The Gospel of John: Truth Will Set You Free - Part One | Rev. Nathan Bell

10 August 2025Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠OverviewIn John 8:31–47, Jesus tells a group of believing Jews that true discipleship is measured by abiding in His teaching. Only then do we “know the truth,” and only then does the truth set us free. He exposes the slavery of sin, warns how religious pride can deafen us to God’s voice, and insists that family resemblance—not ancestry—reveals our true father. Freedom comes through the Son.Sermon NotesIntroductionRecent context: Festival of Shelters → mercy to the woman caught in adultery → “I am the Light of the World.”Today: Jesus presses beyond inspiration to transformation—truth that actually frees.Scripture PassageJohn 8:31–36: Abide in Jesus’ word → know the truth → the truth sets you free. Everyone who sins is a slave of sin; the Son sets you free to become family.John 8:37–47: Heritage vs. resemblance—claiming Abraham isn’t enough. Refusal to hear truth reveals a different father; those who belong to God gladly hear God’s words.Main PointsFreedom has a path: Abide → Know → Be FreeDiscipleship isn’t a label; it’s remaining in Jesus’ teaching until it re-forms our thinking, desires, and habits.Sin enslaves—often while we look religious“Everyone who sins is a slave of sin.” We can sit under sermons and still miss Jesus if we protect cherished sins or prefer comforting lies.The Son makes sons and daughtersLineage can’t liberate; only the Son can. Freedom is family language—adoption, not performance.Hearing reveals belonging“Why can’t you understand? … you can’t even hear me.” Pride, defensiveness, and love of sin harden our hearing. Those who belong to God welcome correction.Illustrations & StoriesCondemnation’s dopamine: Like the accusers in John 8, we can get a quiet “hit” from judging others—proof we’re still listening to the father of lies.Pastoral confession: A moment of stressed defensiveness led to apologies and restored relationship—an example of truth → confession → freedom.ApplicationAbide in His word: Daily Scripture that you meditate, pray, and obey—not just read.Practice confession: To God (1 John 1:9) and to people you’ve wronged. Freedom accelerates when truth is spoken aloud.Trade lies for truth: Identify the specific lie you’ve been believing (about God, yourself, others). Replace it with Jesus’ words.Invite examination: Pray, “Jesus, show me the truth about me.” Notice where you’re most defensive—that’s often where He’s freeing you.Walk as family: Receive your identity as a son/daughter; live like the Father you resemble—mercy over judgment, light over darkness.#hillschurch #beencouraged #nathanbell #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon