The word for this week is "free". We see this word used in John 8:32 and 36. We'll start with verse 31:
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. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. KJV
The "make you free" in verses 32 and 36 is the Greek verb "eleutheroo". Strong's Concordance says: to liberate; to exempt from liability. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to make free; to set at liberty. In verse 36 the word "free" is the Greek adjective "eleutheros". Strong's Concordance says: unrestrained; not a slave. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: freeborn; unrestrained; not bound by obligation. The Theological Dictionary of the New testament says: to be at one's own disposal. Here are these same verses from the Amplified Bible:
31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. 36 So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free. AMP
Most of the words translated free in the New Testament are one of these two words. Jesus set us free from sin when He gave His life on the cross. We received that freedom when we confessed Him as Lord. Continuing in His Word, by reading, studying and meditating on it on a daily basis, makes us His disciples and puts us in the position to operate successfully in this life and in this world. We are "free", as believers, to make our own choices. When our choices line up with the Word of God, we will receive the results, here in this life, that the Word of God promises! When our choices go against the Word of God, we will have to be satisfied, here in this life, with the result of those choices! None of these choices we make, after we have received Jesus as Lord and personal Savior, will affect our eternal salvation! God has put us in complete control of our lives on earth and given us the guidance of His Word and the Holy Spirit to make the right choices that result in blessing! We are truly free! Thank You, Jesus! Here is an older song from Hillsong Kids called "Free":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
