John 8:31-32 “Putting Faith to the Test”

Introduction: The setting for this text takes place on the same morning they brought to Jesus a woman taken in adultery. The Feast of Tabernacles had ended and Jesus had stayed behind in Jerusalem to teach the people in the Temple. Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the Light of The World. He was challenged by the Pharisees and His response

was to tell them that unless they would believe in Him they would die in their sins. He again reminded them that He was not of this world, that He was sent from heaven to the earth and that the Father sent Him. He also reminded them that the Father was with Him because He did those things which pleased the Father.

John, the writer of the book, tells us at this point that many people out of this great crowd believed on Him. That is, they accepted the idea that He is the Christ and

that God had sent Him into the world. They, at the very least, professed to believe that He is the Christ and that God had sent Him into the world.

In our text today, Jesus puts these professed believers to the test. The test is designed to show whether or not their profession of faith is really genuine. There faith will be put to the test by their actions. If they are true disciples they shall be truly free.

(John 8:31) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;

(John 8:32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

My translation: Therefore Jesus was saying unto the Jews who had believed on Him “If you should abide in My word truly you are My disciples and you shall know for yourself the truth and the truth shall set you free.”

I. The need for putting Faith to the test.

A. Some make a false profession of faith.

1. Because they are caught up in the emotion of a moment.

2. Because others are making professions.

3. Because others want them to be saved.

B. Some want to seem religious.

1. Because they want to be accepted by their family and friends.

2. Because they want to be in the spot light.

C. How will we know we are saved without a test?

1. We need the assurance. I never loved a woman before I met my wife. How do I know that what I feel for her is love? I would do almost anything for her. I worry about her health and safety. I want to make her happy. These desires come about through my actions.

D. How will we know others are genuinely saved without a test?

1. A test reveals the genuine and the not genuine. A diamond will cut glass but a fake will not.

2. If we see others pass the test we can be assured they are saved.

3. We cannot see into the heart we can only see the outer man.

4. I do not worry about my children’s salvation for I see it through the test Jesus has set forth for that purpose.

II. The Test of ones Faith.

A. Abiding or continuing in the Word is the test of ones faith.

B. Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

C. The proof of Abraham’s faith was in his actions. He was obedient to God’s word. He left Ur, He offered up his son.

D. John wrote these words to help us to know that we are saved. (1 John 5:3) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. 5) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

E. John wrote of some who had forsaken the Christian walk saying “(1 John 2:19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

F. The Word will not pass away. It will remain for all eternity. Its truth will endure throughout time.

G. If one truly has been saved he will love the Lord and the Lord will love him. Whom He loves He chastens.

H. You may be a follower of some great and wise man and yet not agree with him on every subject. To be a follower of Jesus is more ridged for to say that Jesus is wrong is to say that He is not God.

III. The result of the test.

A. Knowing the Truth.

1. Knowing Him for the wonderful God He is.

2. Knowing His marvelous grace.

3. Knowing His wonderful mercy.

4. Knowing His wonderful Love.

B. Being set free by the truth.

1. Free from worry.

a. About your eternal destiny.

b. About your daily needs.

c. About the cares of this world.

2. Free from the bondage of sin.

a. Free to live for God.

b. Free to do that which is right in God’s eyes.

c. Free to serve others instead of self.

(John 8:34) Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Conclusion: Those who are disciples of Jesus live for Jesus. Those who are His disciples and do not live for Him will be chastened by Him. The question we need to ask ourselves is “Am I saved and am I a disciple of Jesus?” Are you continuing in His Word? Do you or do others have doubts about your salvation? Trust and Obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.