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Welcome! To the NO condemnation life in Christ

Aug 28, 2024
13 min read

Grace doesn't cause people to live in sin; it frees them from the paralyzing effects of guilt and condemnation so that they can live holier accidentally now than they ever did on purpose before.

Andrew Wommack


Does this sound familiar to you?

"You are good for nothing!"

"You will never be good enough to serve God!"

"You are a sinner, you cant preach the word of God!"


or perhaps once in your life you said,

"I am such a failure, why would God want me?"

"I have made too many mistakes, God wouldn't love me"

"Why would God call me, my past is too shameful...."



So many times in our lives our mistakes, past, failures, losses, rejection, pain and weaknesses, environments torment us day in and out, making us feel and think that we do not deserve good things in life. That we do not deserve God in our lives. These thoughts are like bondage keeping you in a cell that is stopping you from seeing and moving ahead in your life.


Before I got hold of the revelation of who God is, I always knew He was harsh and tough, I mean, you do not wanna mess around with Him cause He might strike you down! You need to be 'too holy' to serve him. I became soo sin conscious that I was always trying to do the right thing all the time. News flash; I failed.


Infact I remember recently, I made a decision that for a short period of time led me away from the will of God. I was miserable. I was struggling to see myself past my mistake. I felt like a failure. What did I just do? what have I done? I would ask myself. But now I walk in my freedom and you can too.



Perhaps your story is different and today I wanna to share with you; you who thinks just because of your past you will amount to anything. We have a big God who sees such greatness, beauty and glory and grace in us. I wanna tell you what exactly he says about condemnation. No matter who or what the condemnation you need to know the truth of what He says about it in His word.


This is a topic you have probably not heard preached much in the church,

Soo, Buckle up!




Defining condemnation

Condemnation is katakrima in greek meaning damnatory sentence, an adverse sentence.

The root word is katakrino meaning to judge against, to judge worthy of punishment.


When we look at the word adverse above it is synonymous to dangerous, hurtful negative, destructive, damaging, disadvantageous, bad, hostile and detrimental.


The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word condemn as,

to adjudge (declare) unfit for use or consumption. This is commonly used with buildings.


Do you know what this means? when you condemn yourself you are judging yourself as one worthy of punishment. You are believing that you deserve a dangerous, hurtful sentencing. You are saying, "I deserve a damaging sentence". You are declaring with your own tongue that you are unfit for use. Same applies to condemning others.


Now I know many of us don't use these exact words when they are condemning themselves or others but this is exactly what you mean when you think or say or accept condemning words from yourself, the devil and people.


Don't get me wrong, before we received Christ we were sinners that were condemned to eternal damnation. This is not because of God's doing. It is because of the sin nature in mankind. Just follow me, I want us to see something.



What does the Word say about condemnation?

In the first place, through Adam's sin condemnation came to everyone and by everyone I mean literally everyone that has ever walked on this face of earth. Now we all know the pay of sin is death. However, God's plan was to make us right with Him through his son, Jesus Christ.


'Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. '



The bible also calls the law in the Old Testament the ministry of condemnation.

'For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness

 exceeds much more in glory. ' II Corinthians 3:9


The message around this verse talks about how the old covenant was glorious even though it condemned people to death. I am talking about the law (2 Corinthians 3:6). Now even though the law was glorious it made them know of sin in the flesh and this strengthened their desire to sin which condemned them to death. God's plan was that the law was to point them to Christ; to help them see they can't live right, without condemnation, without a Saviour.


In summary...

Adam's sin=the law=Condemnation to death/separation from God

Christ's obedience (AKA 2nd Adam) =grace=Righteousness to eternal life/ reconciled to God



Secondly, when we refuse to believe the good news of the grace of God through Jesus Christ we are willingly condemning ourselves.


“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. ' John 5:24


-------


'For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. '


It is important to note that, the one who believes in Christ is NOT I repeat is NOT condemned. But the person who willingly chooses not to believe in Jesus Christ, after hearing the truth has condemned himself ALREADY. If you choose not to believe in the fact that Christ loved you so much he gave his life so that you can be free from the eternal destructive sentencing, you are believing that you deserve a hostile sentencing for your life. You are judging yourself as one who deserves punishment.


