Freedom in Christ: The Iceberg Principle

Main Thought

Almost everyone comes to Jesus looking for something. We want answers to our questions. We want Him to fix our pain and suffering. But these things are often only “the tip of the iceberg.” About 10-20 percent of an iceberg is visible above the water’s surface, while 80-90 percent lies beneath the surface. In a similar fashion, the Iceberg Principle communicates the idea that 80-90 percent of the issues in our lives actually lie beneath the surface. They’re things that we aren’t aware of, or things that we don’t want to talk about. Jesus wants to get past our surface issues. He wants to dig deeper and deliver us, help us, and sets us free.

Main Passages

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

- John 3:16 NIV

“The thief purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

- John 10:10 NLT

“Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

- John 8:31-32 NLT

Discussion Questions

  1. What stood out to you in last Sunday’s sermon, in the Main Thought, or in the Main passages?

  2. Why do you think people have a tendency to only allow Jesus access to “surface issues” in their lives?

  3. What would it look like for Jesus to go past the surface in your life? How does He want to heal you or set you free?