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Knowing Is Not Enough
Knowing Is Not Enough
Introduction:
How many of you believe that the Bible is the Word of God? How many of you believe that if you know the truth that the truth will set you free? And how many of you know that the Bible does not teach that knowing the truth will set you free? In fact the bible teaches that knowing the truth is not enough.
Not enough? No, not enough. However, we all already know that knowing the truth is not enough to set you free.
It is not enough for the United States Surgeon General to label cigarette packs with the warning: (read the pack’s side bar) Truth, people watch their friends die of these diseases and continue to smoke until they die of one of these diseases.
It’s not enough for the school system to provide sex education classes for teenagers. Truth, youth continue to have sex, unprotected sex which leads to pregnancies and STDs.
Let’s not pick on youth. It’s not enough for the police to post speed limits.
It’s not enough for the police to post a 55 miles per hour speed limit. Truth, people see the posted speed limit and proceed to drive 75 miles an hour or more.
It’s not enough that the jails are filled with young black men, and a growing number of young black women, who have sought to build an empire through selling crack cocaine. Truth, many will be on the employment black list, many will be maimed for life, others incarcerated for life, and still others murdered.
So if the bible does not teach that you will know the truth and that the truth will set you free, what does it teach?
The Bible teaches that the truth that you know is the truth that hold to.
Look at
To the Jews who had believed him, 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.”
through verse 32 reads as follows: to the Jews who had believed him, 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.”
Main Point I
If you want Jesus to set you free, you must know who you believe.
Explanation
Please note that Jesus was addressing the Jews who believed in him. In the proceeding verses, the Jews were having a debate about who Jesus is. This was common. One person said, no one ever spoke like this man. Someone else said, who is this that even speaks to the wind and it obeys. Some said, he was demon possessed while still others said, his words and actions are not those of a demon filled man. So the crowd was divided. Some believed believed him and some did not believe him.
In the proceeding verses, the Jews were having a debate about who Jesus is. This was common. One person said, no one ever spoke like this man. Someone else said, who is this that even speaks to the wind and it obeys. Some said, he was demon possessed while still others said, his words and actions are not those of a demon filled man. So the crowd was divided.
Illustration
This is still the great debated question, who is Jesus? Discover channel
Application
Have you ever been lost and had to ask for directions?
Application
Everyone must resolve what do with the claims of Christ. Believe them or disbelieve them. You will never confidently follow the directions of a person that you do not believe. Have you ever been lost and had to ask for directions?
Have you ever been lost and had to ask for directions?
Have you ever been lost and had to ask for directions?
Main Point II
If you want Jesus to set you free, you must know what you believe.
Explanation
It is impossible to hold to Jesus’ teaching without spending time to become acquainted with those teachings.
Illustration
Application
Main Point III
If you want Jesus to set you free, you must hold on to what you believe.
Explanation
Jesus makes it clear that his true disciples are those who hold to his teachings. This is not merely being able to quote verses but to live by them.
Illustration
(True story about the muslim who thought anybody could say Jesus is Lord.) (One third of Americans claim to be born again but there is no difference between them and non believers in behavior.)
Application