Category Archives: Condemnation

Text reading 'Contempt and Condemnation' with words scowling judgment, scorn, censure, rejection in a grungy, cracked concrete background
Bible, Condemnation, contempt, Judging, Judgment, Prejudice, Romans, Scripture

CONTEMPT AND CODEMNATION

ROMANS 14:3

“The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.”

We continue Paul’s instruction to the Roman believers in regard to how to treat fellow believers. I am constantly amazed at how Christians treat each other. So many in the church have no clue what the Word says about that. They excuse their behaviors and can be downright mean to other believers. Paul did not want that to be the legacy of the early church. He knew they needed each other.

Paul uses a couple of words in today’s verse that are kind of harsh – “contempt” and “judge.” I need to remind you that the issue at hand really wasn’t about food or drink. Paul is addressing how to behave, how to encourage one another. These early believers faced enough persecution from the Roman government. He did want to see them persecuting each other.

APPLICATION

The word “contempt” is the Greek word eksouthenéō “(from ek, ‘completely out from,’ which intensifies outheneō, ‘bring to naught, reduce to nothing’) – properly, cast out as nothing; set at nought; ‘to count as nothing, to treat with utter contempt, i.e. as zero’ (WP, 2, 281); ‘set at nought, despise utterly’ (A-S); to regard something as lacking any standing (value).” (HELPS Word-studies) That’s a tough one. We see it used ten other times in the New Testament. One of those is Luke 23:11. “And Herod, together with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, dressing Him in a brightly shining robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.” Now, let me ask you, is that how you want to treat other believers? I hope not.

The other word Paul uses, “judge,” is the Greek word krínō. It’s a commonly used word in the New Testament, appearing 115 times. J. Thayer comments that “the proper meaning of krínō is to pick out (choose) by separating.” Did I ever tell you about one of the first churches I served? It was in North Carolina during my seminary days. The church (mostly family members) had an ongoing feud over hunting. One group deer hunted with dogs and the other didn’t. These family members sat on opposite sides of the church and wouldn’t fellowship together. They had judged each other and separated themselves. How sad?

Paul wanted these believers to love one another and accept each other’s decisions about this food issue. We might say, “Don’t make a mountain out of molehill.” Let the small stuff slide and concentrate on living holy lives dedicated to the Lord and each other. Let me encourage you to do the same.

Let me not show contempt or judge a fellow believer but love them as You would, Lord.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Security officer holding a woman's arm as she resists in a crowded urban area
Bible, Condemnation, Opposition, Resistance, Romans, Scripture, Submission

OPPOSITION LEADS TO CONDEMNATION

ROMANS 13:2

“Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.”

I have had a lot of bosses in my lifetime. Some were great and others, well, not so great. When I was young, I didn’t understand the principle of submission. I just knew to do what the boss told me. My dad taught me that. He also taught me to respect anyone in authority over me. That included teachers, coaches or bosses. I sure do miss his advice and guidance.

Paul continues his teaching on submission to authority in today’s verse and this time makes it abundantly clear that resistance to authority is really opposition to God. The Greek word translated as “resists” is a strong word, stronger than “resists” implies. It’s antitássomai which means to be “squared of (opposite to); opposed to in principle and in practice.” (HELPS Word-studies). It’s in the Middle Voice which means this person is making a personal decision to resist. And the word “opposed” is anthístēmi which means to stand against someone or something.

APPLICATION

Opposition to God is not a smart thing, is it? Oh, but you don’t know my boss, Carl. They’re horrible! Let me ask you a question. Did you agree to work where you working? Then you have agreed to obey your authority. For some reason, God has placed them over you, if for nothing else to drive you to your knees to pray for them.

Paul gives another example of ungodly opposition in 2 Timothy 3:8. “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, worthless in regard to the faith.” Who were these men? They are said to be two of the magicians who opposed Moses in Egypt. Their opposition to Moses was really opposition to God since Moses was speaking for Him. We know how it ended for them, don’t we?

As you consider your response to today’s verse, ask yourself is there something you can do to better serve those in authority over you. I have always tried to work just as hard in the presence of my boss as when he/she was away. When we honor those God has place over us in this world, we are really honoring our Lord. When it’s difficult God understands and will give you the endurance to get through. Just be Jesus.

Lord, it’s hard sometimes to submit to our authorities when we disagree. Help me to focus on my submission to You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Christ, Condemnation, Eternal Life, Freedom, Romans, Scripture

NO CONDEMNATION

ROMANS 8:1

“Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Picture yourself standing before a judge in a courtroom where you are standing trial for a crime you committed. There is no doubt you did it. Everyone knows you did it. You even pleaded guilty to the charge. All that’s left is for the judge to render judgment. But unbeknownst to you, someone came forward to receive your sentence and take your guilt upon themselves. Therefore, when the judge swings his gavel, he exclaims to you, “You are not condemned to serve your sentence. It has been paid.”

