Freedom From Condemnation Series

INTRODUCTION

• SLIDE #1

• Today we remember those who have died for our freedoms. We honor them and we thank them for paying the ultimate price for their country.

• One of the great things about living in America is our ability to live free! I pray we NEVER let that slip away from us as we become increasingly more dependent upon government.

• God created us to live as free people with freewill. God does not want us enslaved to the things the world has to offer.

• Many of the things people choose to do with their lives actual keep them enslaved to that which they think they are free to do.

• Over the next few weeks, we are going to look at some of the freedoms we enjoy as a result of belonging to Jesus.

• This week we are going to begin with a freedom that many people struggle with. It is one that is difficult for many of us to accept because we just cannot believe that God could forgive us for what we have done in the past.

• When you give your life to Jesus, one of the freedoms we are able to enjoy is a freedom from condemnation.

• I believe that many Christians really never get off the ground with their faith because they do not grasp the significance of this freedom.

• Our hearts want us to hold on to the past transgressions because we feel like we deserve to be condemned for what we have done.

• Satan tries to keep our past in the forefront of our thoughts.

• Many people feel paralyzed by feeling condemned because of guilt.

• I hope as we look at this freedom you will have a greater appreciation for this wonderful freedom that God wants us all to enjoy.

• Are you struggling with feeling condemned? I pray that today’s message will bring you some encouragement.

• Let us start with verse 1 of Romans 8

• SLIDE #2

• Romans 8:1 (ESV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

• SLIDE #3

SERMON

I. The reality of freedom from condemnation.

• Chapter eight has been called the triumphant hymn of hope. Most of us understand the concept of doing the time for the crime, but in Christ, the time has been removed for the crime.

• Condemnation is punishment handed out when one is found guilty and sentenced. In the context condemnation is punishment handed out when the one found guilty of sin was sentenced by God.

• In this verse we are told there in NO condemnation for those who are in Christ.

• When we are immersed into Christ, all the transgressions of the past are wiped clean. The eternal consequences are removed from our lives. The sentence of condemnation to sin and death has been repealed or cancelled for all who are in Christ.

• This would be like a person who was found guilty by the judge and sentenced to death. Then the judge turns to the guilty one and declares the sentence repealed.

• That once guilty person could no longer be punished for that crime!

• There are not too many things that feel worse than feeling condemned.

• If you have been forgiven through Jesus, then who are we to not forgive ourselves or other people?

• The reality of the freedom from condemnation is explained a bit in verse 2.

• SLIDE #4

• Romans 8:2 (ESV) For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

• We see that the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death.

• The term “law of Spirit of life” is a reference to the Holy Spirit. It is one of over 40 names for the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

• When we are immersed into Christ, we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us. One of the things the Spirit does in our lives is to set us free from the law of sin and death.

• We always need to be aware there are two competing orders, the law of sin and death and the law of the Spirit.

• The governing rule of sin and death has been run out of town and a new sheriff has come, the law of the Spirit of life, the Holy Spirit!

• Where ever sin rules, death results. Because of sin, we have both physical and spiritual death.

• The seventh chapter of Romans deals with Paul’s struggles with the law of sin and death and the law of the spirit. Paul was describing his struggle with sin when he was a Jew. The Law could not help him with his struggle. The Gospel can.