Introduction
Last weekend, several news agencies reported that a man named Bruce Davis was becoming eligible for parole. Who is Bruce Davis? Bruce Davis is a known follower of cult leader, Charles Manson. He had been convicted of two first-degree murders. One in the late 60’s and another in the early 70’s.
Additionally, police have eleven pages of charges against Davis, including one incident where he made a weapon out of a kitchen spoon. Davis has a pretty violent past.
After more than forty years behind bars, he is now eligible for parole under the elderly inmate act – a measure put forward by the California government to help relieve prison overcrowding. Understandably, there is has been lot of controversy this week surrounding the release of this man who has such a violent past – even if he’s in his seventies.
Davis is probably a very dangerous man and it might be wise to keep him behind bars. But, to be honest, I’m only aware of a few sins that he has committed. I would assume that there are thousands of others, but I only know of a few.
On the other hand, I’m fully aware of thousands upon thousands of my own sins. I know more about my sin than I know about anybody else’s sin. From my perspective, (I might say that) I’m the most sinful person I know.
Bruce Davis might be more sinful than I am, but honestly, I had never heard his name before this week. Although he is a convicted murderer and he’s had some pretty bad friends, I really don’t know anything about him. On the other hand, I know a great deal about myself. If I were to stand before God to be judged by my own merit (according to Romans) my record of sin would condemn me to something far worse than life in prison.
Even now that I’m saved, I still have an ongoing struggle with sin. Some people think it’s odd that a pastor still struggles with sin. I don’t think it’s odd. I think it’s honest.
I’m in pretty good company because even the Apostle Paul had an ongoing struggle against his flesh. Paul says in Romans 7 that in his body there was a war between his mind and his flesh. In that war, sometimes his evil desires won a battle or two. He expressed that sometimes he does the very thing he hates (v.15) and, as a result, he calls himself a “wretched man” (v.24).
Those who follow after Christ are engaged in a war. Before we were saved, we may have found some degree of pleasure in sin. Now that we are “in Christ,” we can still be tempted to run back to those old sinful habits. When we do, we’ll often find that there is no lasting pleasure in those activities any longer. Those old activities often bring feelings of guilt instead of satisfaction.
When it comes to sin, there are two extreme attitudes that we have to avoid in the church. I once had a man tell me that once he became a Christian, he never sinned again. Well, that man was living under a delusion. Not even the Apostles claimed to be sinless. The truth was that He was an extreme legalist and believed that salvation was connected to our utter perfection. According to his standards, even HE was not saved. (I guarantee you that he was not sinless!)
On the other hand, I’ve had other people say, “Christian’s are only human. They can’t keep from sinning. O well…” This attitude is far too flippant. No true disciple of Christ has a nonchalant attitude toward sin. One of the greatest evidences of our salvation is a long-term pattern of growth in our spiritual lives.
The Bible portrays the Christian life as a battle. In a battle, there are some seasons of victory as a soldier eliminates the enemy and takes back critical territory. Other days, it is not so good on the battlefield. Some days are marked by defeat and tremendous loss. An excellent soldier might lose a few battles and still win the war.
If an evidence for salvation is a long-term pattern of spiritual growth, then you and I need to look at the big picture. We might be defeated in a scrimmage or two, but is our life marked by increased growth? Are we more spiritually mature this year than we were this time last year? I don’t believe a person’s life is defined by any one defeat. Our measure for spiritual growth is not perfection, but direction. We may not be living perfectly like Jesus, but we can be living increasingly more like Christ!
So what happens when a child of God faces a defeat? Could God ever be so disappointed in one of His children that He gives up on them? That is the question that today’s text answers.
Recap
Last week we did an extended overview of the entire first half of Romans in order to understand what the “therefore” is there for. We (hopefully) came to an understanding that verse 1 of chapter 8 refers back to a major theme in the first 7 chapters of Romans – namely the believer’s justification is by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone.
God, in His tremendous grace and mercy, provided a way for the guilt of our sin to be covered. All those who confess Jesus as their Lord and trust in his sacrificial death on the cross are saved from God’s wrath against sin.
#1 Jesus completely paid the price for sin.
There is therefore now no condemnation
What Paul is saying is that God’s condemning wrath toward sin and his awesome, unlimited power to punish it has been replaced. His righteous, condemning wrath has been replaced by almighty mercy. AND… His limitless power is no longer directed at judging our sins but now it is directed at protecting us as sons and daughters. The cross created a RADICAL shift in God’s relationship toward those who are saved.
His relationship toward His children is not mixed. It’s not condemnation one day and acceptance the next. He isn’t for you on Monday and against you on Tuesday. The awesome truth of the gospel is spelled out in Romans 8:31 when it asks, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” verse 32, “32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
- It wasn’t Jesus’ perfect teaching that brought us salvation.
- It wasn’t Jesus’ perfect life that delivered us from sin’s condemnation.
- We were saved when Jesus took our sin upon himself on the cross and died on our place.
That terrible (and glorious) afternoon on the Hill called Golgotha, Jesus not only took on the full measure of my sin and yours, but he also took the full measure of God’s wrath towards that Sin.
