Introduction
Today, there are still some people who believe God is hard on them for their past failures. Because of the bitterness and anger they have inside, they will inevitably be bitter toward the people around them. Eventually, they will end up being bitter and angry toward themselves. Satan has such a stronghold on them, they cannot forgive themselves for their past mistakes and end up punishing themselves and others, whether they know it or not.
What it becomes is a vicious cycle of defeat. The more they can’t forgive themselves, the more they hurt themselves and others with all sorts of behavior. They end up bound by various destructive addictions that compound the guilt. It will eventually drive them to punish themselves and others even more, and the cycle continues.
I believe the root cause of many sinful habits, fears, and addictions is usually be traced to condemnation. I want to talk to you today about going after condemnation to help you receive God’s forgiveness and be able to forgive others so that you will break out of your cycle of defeat, and step into a new cycle of victory.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1 NKJV
What is Condemnation?
The word “condemnation” (katakrima) means judgment or passing a sentence of condemnation. Paul uses condemnation in place of the word “penalty.” What he is saying in this verse is that there is no penalty for your past, present, and future sins. Remember, you are saved through faith in Christ Jesus, hallelujah!
The question is, “are you living with some unresolved guilt and condemnation today?” If you are, I have great news for you. When you realize that God’s heart is not in condemnation but in forgiveness, you can turn your entire life around for His glory! So many lives are transformed when taking that small leap of faith to believe in His grace and receive His forgiveness in their lives.
2 Corinthians 3:9 states, “For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.” Condemnation is a part of the law, but grace exceeds the law. It makes a way for forgiveness and living in God’s righteousness.
Correct Condemning Yourself
Instead of condemning yourself for past mistakes, start correcting your beliefs and receive God’s forgiveness by seeing Jesus take on the punishment at the cross. You will begin to see Jesus qualifying you to receive every blessing from God for your marriage, family, and career. You are the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus.
If you are a Christian, God will not condemn you for your past, present, and future sins because you are the righteousness or in the right standing with God. This was made possible through Jesus’ finished work on the cross. If you are not a Christian, God still does not want to condemn you, He wants to save you. God does not send anyone to hell, we do it ourselves through our disobedience and unbelief in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:41).
Right now, I want to encourage you to release the built-up guilt and condemnation for whatever mistakes you’ve made over the years to the Lord. It’s a simple but powerful prayer. I encourage you to pray this prayer every time you fail and experience guilt and condemnation in your heart. Would you pray this prayer with me?
Prayer for Removal of Condemnation
“Lord Jesus, I don’t want to live under guilt and condemnation anymore. Today, I release all my failures, sins, and mistakes into Your loving hands. I receive Your forgiveness right now in my heart. Thank You for Your precious blood that washes and cleanses me whiter than snow. Right now, I stand in Your righteousness, favor, joy, and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
Conclusion
Stop punishing yourself. All answers are found at the cross of Jesus. I promise you that when you turn to Jesus and remind yourself just how forgiven and righteous you are in Christ every time you fall short, you will start living like the forgiven and righteous person Jesus has made you, Amen!
I am Dale Van De Bogart and I approve of this message!
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