B.A second peril holding people back is Arrogance. The Pharisees' statement that they had never lived as slaves is not just inaccurate; it’s arrogant! Israel had experienced slavery under Assyrian Empire, Babylonian Empire, Persian Empire, and now Roman Empire. But their greatest slavery was their sin. They were unwilling to admit that they had failed to meet God's holy standard. Like many today, they lived by a legalistic code and arrogantly rejected the offer of God's amazing grace.
C.A third peril holding people back is Reluctance. John 8:30 says, “Many came to believe in Him”. But those making claims of being free who were bound had not put their faith in Christ. This group was not just ignorant of the Truth. They were arrogant because they believed they overlooked their need for Christ, claiming they could make it without him, and were unwilling to surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Hell will be filled with such people! Further, we see…
D.A fourth peril holding people back is Complacency. The complacent claim success on their terms, amassing moral and earthly success, money, and things at will, with no regard for God. The Bible is filled with stories of complacent people who claimed a little bit of freedom instead of going all the way to trust Christ for abundant freedom. Like many today, they were too busy doing life their way, than to spend time with the One who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”! But to these (and us) Jesus says in John 8:36 “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed!” Jesus offers true freedom, instead of settling for the cheap life of addictions, disappointment, and enslaving sins that bind many! We must arouse ourselves to the things of
us to be. Consider playing an instrument like the piano. Freedom to play is benefited by purpose. A toddler can bang on the piano keys, but music enjoyment increases by the person who has taken lessons, read music, and creates worshipful sounds with those 88 keys. Both the toddler and skilled musician are free to play the instrument, but it takes the truth of music for the piano to be fully played as it was designed. In the same way, every one of us was created to walk in fellowship with almighty God. We can be the most intellectual person, but as sin enslaves us and separates us from God, we miss the Truth and Purpose of God to fully enjoy the freedom and life relationship as Children of God. Its why we must address:
II.THE PERILS HOLDING FREEDOM BACK
Though Jesus declared freedom was possible, the sad reality is that few experience it. While many were getting freedom, in John 8:30-33, some said to Jesus, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone, how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’? Their response and ours show several things:
A.A first peril holding people back is Ignorance. This land was occupied by Roman soldiers, but they claimed they had never been enslaved. Often people who are “enslaved” by earth’s vices and perils don’t realize how bound they truly are. Here Jesus offers potential freedom to people who didn’t know freedom was available or needed. The Bible speaks of those "living in darkness" that Jesus came to bring light to!