09 Nov 2011 2 Comments

Free from a Stronghold of Condemnation

No matter how much we repent we are still subject to sin as long as we live on earth in our earthly bodies. This is not science fiction. It’s a scriptural fact. If we sin, we are condemned.

Jesus is considered by scholars such as Weber ...

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves. 1John1:8

Even if we isolate ourselves from the entire world, as some groups do, we can’t avoid sin, temptation, or sinners. In fact, Jesus commanded His disciples [us] to go among sinners. We can’t separate sinful flesh from spirit. But we do have a responsibility to resist the temptation to sin.

An isolated person or group won’t help those in prison, or those who live on the streets, or who are lost, to see the love of  Jesus. Self righteous judgment harbors a spirit or stronghold of condemnation. Not ministering to the hopeless or homeless is just as much a sin as any other.

Jesus didn’t separate himself nor did he tell us to separate ourselves. If we are separating ourselves from the world in order to stay pure [free from condemnation] it’s not going to happen.

The internet is filled with all sorts of temptations to sin. Life [in the flesh] itself is filled with all sorts of temptation to sin. So, what’s the answer. How can we be sure we are free from the stronghold of condemnation?

Sower - Thorns

5 Biblical tips to break condemnation:

1. Don’t judge. Really. Don’t judge a sinner in their sins. If you do, God will judge you by your own measure.

Romans 2:1-29 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.

2. Follow the commandments.  If you are truly in Christ you will turn from your sins.

1 John 3:6 Those who live in Christ don’t go on sinning. Those who go on sinning haven’t seen or known Christ.

3. Cleanse yourself by the renewing of your mind in Christ.

John 5:26-29 The Father is the source of life, and he has enabled the Son to be the source of life too. 27“He has also given the Son authority to pass judgment because he is the Son of Man. 28Don’t be surprised at what I’ve just said. A time is coming when all the dead will hear his voice, 29and they will come out of their tombs. Those who have done good will come back to life and live. But those who have done evil will come back to life and will be judged.

1 John 3:9 Those who have been born from God don’t live sinful lives. What God has said lives in them, and they can’t live sinful lives. They have been born from God.

3. Crucify the flesh daily. That is, make a daily commitment to follow Christ and turn from [fleshly desires] sin.

Matthew 26:41 All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires.

4. Don’t continue associations with false Christians.

1 Corinthians 5:9-11 In my letter to you I told you not to associate with people who continue to commit sexual sins. 10I didn’t tell you that you could not have any contact with unbelievers who commit sexual sins, are greedy, are dishonest, or worship false gods. If that were the case, you would have to leave this world. 11Now, what I meant was that you should not associate with people who call themselves brothers or sisters in the Christian faith but live in sexual sin, are greedy, worship false gods, use abusive language, get drunk, or are dishonest. Don’t eat with such people.

5. Relax in knowing that, following Jesus is a daily commitment like any marriage. But it is also a life of celebration from the freedom of death caused by sin.

Romans 8:1 THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.

Proverbs 16:6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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