No Condemnation (Sermon Blog)
Over the past several weeks, we’ve been on a journey through Paul’s letter to the Romans. From the brokenness of humanity in chapters 1–2, to the grace-filled promise of salvation by faith in chapters 3–5, and the tension of sin's grip in chapters 6–7, Paul paints a full picture of both the bad news and the good news. Last week, we heard Paul’s vulnerable confession in Romans 7:24–25:
“What a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Now, in Romans 8, we reach the crescendo. The breakthrough. The “mic drop” moment.
The Best News Yet
Paul opens chapter 8 with one of the most freeing truths in all of Scripture:
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
This is the good news we've been building toward: We are not condemned. We are not defined by our past failures, our present struggles, or even our future missteps. We are free—because Jesus took the condemnation upon Himself.
Pastor Steve shared how this truth became deeply personal for him—so much so that he had Romans 8:1 tattooed on his forearm in biblical Greek as a reminder: “I am not condemned.”
Living in the Spirit
Romans 8 doesn’t stop at removing condemnation—it leads us into a new way of living. Verses 2–4 explain that we’ve been set free from the power of sin through Jesus and given new life through the Holy Spirit.
Paul emphasizes how our minds play a key role in this transformation:
A mind controlled by the flesh leads to death.
A mind controlled by the Spirit leads to life and peace.
We were encouraged to practice mindfulness—not just in a trendy, surface-level sense—but with a spiritual depth that invites the Holy Spirit into our everyday thoughts, senses, and experiences.
A Mindful Life in the Spirit Includes:
Eyes: Be mindful of what you see—what lifts you up or tears you down?
Ears: What are you listening to? Is it leading you closer to God or away from Him?
Touch, Smell, and Taste: Even these senses can stir memories and emotions. Are they bringing life or dragging you into patterns you don’t need to live in anymore?
You Are Not Obligated
Paul reminds us that because the Spirit of God lives in us, “we have no obligation to do what our sinful nature urges us to do” (Romans 8:12). Freedom means we don’t have to keep repeating old patterns. We're not stuck. We can let the wind of the Holy Spirit move us into alignment with God’s purpose.
Like a ship catching the wind in its sails, we are called to position ourselves to receive the Spirit's power—whether we’re in smooth seas or stormy seasons.
You're Not Condemned. You're Free.
The enemy will always try to accuse, shame, and isolate you after a mistake. But God’s strategy is different:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us...” (1 John 1:9)
Every time we return to Him, we are met with mercy. Grace. And no condemnation.
Don’t miss Part 2 of Romans 8 next Sunday as we continue our series "When In Romans." Bring a friend, your Bible, and an open heart—there’s more good news ahead.