No matter what you have done, There is nothing you did or do that Jesus did not destroy by his body on the cross.


So, why would you desire this kind of punishment on yourself?

Selah



The Beloved John goes on to define the condemnation upon unbelievers as;

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. '



You know it's really difficult to continue doing evil when you come to the light of Christ. (1John 3:9 NLT)


So clearly the reason why people would judge themselves worthy of this dangerous sentencing is because they wanna keep doing evil. They willingly know that this is their destiny and some may even be okay with it or they are choosing to be ignorant, thinking that this is all a lie.



So does God condemn us?

Absolutely NOT.


Infact God is not even mad with you. He doesn't even remember your sins and iniquities any more (Hebrews 8:12). Why would He condemn you for something he doesn't remember? That is why he really wants you to receive his son, to welcome you to this life in him free from condemnation. I believe many of us know the famous John 3:16 verse, but I want us to pay attention to verse 17 for a moment;


'For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world

through him might be saved. '

Another version says,

'God did not send his Son into the world because he wanted to punish people. He sent his Son to save the people in the world from punishment . '


I love how the message version details it

'“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. '


*Acquitted means declared not guilty of a crime i.e. blameless.


This clearly tells us that God's intention has always been to save the world from the condemnation. Now this is love. His desire has always been that you, me and everyone else is saved and be reconciled back to him and enjoy relationship with him.


'The Lord is not being slow to do what he has promised to do. Some people may think that he is being slow to do it. But he is being patient with you. He does not want to destroy anyone. He wants all people to turn away from the wrong things that they do. '


Who exactly is condemning you?

The answer to that question may interest you.


Yes you. Sometimes we are our own biggest enemy. The bible says that it is our hearts that condemn us. This is why we are not to depend on our own hearts because the heart is deceitful. You can have moments in your life where we see God come through for you over and over again and yet you still see yourself as one who doesn't deserve God's best, you still go about life feeling unworthy, a failure, discouraged, guilty just to name a few.


'For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. '


Unfortunately this is also tied to some false doctrines we learn that makes us perceive God as a huge monster who just wants to stomp on you and punish you every chance he gets and then we end up living a life that has no freedom.

Other times it can be due to our environment which brings me to my next point.


2.People

Everyone has grown up in a certain environment, an upbringing or interactions or significant voices where you have had people put you down so much that you believed it to be the truth. This environment has a tendency of making you normalizing condemnation in your life.



Don't you know...

'For you, my brothers, were CALLED to FREEDOM; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve

and seek the best for one another. '



Religious practices, doctrines and traditions of men and constant negative speaking

are just some of the things that can cause people to speak things that can easily cause guilt to you or others even when they mean well. The real enemy the devil not people ( though he will use whoever agrees with him) knows that if he cannot get to you he will surely use those around you to condemn you. Speaking of the devil...



3. The enemy

The Word speaks of condemnation from the enemy;

'Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. '


Whenever the devil sees or thinks of YOU-a believer- there are only 3 things in his mind;

-kill him! kill her!

-steal him! steal her!

-destroy him! destroy her!


'The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.'


The devil knows that as a new born of God in the spirit, you are more powerful and greater than him because his power was destroyed on the cross. He also knows that all you want to do is please God. And, he knows the only way he can attack you is if you willingly give him the permission.


His playground is your mind, He will remind you of your past mistakes and failures, make you look down on your intellect, make you think of hurtful and resentful thoughts towards yourself and people and this in turn causes you to allow negative emotions which you find yourself projecting towards people. We are new creatures called to reflect Christ not project the dead old man.



He wants you to agree with him and his temptations so that you can end up sinning against God, and in the end he will still be there to make you feel guilty and condemned, you end up allowing thoughts of how you don't deserve to be a child of God or how you are not worthy of God's love or how you deserve a harsh, hurtful punishment from God.


Texting teacher, what do I do though when I mess up and I start condemning myself?

How to handle condemning thoughts and words

1. Speak the word

The most important thing any believer should do when they feel condemned, is to go the word of God and check what He says about it. We are first and foremost spirit beings; new creatures in Christ and inside us there is no condemnation. And since that is who we are, that is how we walk in our day to day lives.


