Sin is not just an act—it is a condition, a power that grips and enslaves. Jesus’ words in John 8:34 confront us with this sobering truth: “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” This is not merely about making mistakes or falling short; it’s about the deeper spiritual bondage that sin creates in our lives. Sin whispers promises of freedom and fulfilment, yet it leaves us trapped in cycles of guilt, shame, and despair. It blinds us to the life God intends for us—a life of joy, peace, and purpose.
John 8:34-35 King James Version
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Think about it: have you ever felt stuck in patterns you couldn’t break? Perhaps it’s anger, fear, addiction, or pride. These are not just bad habits; they are chains that bind us. And no amount of self-effort can truly break them. This is the slavery Jesus speaks of—a slavery that separates us from God and keeps us from living as His beloved children.
The Difference Between a Slave and a Son
In verse 35, Jesus draws a powerful contrast: “Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.” A slave may live in the master’s house temporarily but has no lasting claim to its privileges or inheritance. Spiritually speaking, those enslaved by sin cannot fully belong to God’s household. They are like temporary residents—present but not truly part of the family.
But Jesus offers something radically different. As the Son of God, He has the authority to set us free and make us sons and daughters in God’s eternal family. Unlike slaves who can be dismissed or cast out, sons and daughters have an unshakable place in their Father’s house. Through Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family and given the freedom to live as His cherished children.
This truth is not just theological; it’s deeply personal. It means you are not defined by your failures or past mistakes. You have a permanent place in God’s heart and His home.
Freedom Through Christ
What does it mean to be truly free? In John 8:36, Jesus proclaims: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” This freedom is not the world’s version of freedom—doing whatever we want whenever we want. True freedom is liberation from sin’s grip so we can live fully for God.
Here’s what freedom in Christ looks like:
- Freedom from guilt and condemnation: Romans 8:1 assures us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. You are forgiven completely and eternally.
- Freedom from sin’s power: Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to overcome destructive habits and live righteously (Galatians 5:16-18).
- Freedom to belong: We are no longer outsiders but members of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19). We have an identity rooted in His love.
This freedom transforms every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, relationships, decisions, and even our struggles. It doesn’t mean life will be free of challenges, but it does mean those challenges no longer define or defeat us.
How Do We Live Out This Freedom?
Jesus gives us a clear path to living in this freedom: “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). To “continue” means to remain steadfastly connected to Him through His Word and Spirit. It’s about building an ongoing relationship with Jesus—not just believing in Him once but walking with Him daily.
Here are practical ways to live out this freedom:
- Abide in His Word: Spend time reading and meditating on Scripture daily. Let God’s truth shape your thoughts and actions.
- Confess and Surrender: Acknowledge areas where sin has taken hold and surrender them to Jesus. He is faithful to forgive and restore.
- Walk by the Spirit: Rely on the Holy Spirit for strength to resist temptation and live according to God’s will.
- Celebrate Your Identity: Remind yourself often that you are a child of God—loved, redeemed, and secure.
- Share Your Freedom: Testify about what Jesus has done for you so others can experience His liberating grace.
A Personal Story of Freedom
Consider this testimony from someone who found freedom through Christ: “For years I struggled with anger and bitterness after being hurt by people I trusted. I tried everything—therapy, self-help books—but nothing worked until I surrendered my pain to Jesus. Through prayer and studying His Word, I began to see myself as He sees me—not as a victim but as His beloved child. Slowly but surely, He healed my heart and gave me the strength to forgive those who hurt me. Today I walk in freedom—not because my circumstances changed but because Jesus changed me.”
This story illustrates what happens when we let go of our chains and allow Christ to set us free.
A Prayer for Freedom
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son to set us free from sin’s bondage. We confess that we often fall into patterns that enslave us and draw us away from You. Help us abide in Your truth and walk in the freedom You have given us through Christ. Remind us daily of our identity as Your children—loved, redeemed, and secure in Your family forever. May we live out this freedom with joy and gratitude, bringing glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: Deliverance: God’s Rescue Plan for a Life of Freedom
Quote of the Day: “Christ set us free to live out our identity”
Closing Thought
Freedom is not just an abstract concept; it is a gift offered by Jesus Himself—a gift that transforms our lives from the inside out. If you feel weighed down today by sin or struggles that seem insurmountable, remember this: Jesus came so that you could be free indeed (John 8:36). All He asks is that you come to Him with faith and surrender.
Let today be the day you step into true freedom—the kind only Christ can give.
Scripture Reading for the Day
2 Corinthians 9 King James Version
1For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