John 19 describes Jesus’ final moments on the cross. Just before he gave up his spirit and willingly died on our behalf, he cried out, “It is finished.” The Greek word (translated “it is finished”) is tetelestai. Tetelestai was a common term that was often used in the marketplace in ancient Israel.
When a business arrangement had been made and the price was paid in full the word tetelestai would be written on the business receipt indicating that the price was PAID IN FULL. When Jesus cried out “TETELESTAI” he was communicating that the most profound exchange that had ever been made in the history of the universe had just been completed. God had exchanged his own son as the ransom for our sin. No further price would EVER have to be paid!
Spurgeon wrote these words about this awesome moment in history:
…an ocean of meaning in a drop of language, a mere drop. It would need all the other words that ever were spoken, or ever can be spoken, to explain this one word. It is altogether immeasurable. It is high; I cannot attain to it. It is deep; I cannot fathom it. IT IS FINISHED is the most charming note in all of Calvary’s music. The fire has passed upon the Lamb. He has borne the whole of the wrath that was due to His people.
When Paul says there is “no condemnation” for those who are “in Christ Jesus,” he is pointing to this complete exchange. The verdict that our sin demanded, was completely covered. There was nothing left to pay.
For those who are “in Christ,” there is not forgiveness one moment and condemnation the next. When the text says “no condemnation,” it doesn’t mean that the condemnation is mostly gone. Students of the Greek language call it an emphatic negative. It’s not a little “no.” It’s a huge “NO!!!.” “NO CONDEMNATION!!!”
- It is complete
- It’s total
- It’s eradicated
At the Cross, God’s wrath was entirely replaced by His mercy. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, God is always for those who are “in Christ.”. ALWAYS! He’s NEVER against them. If God is for somebody, think of what that means.
- The God whose power is unlimited stands behind them.
- He protects them.
- His all-knowing and all-loving eye is always on them.
The implications are overwhelming. If God is for us NOBODY can be against us! So who is in the position to receive such a lavish gift? How could a person possibly receive that kind of undeserved grace?
#2 God’s grace is extended to those who are “in Christ.”
The essence of the gospel is that those who are in Christ are set free from the condemnation of sin and then given a new spiritual life. Consider these verses about those who are in Christ:
- Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Corinthians 15:22 – For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
- Ephesians 2:4-7 – God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For those who are in Christ, Sin does not reign in them any longer. The consequences of sin no longer apply to them. Turn in your Bible back a few pages to Romans 6.
One of the most amazing truths of the Bible is that not only does Jesus pay the debt for the believers sin, but he cleanses the believer from all unrighteousness (according to 1 John 1:9). Even more amazingly, he graciously covers each and every one of his followers with His own righteousness so that when God sees them, He does not judge them by their own record, but by the perfect record of His own son. These privileges are reserved for those who are in the intentional pursuit of Jesus as Lord. (or for those who are “in Christ.”)
Romans 6:4-5 says, “4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Being united with Christ implies some real, intimate, personal involvement. It’s not just academic. For the Christ follower, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a fact in a book. It is the reality of their new life! The disciple of Jesus participates in the death and resurrection of Jesus in this way:
- Through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, they have put their old self behind them. It is dead and only fit for the scrap heap.
- AND they began a new spiritual life with Jesus Christ as Lord. They were resurrected.
In Galatians 2:20, Paul puts it like this, “20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…” In other words, he participated personally in the death of Christ in that (by the power of the Holy Spirit) he got rid of the old worthless self and began a new spiritual life. Since Paul still lives in the flesh, he might still face tremendous difficulties but he’s living his life in a completely different spiritual condition. In Galatians 2:20, Paul goes on to say, “And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Our new life is not just a made-over old life, but it is a life that is given to us by God as an extension of Christ’s life. There is no role for the old life. It’s worthless. There is no use for it anymore. It is only fit for the junk yard. What this truth implies is that there are not two natures or two equally powered forces at war within us. A disciple of Jesus only has one Lord – that’s Jesus Christ. This truth is a radical shift of thinking for some people. An illustration might be helpful:
In driver’s ed they often have a car with two sets of controls. There was one set for the student and one set for the instructor. Some people think of their lives like the drivers ed training vehicle. They envision Jesus at one set of controls and Satan at the other set. They picture Jesus and Satan pushing and shoving each other trying to gain control of their lives. They feel like they have two drivers in their lives and they never know who is going to win. When they feel like Satan won the battle for control, they will often excuse their sin by saying things like, “I can’t help it… I’m only human…”…as if they do not have any say over who is controlling their lives.
Here’s where their thinking is faulty: If you are a believer, you only have one Lord – that’s Jesus Christ. Satan does not have access to any of the controls of your life. The body of sin is destroyed. Satan no longer has dominion over you. You are no longer obligated to follow the commands of sin or Satan or your flesh.
- He is defeated.
- He is disabled.
- He is deprived of power.
But, he’s not eliminated. Satan can tempt you. He can allure you. He can even try to trick you. But he has absolutely no control over you. If Jesus is trying to steer you one way and you refuse to go, the only person responsible for the detour is you (or me).
