The Truth Will Set You FreeSýnishorn

Feeling Trapped?

What does it mean to be free? Freedom is typically thought of as being able to choose where we live and what we do for work—and having enough money. While those things are a part of being free, the Bible tells us that it’s possible to have all that and still be trapped. We might be ...

• Trapped in bad habits.
• Trapped in a negative mindset.
• Trapped in shame.
• Trapped in numbness or aimlessness.
• Trapped in unhealthy relationships.

Maybe you know all those feelings. But there’s good news. God wants to help you to find deep freedom so you can live the meaningful, joy-filled life He’s called you to live.

Let’s start with the Scripture passage that gave this Bible Plan its title. In John 8, Jesus described how to live in freedom:

... Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32-33

But these words didn’t inspire or encourage His followers. Instead, they were confused. “Free?” they said. “We’re already free. How does your truth change that?”

Jesus went on to proclaim that He’d come to set people free from sin. Sin is the choices we make that hurt us, others, and God. Sin is the opposite of God’s will and disrupts the life and peace He’s working to create. But it’s more than just individual actions we take—Jesus explained that we’re all trapped in sin and we need the freedom only He can give.

How do those words make you feel? What questions come up for you?

Many of us know exactly what it’s like to be considered free but feel trapped at the same time. We know the right thing to do, but we keep going back to the same old habit or mindset.

Maybe you feel angry all the time, which creates relational tension. Or you might be struggling with a secret sin you’ve been trying—and failing—to deal with on your own. You might be dealing with pride, feeling chronically superior to people with differing beliefs and backgrounds.

Whatever it is for you, you can find freedom through Jesus. All of us have some kind of sin pattern holding us back, but every follower of Jesus also has the truth of God on their side. Jesus introduces us to truth—the powerful truth that can set us free.

Over the next few days, we’ll explore what Jesus was talking about: where to find truth and how the truth can lead us to a whole, healthy life.

Pray: Dear God, thank You for loving me. I know I’m far from perfect, but I also know that You are full of grace. Help me find freedom from the sin holding me back. I know that with Your strength I can find freedom in the truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Consider the sin patterns in your life—not so you can feel ashamed, but so you can be aware of how God might lead you to freedom. Then, ask God to remind you of His unlimited grace and love for you. For more on God’s forgiveness, check out this article from finds.life.church.