Verses that inspire

Yesterday, we quoted a verse in the gospel of John:

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

What exactly does it mean?
I suppose in academia, that phrase could mean promoting the power of education and learning. The desire to have academic freedom. But Jesus wasn't talking about classroom learning.
At that point in history, the people listening to Jesus speak were under the rule of the Roman government. They had a huge amount of autonomy, but they still were aware every day of who was in control -- the presence of soldiers, governors, and more from the Roman culture was enough to keep it firmly in their minds that they were not a free people.
But in actuality, Jesus was not talking about political freedom, either (even though the next verses show us that is how the Jewish people interpreted his words).

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin." (John 8:34)

Being a slave to sin is the "ultimate" bondage. The freedom that Jesus offers to us is a spiritual freedom from the slavery of sin; we can be released from the sinful lifestyle, the habitual lawlessness and the ignoring of God's Word that human beings find themselves trapped in.  Jesus went on to note that the people may have had a biological relationship with Abraham, but that they were not members of God's family, because they were slaves to sin. He pointed out that if they were followers of Him, they would know the truth about their sin, and about Christ, and they would be freed from their bondage and brought into the family of God.
Oh, how casually we can read that! How nonchalantly we can think on it!
But how totally awesome it is!
Knowing the Truth will set us at liberty...... free from sin, from condemnation, and free from death!

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:22-23)

Peter's words that we studied earlier this year come to my mind:

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. (I Peter 2:15-17)

Thank you, Lord, for setting us free!
These verses inspired me.....won't you leave a comment and share a verse or passage that has inspired you?