For the Christian, the indwelling Holy Spirit gives us all the tools we need to follow Christ’s commands and it’s completely your decision (and completely my decision) as to whether or not you and I are going to follow His commands. Sin’s dominion in your life has come to an end.
A person who is saved and filled with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit will be marked with a supernatural ability to resist sin. They can’t fake it. The life of a true follower of Jesus shows evidence of real, life-changing power.
#3 Genuine faith is marked by perseverance.
It is clear in scripture that only those who persevere to the end were ever actually born again. Let me give you two brief explanations of that statement:
First of all, God guards all those who are His. He is ALL IN. When the believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, God is guaranteeing that person’s eternal life. There are no conditions on the guarantee. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “ 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
If God promises you eternal life and he gives you the guidance of the Holy Spirit as a seal of that promise, then he is totally faithful to deliver on that promise. God will make good on His promises, even if you mess up and sin along the way.
Secondly, the purpose of a trial is to test perseverance. It is clear from the scriptures that we will all face difficult trials. 1 Peter 1:6-8 says, “6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
The passage says, “for a little while.” When God permits his children to go through the furnace, he keeps his eye on the clock and his hand on the thermostat. Even in the most difficult trial, God is guarding His children.
Peter illustrates this fact by referring to a goldsmith. Last week, gold prices were over $1,100 per ounce. No goldsmith would waste even a drop of something that valuable. I’ve heard it said that as a goldsmith is refining gold, he would keep it in the smelter long enough to remove the cheap impurities. Then he would pour it out into a mold. It has been said that the eastern goldsmith kept the metal in the furnace – watching it intently – just long enough to see his face reflected in it. Likewise, the Lord keeps us in the furnace of suffering just long enough to reflect the glory and beauty of Jesus.
Just as an assayer tests gold ore to see if it is pure gold or counterfeit, so trials test our faith to prove its sincerity. Faith that fails during testing cannot be trusted! If you or I go through a trial and our faith falls apart, that’s a good gift from the Lord. He is making it absolutely clear that our faith is not genuine. If your faith is tested and proven faulty, then it’s time to repent and give over control of your life to Jesus.
People with sincere faith persevere through every trial. Disciples of Jesus, who go through trials and come out the other side more pure and more Christ-like, possess a treasure that is more valuable than anything else in the entire world – that treasure is saving faith! That kind of faith leads to NO Condemnation.
Life Application
Not everyone can say “there is no condemnation” over their life. It is very clear from the text that the only people who are free from condemnation are those who are “in Christ.” There are some who are “in Christ” and some who are not. Paul is not an Universalist – meaning that Paul does not think that everyone is saved. Jesus was also not an Universalist. Jesus himself said these words, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
- So where are you?
- Are you in Christ?
- Are you outside of Christ?
- Are you free from condemnation?
- Are you under condemnation?
The good news is that there is always room for one more believer in the family of God. His grace knows no limit. Jesus’ word to every sinner is “Come! Put your trust in Me! Enter into my rest! Let me be your righteousness!”
If it is your heart’s desire to follow that call of Christ and enter into a new relationship with Him, Pastor Mark White will be by the cross after the service. He would love to help you express to the Lord in prayer what is happening in your heart. I would ask that you would come and receive the Lord’s forgiveness and begin a new life in Christ.
For those of you who are already walking with Christ, you may be asking, “So what?! What difference does it make that I have no condemnation when I am faced with so many difficult trials in my life right now?”
Let me suggest to you this truth:
- If you have been diagnosed with incurable cancer, having no condemnation in Christ Jesus is a million times more valuable than having a cure for that cancer
- If you have a financial burden that you could never repay, having no condemnation in Christ Jesus is a million times more valuable than having a 100 million dollars in the bank
- If you have just lost your spouse, having no condemnation in Christ Jesus is a million times more valuable than having her back.
Here’s how I can dare to say such things: You and I might face terrible trials for 70 or 80 or 90 years in this world, but then it’s over. Those who have no condemnation in Christ look ahead to a never-ending age in perfect fellowship with Christ. An age where there is no sickness of disease. An age where finances are never an issue. An age where every relationship will be pure and without sin. An age where we will enjoy perfect fellowship with Jesus forever!
I can face with confidence any trial this fallen world might throw at me knowing that I’m in Christ. God always protects His children and the Holy Spirit has been given as a guarantee that believers will have a heavenly inheritance that is beyond their wildest imagination. Are you “in Christ?”
Don’t stay outside. There is always room in Christ. Come.
Teaching Outline
#1 Jesus completely paid the price for sin – Romans 8:1, 31-32, John 19
#2 God’s grace is extended to those who are “in Christ” – Romans 6:4-5, 8:1, 1 John 1:9, Galations 2:20
- 1 Corinthians 15:22 – For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
- Ephesians 2:4-7 – God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
#3 Genuine faith is marked by perseverance
God guards all those who are His.
“ 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 the purpose of a trial is to test perseverance
“6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-8
Application:
God always protects His children and the Holy Spirit has been given as a guarantee that believers will have a heavenly inheritance that is beyond their wildest imagination.
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