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"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ
Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit."
(Romans 8:1). Let us look carefully at this verse of Scripture.
1. First we see the word "now" which refers to the state of the
Christians in contrast to the state of the sinners. The state of the
sinners, including those under the law, is shown in Romans 7. The
conclusion of this chapter is that sinners are in a wretched condition
and only Jesus Christ can deliver them (Rom. 7:24,25).
2. Second we see that there is "no condemnation" to a special group
of people which are: A) those who are in Christ Jesus; and, B) those
who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.
3. Third we need to find how to get into Christ Jesus. The way into
Christ is shown in Romans 6:3 and Galatians 3:27. When we read these
verses we will find that baptism puts one into Christ. To have no
condemnation we all must obey the precept that puts us into Jesus
Christ. That's not just our opinion but what the Lord says about it.
4. Fourth to continue in the state of "no condemnation" we must walk
after the Spirit and not after the flesh. The Spirit shows us that
certain things must be put off and certain things must be put on to
be walking after the Spirit. In Colossians 3 the Spirit says we have
to kill fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness.
Also to put off anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language,
and lying. The Spirit also shows that we have to put on mercy, kindness,
humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness and love.
The Spirit continues that the peace of God is to rule our hearts, and
we are to be filled with the word of God. We are to teach and admonish
one another, and do everything in the name of the Lord. Wives, husbands,
children, fathers, and servants have certain obligations spelled out
by the Holy Spirit. So to walk after the Spirit has a complete impact
on the life of Christians. We must bring our lives into control and
work really hard to carry out the commands of Christ as revealed by
the Holy Spirit. "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things
of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the
Spirit." (Rom. 8:5).
5. People who do not change their lives after obeying the first
principles of the gospel thinking that they cannot be lost are deceived.
They either deceive themselves or others deceive them by giving them
false hope. Living the Christian life requires a complete turn around
from the sinful live one has lived before coming to the Lord. We are
not saying that it is impossible to live the Christian life but it does
take effort.
6. Christians have a new leader who is Jesus Christ. He overcame the
world (John 16:33) and exhorts us to overcome the world
(Romans 12:21; Revelation 2:7,17,11, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). We need to
follow in the steps of Jesus. We have a leader who has given us the
path in which to walk. He has shown us the way to have "no condemnation".
7. We have a new helper – the Holy Spirit – who influences and directs
us through the word He has revealed. He says, "Let the word of God
dwell in you richly" (Col. 3:16). When we let in the word of God we
let sin out of our lives. We should be diligent students of the Bible
ever learning the will of God with a desire to put it in practice. The
New Testament is the glorious light of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:4). The
Holy Spirit says, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and
walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the
light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another and
the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
(I John 1:6,7).
8. Christians have the avenue of prayer which enlists the providential
help of God in living the Christian life. We need to always pray and
not faint (Lk. 18:1).
9. Christians have worship with other Christians where they are
encouraged to love and good works in their lives. (Heb. 10:24, 25).
We need to avail ourselves of every opportunity to worship in the
Lord's appointed way.
Realize the value of the Christian life and live faithful to the Lord
so you will be in a state of "no condemnation".
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