Condemned or Convicted??

You're just talking "Condemnation talk!"

This is a favorite term that the world, and those seeking to run away from the spirit of God, use. But there is a difference! Condemnation is accusation with no hope. What we as Christian's share is actually conviction.... because we hold up the Word of God for what it actually is - THE WORD of GOD... and that conviction shows people how unlike the Law and TRUTH they are! But at the same time, it offers HOPE for what they can be, through Christ! However, people that don't want to be convicted, they run away saying, "You are just being legalistic and condemning! Stop it!" So which is it...if it convicts, then do something about it. Repent, go to Jesus, make U-Turn, and walk another way...in the HOPE of ETERNAL LIFE!! If it's just about condemnation...who are we to preach...the sinners that we are?

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them that walk not after the flesh, but walk after the Spirit." Rom 8:1

We can't walk in the Spirit in our own strength because we are carnal sold under sin. Only He can enable us to walk in the Spirit in His strength!

Yes, the world may accuse us of a "Holier than thou" attitude. But think about it! We ARE to be "holier than thou!" We are not to be anything like the world. God has called us higher....to His very throne room! We are to be "Holy" or "Set-Apart" for Him, just as we would be for our own earthly husband or wife. We are not to be snobby, but the lines are to be distinct and separate...God is "other-than" this world. We should be too, with no apologies needed!

We in Christianity aren't content to stay in the superficial. Just as there are layers of earth, there are layers of scripture. Most of the world lives in the superficial...we are to learn to be excavators! To go deep in God's Word!!!

The Doctrine of Sin ~ Battle of Flesh versus Spirit

Sin in essence means, "To miss the mark." The way we ought to be is the mark we have missed. When we miss that mark, and are not who we ought to be in God's strength, sins result. Issues result! In that case, in the throne room of our lives, SIN or SELF has taken the throne that rightfully belongs to God. We are living in the control position that ought to be His. We realize this and so we try to get up and move. But we discover we can't! We're stuck!! So we ask God to help us. He takes us, picks us up...only He can help us get off His throne! He should demote us to prison for taking His throne, but He places us at his side as "head Butler." We are to work closely with Him. When He again takes the throne, just as a bird can fly ("law of aerodynamics" trumping the "law of gravity") so the "law of sin and death" is trumped by the "law of of the Spirit." We have died to the flesh, and our life is hidden in Christ with God.

So - Flesh versus Spirit - How can we keep Flesh off the throne!

Depends on who we feed which will rule! We feed the flesh, it will rule. We learn to feed the Spirit and deny the flesh, it will rule! What voice are we listening to...

Flesh says, "Watch out for self, guard your own space and your own rights! Don't let anyone else in. You don't need to be unselfish, you don't need to do that..." We must learn to give NO EAR to the flesh! The more we listen to the Spirit, the stronger it's voice will be in our life and vice versa.

However, we have learned how to spiritualize the flesh away in our lives. We have grown up and learned social etiquette and decorum. But it's still all just about US! We've learned how to cover up the flesh, but it's just a front for most Christians. They succeed in looking good on the outside to the world, but the flesh still rules their hearts and their private lives. The gospel has not yet penetrated their hearts.

God intends for us not just to have a "Holy Place" experience... "Read Bible, Pray everyday, tell a few people about Him" etc. He intends for us to have a "Most Holy Place Experience" in His presence...daily...all the time...that's what He purchased for us at the cross! Not just payment for sin, but transformation and restoration to that intimate one on one connection with Him! When we have tasted that relationship, nothing in this world will ever satisfy us again!!