Gateway Church of Visalia
From Slave to Freedom
From Slave to Freedom. John 8:31-36 Pastor Lance Ainsworth May15th & May 18th, 2025
Locations & Times
GateWay Church
1100 S Sowell St, Visalia, CA 93277, USA
Thursday 6:45 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM
Sunday 11:30 AM
Introduction
John 8:31-36 ESV
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
What’s next? “I want you to be free!” - Jesus
“We must possess what we profess.” – RC Sproul
Abide: menō – to remain, stay, dwell
“The word of God continually infilling me is what I needed. . . It’s part of what makes me go.” Butch Wilmore NASA
If you don’t know the word, recognizing the truth becomes difficult.
33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
How dare you call me a slave?
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Sin will take you farther than you want to go,
keep you longer than you want to stay,
and cost you more than you want to pay.
keep you longer than you want to stay,
and cost you more than you want to pay.
How to find Freedom:
Right thinking - Abide in Jesus and His word. (John 8:31-32)
Right standing - Go to God for forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)
Right relationships - Go to God’s people for healing. (James 5:16)
Right thinking - Abide in Jesus and His word. (John 8:31-32)
Right standing - Go to God for forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)
Right relationships - Go to God’s people for healing. (James 5:16)
James 5:16 ESV
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
From
GateWay Church of Visalia
Pastor Lance Ainsworth, John 8:31-36
May 15
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: Who is your favorite Bible character and why?
Read Aloud: John 8:31-36
1. v.31-32 “31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus shares the next step after profession, possession. How can we abide in Jesus’ words? How has abiding in Jesus’ word set you free?
2. v.33 “33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” How does cultural religion blind us to our sinful state? Do you know somebody who is experiencing this or have you experienced it?
3. v.34-36 “34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” How does sin creep in and enslave us? How does sin work to blind us to God’s truth?
4. In light of James 5:16, if you feel comfortable, share where you need to experience freedom in your life and pray for one another.
GateWay Church of Visalia
Pastor Lance Ainsworth, John 8:31-36
May 15
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: Who is your favorite Bible character and why?
Read Aloud: John 8:31-36
1. v.31-32 “31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus shares the next step after profession, possession. How can we abide in Jesus’ words? How has abiding in Jesus’ word set you free?
2. v.33 “33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” How does cultural religion blind us to our sinful state? Do you know somebody who is experiencing this or have you experienced it?
3. v.34-36 “34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” How does sin creep in and enslave us? How does sin work to blind us to God’s truth?
4. In light of James 5:16, if you feel comfortable, share where you need to experience freedom in your life and pray for one another.