Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Pastor Condy Richardson
Scripture: John 8:30-36
Sermon Title: “The Truth Will Set You Free”
Date: August 9, 2026
John 8:30-36 (NIV)
30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him.
Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
First Thoughts
When you hear the expression, “The truth will set you free,” what comes to mind?
These are words from Jesus in John 8 that point to salvation and true discipleship.
Slavery
The concept of slavery was a big part of Jewish history.
Jesus tells listeners in John 8 that those controlled by sin are slaves to sin.
Mankind deals with slavery to alcohol, addiction, sex, money, etc.
Slavery to sin produces compelling desires that we cannot escape and damns our souls.
We cannot escape this slavery outside of the power of Christ.
Really My Disciples
In verse 31, Jesus tells the crowd that true disciples hold to his teachings.
Many who initially believed in Jesus fell away (John 6:66).
There is a brand of belief that is shallow and no good. It will not save.
If You Hold to My Teaching
Those that hold to the teachings of Jesus are always close to the Bible.
How would you describe “abiding in” God’s word?
By knowing God’s truth, we are made free from slavery.
True disciples run a spiritual marathon that keeps them in God’s word for the long haul.
How do you respond to the part of the Bible that make you uncomfortable?
Prolonged exposure to God’s word always changes us for the better.
Final Thoughts
Jesus never stopped pushing his followers towards obedience and life change.
Do you need to dive into God’s word today?
When you hear the expression, “The truth will set you free,” what comes to mind?
These are words from Jesus in John 8 that point to salvation and true discipleship.
Slavery
The concept of slavery was a big part of Jewish history.
Jesus tells listeners in John 8 that those controlled by sin are slaves to sin.
Mankind deals with slavery to alcohol, addiction, sex, money, etc.
Slavery to sin produces compelling desires that we cannot escape and damns our souls.
We cannot escape this slavery outside of the power of Christ.
Really My Disciples
In verse 31, Jesus tells the crowd that true disciples hold to his teachings.
Many who initially believed in Jesus fell away (John 6:66).
There is a brand of belief that is shallow and no good. It will not save.
If You Hold to My Teaching
Those that hold to the teachings of Jesus are always close to the Bible.
How would you describe “abiding in” God’s word?
By knowing God’s truth, we are made free from slavery.
True disciples run a spiritual marathon that keeps them in God’s word for the long haul.
How do you respond to the part of the Bible that make you uncomfortable?
Prolonged exposure to God’s word always changes us for the better.
Final Thoughts
Jesus never stopped pushing his followers towards obedience and life change.
Do you need to dive into God’s word today?