Paul has spent the last 11 verses stating our guilt under the law in regard to our sinful behavior. He also explains how the gospel has set us free once we turn to Jesus and accept Him as Savior and Lord. He begins chapter 8 with the Greek word ara which is a conjunction connecting verse 7:25 with 8:1. It’s not just a conjunction, though. It is a decisive conjunction leaving no doubt. Paul writes, “Therefore…” Because of the gospel we are not condemned. Because of the gospel we are set free.

APPLICATION

The word used by Paul for “condemnation” is used here and only two other times, both earlier in this letter to Rome. In verses 5:16 and 18, Paul wrote, “16 The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one offense, resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the gracious gift arose from many offenses, resulting in justification. 18 So then, as through one offense the result was condemnation to all mankind, so also through one act of righteousness the result was justification of life to all mankind.”

This is a strong word. Strong’s says it is a “damnatory sentence.” In other words, it is not a condemnation from which you can escape. You have sealed your own death sentence. But…the Law had not met our Savior. Jesus came to fulfill all the requirements of the Law. He was perfectly able to live a life here on earth and defeated the curses of the Law.

Don’t walk around in defeat, if you are a follower of Christ. You will not face condemnation from Him. That does not excuse us to sin as we please. No way! But it does give us the promise of a future with Him without the worry of losing it. There is now no condemnation if you are in Christ. That means He is in you too. Live like that. Live boldy and freely without the fear of reprisal.

I give You all praise for releasing me from the condemnation that was before me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Condemnation, Justification, Mankind, Offenses, Scripture

ALL “ONES” ARE NOT THE SAME

ROMANS 5:18

“So then, as through one offense the result was condemnation to all mankind, so also through one act of righteousness the result was justification of life to all mankind.”

Have you ever been shopping for something that you have been looking for a while? When you finally find “the one” you just want to dance a jig or shout. It’s like the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Am I right? You just know this is THE ONE you’ve been looking for. Unfortunately, those “ones” don’t always pan out.

Paul is repeating himself a lot in these past several verses to make a point. He says the same thing in several different ways. Today’s verse is very similar to the previous verse we saw yesterday. Just because it is similar don’t read it too quickly. The word “result” is not actually in the Greek text. The Greek literally reads “one offense it is condemnation” and “one act of righteousness it is justification.” There is an implied result of the action – offense or righteous act.

APPLICATION

We have said multiple times in Romans 5 that it was Adam’s sin that led to the demise of mankind, and it was Christ’s sacrifice that led to man’s salvation. It really is that simple. You don’t need to read anything into it. Just accept the fact that you are either still in Adam or you’re in Christ. You are either still condemned, or you have been set free. Which is it?

Look at our verse again. Paul says each of these acts is directed toward all mankind. Now, Adam probably had no idea that his “little sin” would mean what it meant for all mankind. I wonder if he would have done what he did if he had stopped to think how it would affect every generation of mankind afterwards. Perhaps he would have still done it. I would like to think he wouldn’t have. Maybe we’ll find out one day.

In contrast, Jesus knew exactly what He was doing and knew that His act of righteousness would indeed have the potential to affect every generation to follow. However, the effect was not automatic. Every person in every generation has to make the personal decision to accept Jesus’ act and what it means for them. Then and only then do they receive this justification. It’s free. Why not receive it?

Father, You are far too good to me. You have saved me and blessed me beyond measure.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Condemnation, Gifts, Justification, Justified, Salvation, Scripture

ONE TO MANY, MANY TO ONE

ROMANS 5:16

“The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one offense, resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the gracious gift arose from many offenses, resulting in justification.”

“All for one and one for all.” If you have ever been part of a sports team, you probably chanted that before a big game. The idea is that the strength of many is stronger than the strength of each individual by itself. They call it synergy. We get stronger the more we work together. I’ve seen that happen in sports and in work. Many equals more.

Well, put that all aside for a minute because today we have a verse that goes against that thought. At first glance this verse seems a little hard to understand, but after some deep dives it becomes clear. Paul is saying that the sin of one man (Adam) led to condemnation for all. On the other hand, the sins of the many led to the sacrifice of one God-Man (Jesus) which gave us justification. One to many and many to One.

