merriam-Webster, Inc. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2003.
- Milne, Bruce. The Message of John: Here Is Your King!: With Study Guide. The Bible Speaks Today. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.
- Morris, Leon. The Gospel according to John. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995.
- Mounce, Robert H. “John.” In The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Luke–Acts (Revised Edition), edited by Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland, Vol. 10. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007.
- Newman, Barclay Moon, and Eugene Albert Nida. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. UBS Handbook Series. New York: United Bible Societies, 1993. [UBS]
- Osborne, Grant, Philip W. Comfort. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Vol 13: John and 1, 2, and 3 John. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2007.
- Silva, Moisés, ed. New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014. [NIDNTTE]