Freedom and Righteousness: No Condemnation in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Romans 8:1-8, focusing on the profound declaration that "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This victorious declaration is the cornerstone of our faith, emphasizing that the only declaration that truly matters is the one Jesus makes in our lives. We explored the dichotomy between those who are condemned and those who have been declared righteous by God. Declarations, whether positive or negative, are made over us all the time, but the declaration of God is the ultimate truth that defines our identity and destiny.
We reflected on the significance of being declared righteous by God, which changes our position from condemned to justified. This transformation is not based on our actions but on the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ. The law, weakened by the flesh, could not save us, but God sent His Son to fulfill the righteous requirement of the law on our behalf. This act of grace sets us free from the law of sin and death, allowing us to live according to the Spirit.
Living according to the Spirit means setting our minds on spiritual things, which leads to life and peace, as opposed to setting our minds on the flesh, which leads to death. The Spirit empowers us to walk in a new direction, free from the bondage of sin. This new walk is marked by a relationship with God, where the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, not to condemn us, but to draw us closer to Him.
We also discussed the practical implications of this freedom. While we are free from eternal condemnation, we still face earthly consequences for our actions. However, our standing before God remains secure because of Jesus' sacrifice. This assurance should lead us to live in a way that pleases God, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude for what He has done for us.
As we approach communion, we are reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus and the declaration of righteousness that He has made over our lives. This is a time to reflect on our relationship with God and to celebrate the freedom we have in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. No Condemnation in Christ: The declaration that "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" is a transformative truth. It means that once we place our faith in Jesus, we are no longer under the judgment of sin. This declaration changes our position before God from condemned to justified, giving us a new identity rooted in Christ. [06:39]
2. Freedom from Sin and Death: Through Jesus' sacrificial act, we are set free from the law of sin and death. This freedom is not just a future promise but a present reality. The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus breaks the chains of sin, allowing us to live in the liberty of God's grace. This freedom empowers us to resist sin and live righteously. [13:37]
3. Living According to the Spirit: Setting our minds on the Spirit leads to life and peace, while setting our minds on the flesh leads to death. The Holy Spirit within us guides and convicts us, helping us to walk in a new direction. This new walk is characterized by a relationship with God, where we are continually being transformed into His likeness. [17:40]
4. Earthly Consequences and Eternal Security: While we are free from eternal condemnation, we still face earthly consequences for our actions. However, our eternal security in Christ remains unshaken. This assurance should motivate us to live in a way that honors God, knowing that our standing before Him is based on Jesus' righteousness, not our own. [11:37]
5. The Importance of God's Declaration: The only declaration that truly matters is the one that God makes over our lives. This declaration of righteousness through faith in Jesus is the foundation of our identity and destiny. It frees us from the weight of sin and guilt, allowing us to walk freely with Jesus and live out our faith with confidence and joy. [22:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Opening Prayer
[02:09] - Personal Story: Last Day as a Policeman
[03:45] - The Gospel Hope: No Condemnation
[04:47] - Two Types of People: Condemned and Righteous
[05:41] - Declarations Made Over Us
[06:39] - The Declaration: No Condemnation in Christ
[07:19] - Paul's Look Back: Romans Context
[08:13] - The Truth of God's Word
[08:59] - The War Within: Romans 7
[10:06] - Changed Positionally in Christ
[11:37] - Earthly Consequences and Eternal Security
[13:37] - Freedom from Sin and Death
[15:39] - Jesus Breaks the Chains
[17:40] - Free to Walk in Relationship with God
[19:18] - The New Walk in the Spirit
[22:54] - The Importance of God's Declaration
[23:59] - Freedom to Obey the Spirit
[25:45] - Closing Prayer and Communion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 8:1-8
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 8:1 declare about those who are in Christ Jesus? How does this declaration impact our identity? [06:39]
2. According to Romans 8:2, what has the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set us free from? [13:37]
3. In Romans 8:5-6, what are the two different mindsets mentioned, and what are their outcomes? [17:40]
4. How does the sermon describe the practical implications of being declared righteous by God? [11:37]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "declared righteous" by God, and how does this differ from being condemned? [06:39]
2. How does the Holy Spirit help believers to live according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh? [17:40]
3. What are the earthly consequences of sin mentioned in the sermon, and how do they differ from eternal condemnation? [11:37]
4. How does the declaration of "no condemnation" influence a believer's relationship with God and their daily walk? [19:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt condemned by others or yourself. How does the truth of "no condemnation in Christ" change your perspective on that situation? [06:39]
2. In what ways can you set your mind on the things of the Spirit this week? Identify specific actions or habits that can help you focus on spiritual matters. [17:40]
3. How can you live out the freedom from sin and death in your daily life? Are there specific sins or habits you need to address with the help of the Holy Spirit? [13:37]
4. Think about a recent decision or action that had earthly consequences. How did you handle it, and how can you better align your actions with your secure standing in Christ? [11:37]
5. How can you remind yourself daily of the declaration that God has made over your life? Are there specific scriptures, prayers, or practices that can help reinforce this truth? [22:54]
6. As you approach communion, what aspects of Jesus' sacrifice and the declaration of righteousness do you want to reflect on and celebrate? [23:59]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group to live in the freedom and assurance of their identity in Christ? Share practical ways to uplift one another in this truth. [19:18]
Devotional
Day 1: No Condemnation in Christ
The declaration that "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" is a transformative truth. It means that once we place our faith in Jesus, we are no longer under the judgment of sin. This declaration changes our position before God from condemned to justified, giving us a new identity rooted in Christ. [06:39]
Romans 8:33-34 (ESV): "Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt condemned or judged. How does the truth that there is no condemnation in Christ change your perspective on that situation?
