This presentation, based on John 8:31-47, addresses the profound issues of violence, hate, and suffering in the world, asserting that these are merely visible symptoms of a deeper, invisible "spiritual root problem" common to all humanity. The core idea is that "We've got a root problem, but Jesus shows us the cure". Jesus speaks to Jews who "had believed him," using this moment to inspect their spiritual condition, noting that "not all belief is true belief". He offers a diagnostic tool: "If you abide in my word you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free". Abiding means consistently seeking and applying God's word to one's thoughts, attitudes, and deeds, leading to a relational knowledge of the truth.

When the Jews claimed freedom based on being "offspring of Abraham," Jesus exposed their spiritual blindness, stating, "everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin". This slavery is universal because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". Jesus demonstrates His authority using a household analogy: the slave does not remain forever, but the Son remains. He concludes: "So if the son sets you free you will be free indeed". Both the truth (v. 32) and the Son (v. 36) grant freedom because Jesus is the truth. The Jews’ spiritual rejection was evident in their desire to kill Jesus because His word found "no place in you". Jesus revealed their true spiritual lineage: "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires". The devil, being a "murderer from the beginning" and the "father of lies," aligns with their murderous intent and inability to believe the truth. Their failure to hear the words of God indicates they are "not of God"—meaning they are not "born of God born again born from above". The cure is to abide in the word, embrace the Son, and be born of God.