No Condemnation

Romans 8:1-10

Usually I find that when I struggle most to obey and walk with God, I am somehow feeling condemned, guilty, and unworthy. I am forgetting the hope found in these verses from Romans which frees me from sin’s grip.

These verses remind us that we do not have to live condemned if we belong to Jesus Christ. His power frees us from death and sin. But what does this really mean for day-to-day living? To me, it means that I should only listen to God’s words of peace and hope. All other negative voices that tell me differently are not from God. This truth should always be my compass.

Knowing God’s commandments does not save us because, as sinners, we cannot keep them. God’s plan to save us is different. He sent Jesus, in human form, to destroy sin’s grip over us. Following the Holy Spirit’s voice within us, that inexplicable nudge, shows that we believe that we are not condemned and are free to live through Christ.

However, to act in obedience and to receive that Spirit, we first have to believe that we are free from sin. Romans 8:1-10 emphasizes that unbelief results in old, negative ways. This Lenten season, let’s make a special effort to start believing and remembering that we are saved. This will open us up to the Holy Spirit’s lead in our lives. As a result, we will find that we will want to serve others, not ourselves, obey God’s laws with joy, not drudgery, and please and honor Him.

Written by Charles Moore