Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Living a Balanced Life Week 2 Day 4

Romans 8:1-2

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (ESV)

Condemnation is an interesting word. A study of this word reveals that it’s much stronger than it appears.

The “con” part of condemnation is similar to the Spanish word meaning “with.” If you were to order Chili con Carne, you would receive chili with meat. Condemnation literally means “with damnation.” If you ordered your chili that way, it would be some pretty hot chili.

Paul tells us here that for those of us who belong to Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. That’s good news. Condemnation means that someone has pronounced final judgment saying that we will never change and are condemned to staying just the way we are which leads to sin and death.
As believers, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. God is working in us and heightens our sensitivity to what He wants for our lives. While God convicts, He doesn’t condemn believers.

What parts of your life are you afraid can never be changed? How have you gone about making changes? Some things in one form or another may dog you every day, but you don’t have to give in. You are not condemned to this. Embrace Christ’s freedom today.

Copyright © 2009 Allen White

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible: English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, Wheaton: Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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