God’s Declaration – No Condemnation!

Date: December 4^th, 2011

Text: Romans 8:1
Preached by: Pastor Van Morris

Introduction

Satan’s primary temptation strategy is to try and make those who are in Christ forget what God has declared about them so that they evaluate their standing before God by some other criteria.

Romans 8:1 – Is True in Spite of What Paul Had Done

Acts 26:9-11

Before being converted Paul actively opposed Jesus, locking up many of the believers in prison, participating in their executions, and persecuting them unmercifully.  Yet Paul, being in Christ Jesus, was not subject to condemnation for his sin.

Romans 8:1 – Is True in Spite of What I Have Done

There is most likely a particular sin that Satan uses to paralyze you.  He holds it up and says, “You can never be forgiven for doing this.  You are still under condemnation for it.”  David asked God to not remember the sins of his youth (Psalm 25:7).  God’s answer to Satan’s accusations and David’s prayer is Romans 8:1.

Romans 8:1 Is True In Spite of the Realities of Romans  Chapter 7

Romans 7:13-25

Though the Christian does not perfectly manifest in practice what is true of them in principle, and they experience a daily battle against  indwelling sin, sometimes experiencing failure, God’s declaration is still true.

Application Questions

1.     What’s the “scandal of grace” when Romans 8:1 is compared to Acts 26:9-11?

2.     Explain the basis for God’s declaring us innocent in Christ (e.g. 2 Cor. 5:21)?

3.     Without being too specific about the particular sin, how do Satan’s accusations affect you?  In light of Romans 8:1, how will you respond differently in the future?

4.     If experiencing failure in our Christian walk does not bring condemnation, what might be a more appropriate response to our sin (e.g. 1 Jn. 1:9, 2 Cor. 7:10)?  

5.     Develop a Gospel “tweet” (i.e. 140 characters or less) and post it on the group’s facebook page.