'There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. '


Christ destroyed the power of condemnation over us so we should not allow it to take root in our hearts and minds. We focus our minds on the things above and not things on earth.


Listen friend, when you feel the temptation to move by guilt, at that very moment, that very second when you feel that way take captive of your thoughts and feelings and stand on the word. Submit it to Christ.


In practicality,

The same way enemy soldiers are captured during a war is the same way you capture the thoughts of your mind; that is, immediately they are caught!

Don't allow the thoughts to keep running free in your mind. The minute you realize you are spiraling in negative thoughts, stop them. Cancel them in the name of Jesus.


USE YOUR AUTHORITY IN CHRIST. We have been given power over the enemy ( Luke 10: 19) . We may be spirit beings but we have a will power as well. With your mouth speak against them. Choose to speak the word. Speak to your mind and emotions and tell them that,


I AM A SPIRIT BEING, I WALK BY FAITH AND NOT SIGHT OR FEELINGS. I cast my cares to the Lord, Satan you have no authority over my mind in Jesus name. God is greater than my feelings, He knows everything I am going through. He is my present help every time I have a need. Thank you Jesus for destroying the power of condemnation over me.


can I get an Amen up in here!


The bible says that life and death are in the power of your tongue. You can stand on Romans 8:1 above or any other verse the Holy spirit leads you to. Remember the devils fights you in your mind so resist him in your mind.


I get it, I really do. I have spent a lot of time in my life condemning myself for my failures, mistakes, thoughts, actions and I realized it just made me overthink, stress without any viable solution. What has helped me snap out of my emotions of guilt and condemning myself is the word of God. I made a sober decision to stay in the word of God, I meditate on it and understand that

THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION TO ME, THE TEXTING TEACHER IN CHRIST WHO WALKS NOT ACCORDING TO THE FLESH BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT!


Personalize the word, put your name in the verse like it was written just for YOU.


2. Cast your cares

Sometimes, It may take you a while for you to realize that you are condemning yourself, this may be because its become a coping mechanism habit that you picked along the many trials of going through life. This is more reason to meditate on the word no matter the situation. I may not know your story but I know He who lives inside you changed your story.


Remember we have said you are a spirit being. Once you realize you are allowing yourself to drown in guilt, stop the thoughts and reach out, let it all out to Him, talk to ABBA and cast that care to him because He is greater than whatever is condemning you and he deeply cares for you.

'For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. '



Did you know that the person who does not allow condemnation in their hearts is the one who's confidence is in God and NOT their hearts?

'Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. '


You see when you cast your care to God you are choosing to allow God who is greater than your problem to take care of it and not yourself.


3. Forget and move on!

Having cast the care, used your authority there is one more thing I would encourage you to do, Just forget about it and move on. Like Paul let it be the ONE THING you decide to do today...


'No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. '


 You see God has given us will power. Let go, forget the past, allow God while processing this. This is going to include some forgiving but the Lord is helping you. If you made a mistake on your part receive the forgiveness of the Lord, say,


Father I thank you for forgiving my past, present and future sin thank you for taking away the power of condemnation over me. Thank you because I know you are helping me and

teaching me to live and walk like Christ.


Make a firm decision to stay focused on the plan God has for you. If you do not know it well isn't it better to focus on knowing God's plan for your life than looking back at your past?


You can decide the thoughts you shall focus on everyday. I am not saying I am perfect at it. I am saying I have decided to learn by the help of the Holy spirit to let go and let the word of God be the guide of every part of my life especially my mind. And so today friend, I encourage you to do the same.


I pray that you allow the Holy spirit to open your eyes to the revelation of his word and May you earnestly desire His word like the deer that pants for water and may this word not only be mere words but life to every part of you in Jesus name, Amen.





Parting short...

When we receive Christ we were welcomed into a life free from condemnation. This is how we should live and welcome others to Christ.


Please understand, since we are not of this world yet in it, you still have a flesh, people, an enemy called satan that if you allow can be voices that will cause you to live a life full of guilt. So no matter what happens in life that condemns you, always, always remember it has no power over you. Anything Christ destroyed no longer has power over you. You have the authority over it. As spirit beings with a soul and body, our warfare is spiritual than physical therefore, the Word is the best weapon; the sword that quenches the fiery darts of condemnation of the enemy in your mind.






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