Day 2: Freedom from Sin and Death
Through Jesus' sacrificial act, we are set free from the law of sin and death. This freedom is not just a future promise but a present reality. The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus breaks the chains of sin, allowing us to live in the liberty of God's grace. This freedom empowers us to resist sin and live righteously. [13:37]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel bound by sin. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you experience freedom in that area today?
Day 3: Living According to the Spirit
Setting our minds on the Spirit leads to life and peace, while setting our minds on the flesh leads to death. The Holy Spirit within us guides and convicts us, helping us to walk in a new direction. This new walk is characterized by a relationship with God, where we are continually being transformed into His likeness. [17:40]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can set your mind on the Spirit today? Consider your thoughts, actions, and habits.
Day 4: Earthly Consequences and Eternal Security
While we are free from eternal condemnation, we still face earthly consequences for our actions. However, our eternal security in Christ remains unshaken. This assurance should motivate us to live in a way that honors God, knowing that our standing before Him is based on Jesus' righteousness, not our own. [11:37]
Hebrews 12:6-7 (ESV): "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent mistake or sin. How can you accept God's discipline and use it as an opportunity to grow closer to Him?
Day 5: The Importance of God's Declaration
The only declaration that truly matters is the one that God makes over our lives. This declaration of righteousness through faith in Jesus is the foundation of our identity and destiny. It frees us from the weight of sin and guilt, allowing us to walk freely with Jesus and live out our faith with confidence and joy. [22:54]
Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"
Reflection: What negative declarations or labels have you accepted about yourself? How can you replace them with God's declaration of who you are in Christ?
Quotes
1. "The only declaration that matters is the one that Jesus makes in your life. There are declarations that are made. All of the time. And I'm going to talk about that here in a second. But as I, as I thought about this, there's, there's two types of people here this morning that I hope that God speaks to and works to. I think those two types of people are those that are condemned. Those that stand condemned. They're on a path headed to condemnation, damnation. And there's those that have been declared righteous by God, not condemned anymore. Anymore. And so there's just two types of people." [04:47] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God makes a declaration on the believer's life. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Let me say it again. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Can I get an amen? Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Sit down right now and we just praise God for that, us believers, right? But I have points. And so, so you have, Paul starts out, says there is therefore, it's this look back." [06:39] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God makes a declaration over you when you place your faith in Jesus Christ. There is no condemnation, not one. The way it reads is not one condemnation. Not one thing is held over you. Not a single one. You are changed positionally. When God, when you put your faith in Jesus, you are changed positionally. God declares over you. Boom. Boom. Righteous. And so you don't stand the way that you stood. You stand over here now looking to eternity. And you're like, I stand declared righteous by God through Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. And that is the best news out of the Bible." [10:06] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "How are you declared righteous? How are you declared righteous? Well, it's in Christ. It's in Christ. But God, the father sends his only son. Think about this for a second. We're these wretched people, these massive sinners. And God says, look, I'm going to send my only son, Jesus Christ, to come to this earth and live. And die sacrificially for you and me. Would you ever send your son or daughter for somebody else, especially somebody that is such a wretch, to come and die? Be sacrificed? No. But God did. Because God wants relationship with us. So the spirit then, when someone is in Christ, the spirit lives within them." [14:40] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You have a new walk in your life. If you've heard the Bee Gees song, Staying Alive. You guys know the Bee Gees song? You can tell by the way I walk, can't use my... You know that? You can tell by the way I use my walk. Right? You're different now. You have a new walk. You have a new direction in your life. That is just different because God lives inside of you. And he wants to be with you. He wants to be in relationship with you. And that walk, it's not perfect, is it? It's not a perfect walk." [18:36] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The conviction of God is his love in your life. It's not that God is like, Ugh, Rob sinned again. Ugh. That's not God. God, God's like, I want to be in relationship with him. I'm going to convict him of this flesh. So he can beat down that flesh. And he can walk with me in relationship. And he brings you this conviction. The... God, it's been said that God does not, his desire is not to make us happy. But to make us holy. But I'll tell you, the byproduct of walking with God, oftentimes, is being happy. When we follow God and do what he wants us to do." [19:56] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You can never please God by trying to live up to the law. In fact, that does not work. Jesus did it for you. If you are in Christ. Jesus lived up to the law and paid the penalty for your sin and my sin. He took on, like the law had demanded a payment. The law demanded that because... Way back. Because Adam and Eve and all the sin. And when you were born into this world, like you recognize that you have sin in your life. And the law demanded a payment. And God sent his son, Jesus, to pay for you and me. And by faith, if you believe in Jesus, that is account taken on your account. And you are declared righteous." [21:46] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So does this message matter? So to the believer, you might be sitting here and you're like, this is... I've heard this. This is old news, right? It's good news. It is so good news because it affects how we think and the declaration. This is what we think. that God makes is what we need to remember as believers, that God has declared you righteous and that God wants to be in relationship with you. Yeah, he wants you to be putting off sin and putting him on, but it's because he loves you and he wants to be in relationship with you. It matters because where you will be in eternity matters and that's coming." [22:54] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So believer this morning, recognize where you stand. You have a crazy amount of freedom from shame and guilt and the weight of sin. You can and should freely walk with Jesus. You can. You can freely walk with Jesus. You have a freedom to obey the Spirit. You have a freedom now. You didn't have that before. And you can put sin off because God loves you and not for any other reason. So as we look toward coming to communion this morning, we get to celebrate what God, through Jesus Christ, has done for those who have put their faith in Jesus." [23:59] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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