There are two Truths from our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan that I want to remind you of today! The first is found in John 8:23:
23 He said to them, You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world (of this earthly order); I am not of this world.
Jesus said this in response to something that the Pharisees and some of the other Jews were saying about Him. Jesus did not have His Source of supply on the earth, but in Heaven! We who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior are like Him in that respect also! Look at John 17:14-16:
14 I have given and delivered to them Your word (message) and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world [do not belong to the world], just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world), [just] as I am not of the world. AMP
We are NOT "of" this world! Our Source of supply is the same as Jesus'! Our citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20 AMP)and we are merely ambassadors here (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are NOT to blend in with the world, but to stand out from them as those who have the ANSWER! AMEN! The only way to adequately do this is to stay in constant fellowship with Him through prayer, praise & worship and study & meditation of His Word. Jesus said THIS later on that same day after some of the Jews believed on Him, Verses 31-32:
31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.
"You shall know" is the Greek word "ginosko", which means: to know absolutely; to learn to know; to understand; to perceive; to become acquainted with. We learn from John 17:17 that the Word of God IS Truth (John 17:17)! Now look at verse 36:
36 So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.
"Free" here is the Greek word "eleutheros", which means: freeborn; not a slave; not bound by any obligation. YOU and I are FOREVER free! Thank YOU, Jesus! Now, go show that freedom off so others will want to be free, too! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Freedom Is Here":
Shalom in Him!