APPLICATION

We are not God and never will be. Our future glorification will not make us God or even god-like. Don’t believe that hogwash. However, God does justify us and expects us to share that gift we have received with others. There are two different Greek words translated “gift” in today’s verse. The first one is dóréma and means a gift that is freely given. It’s only used here and in James 1:17 which says, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

The second Greek word for gift is charisma which is really a grace gift. It implies deliverance from danger or passion. It is used 17 times in the New Testament. So, you may be asking yourself why do we need two words for gift in the same verse. One source I looked at described it this way. “Charisma emphasizes the ‘graciousness’ or supernatural nature of the gift, while dorea highlights its ‘free’ and unmerited aspect from the giver.”

Christ’s gift of salvation and His gifts of grace are not meant to be repaid by us. We could never payback what He paid. We read in Deuteronomy 13:4, “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him and cling to Him.” That still applies today. That’s what the Lord expects in return. Can you do that today?

Father, thank You for sending the One (Jesus) to die for the many (including me). I accept His gift of grace and salvation. 
 

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Condemnation, Confession, Deserved, Justice, Justified, Scripture, Sin

DESERVED CONDEMNATION

ROMANS 3:8

“And why not say (just as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), ‘Let’s do evil that good may come of it?’ Their condemnation is deserved.”

Man, these past few verses have been a tough grind. You have to back up and reread verses 1-7 of chapter 3. Context is always key. For instance, in today’s verse, if you just took out the phrase “Let’s do evil that good may come of it” you would totally pervert what Paul is teaching here. You have to look at the whole picture.

Then Paul says that those who pervert the truth he and others have been teaching are worthy of condemnation. The word for “condemnation” is kríma which, according to HELPS Word studies, is “(‘the results of a judgment’) dramatically links cause-to-effect. Indeed, every decision (action) we make carries inevitable eternal results.” We have to remember that. Our choices have consequences – every time. It could be a good one or a bad one.

APPLICATION

Paul goes so far as to say, “their condemnation is deserved.” Endikos is the Greek word translated here as “deserved.” Some translations say “just.” That’s probably a closer definition. It’s only used one other time in the New Testament in Hebrews 2:2 (I’m adding 3b to give a fuller context). “2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?”

I quote Psalm 51:1-4 most mornings as I pray. Verse 4 carries the same idea Paul is writing here in Romans 3:8. David wrote in Psalm 51:4, “Against you, you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.” God has the right to judge our sin because He is the antithesis of sin. He is holy and righteous!

Ask yourself today if there is a sin in your life which you have become comfortable with. I can think of something right now in my life. As I write this, I am confessing it as sin and asking the Lord to cleanse me. I don’t want anything to come between the Lord and myself. I pray the same for you.

Forgive me, Lord, for taking salvation for granted and not continuing to stay “confessed up.”

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Accountability, Advocate, Battles, Bible, Condemnation, Consequences, Devil, Enemies, Forgiveness, God's Will, Gospel, Judgment, Scripture

GOD’S TOOLS

MICAH 4:12

“‘But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD, and they do not understand His plan; for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor.’”

I am reminded of the illustration of how God can use anyone. There was an elderly widow who had a very mean and ungodly landlord. He would often ridicule her faith and spurred any witness the widow gave. One day he overheard her praying to the Lord for groceries, as she was short on food. He said to himself that he would go buy her groceries, put them at her door and when she found them and praised her God (as he knew she would), he would swoop in and tell her off.

Well, it happened that way. She opened her door, found the groceries and immediately started praising God. The landlord came from around the corner and said, “Hah, your God didn’t give you those, I did. Hah!” The widow looked at him with tears in her eyes and said, “Oh yes, He did. He just used the devil to do it.”

You see the pagan nations around Israel thought they were doing as they pleased against Israel. They did not realize they were only being used by God to execute judgment against them. God would (and did) judge them also for their pride and contempt against His people. The phase about the sheaves is interesting. You see, it does not matter the number of sheaves that must be harvested because in the end, they must all be cut down. So must the enemies of Israel.

APPLICATION

When we see the wicked triumph over good, just remember God’s principles have not changed. He will still judge the wicked. We may not live to see it done, but it will happen. They just think they are getting away with it now. One day, they will face Him and have to answer for their unbelief and wicked ways. It is not our place to judge them.

Now, to be honest, that is hard for me. When I see people live in such wicked, ungodly ways, I want to call them out. I must confess any wrong motives about that to the Lord. I do not have the right to judge anyone. I know that, but sometimes my spirit gets offended at their actions.

Instead, I need to act more like Jesus. He knew the actions of the Pharisees and Sadducees was abhorrent to His Father. He knew their motives and their very thoughts. Yet, He still came to die for them as well. He loved them as much as they let Him. We should do the same. Will you choose to love someone today who truly needs a Savior?

O Lord, it is hard to love some people. