No Condemnation
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2
Self-condemnation is a powerfully negative force. A lack of self esteem, shame, erosion of confidence and diminishing faith are all produced by 'damning' ourselves. But who can condemn someone that God pardoned and set free? Those who condemn themselves dwell in their sin and in the past. The problem with this is we 'do' where we dwell. Who lives in Gilroy? - Gilroyans. And if you live in the failings of your past, you are condemned a sinner. Pigs and dogs either return to the sty, or their vomit - it's in their nature. But Jesus gave us a new nature (like him) that is through the Spirit. This new nature, by the Spirit, helps us to…
DENY THE FLESH…
"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:5-6
In many ways, sin chips away at our life - ways like our: peace; happiness; joy; confidence; physical and mental health, and of course, due to guilt, our spiritual well being. But in giving our lives to Jesus, the Holy Spirit now resides in our hearts, and His presence brings a change in our minds about sin. This new perspective leads to a righteous life. His governing of our minds causes life and peace.
…AND EMBRACE THE FATHER.
"…Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." Romans 8:14-16
Not by anything we've done, but by being led of the Spirit, we are 'sons (teknon = child / citizen) of God'. Because of this standing, we never again need to fear our place, or that we will be displaced. God is now our 'Abba' (dad) which is settled by the Spirit testifying to our spirit of this truth. The Holy Spirit's presence and leading of our lives allows us to live free in our Father's presence. "…We are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ." Romans 8:17