By“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
Overcoming condemning thoughts is one of the commonest struggles among some Christians. Many of us know Jesus has paid for the sin of the world (John 1:29). Moreover, we also know that God has chosen not to remember both our sins and iniquities (Hebrews 8:12). Yet, the devil keeps making some children of God feel distant from God because of a few wrongdoings done one way or the other.
Fortunately, there’s a solution to this issue in God’s Word. And it all lies in first having a clear spiritual understanding of Romans 8:1, and secondly, letting your mind lay hold on that truth.
If you read Romans 8:1 carefully, you’ll notice the word “now.” It means “present.” Currently, there’s no condemnation of those who are in Christ Jesus. Paul was very mindful when he used terms like “Christ Jesus” and “Jesus Christ.” When he brings “Christ” first, he usually refers to the current position of Jesus being the Messiah (Saviour) of our lives. So, to simply put, anybody who’s born again isn’t condemned by God. Hence if you’re born again, know that you’re not under condemnation in Christ. Therefore, understand that condemning thoughts don’t originate from God.
Also, in Romans 8:1, it’s written that “..who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
From that phrase in the Bible verse, a Christian must walk according to the Spirit to experience the “now-no condemnation” spiritual reality in his life.
Looking at Romans 8:9, the Bible teaches that every Christian is in the Spirit.
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
Romans 8:9 NKJV
But in Galatians 5:25 (NIV), it’s written that
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25 NIV
So it’s one thing for a Christian to be in the Spirit and another to walk according to the Spirit. Therefore to overcome condemning thoughts, one must walk according to the Spirit. How’s that possible? It’s simple. Just be in constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit in Word and prayer as an everyday life routine any day, any time. That doesn’t mean you’d have to seclude yourself from the affairs of this world and the responsibilities of life. No! But as you do them, be mindful of the Lord’s presence.
Doing this will always make your mind occupied with spiritual things. And there’ll be no place for the devil to sow condemning thoughts in your mind, even if you make the worst mistake of your life. Child of God, live in the presence of God, and you’ll never struggle to overcome any thought that’s not godly.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
I pray in Jesus’ name that I receive grace to remain conscious of the Lord wherever I go. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 152
Download and Share
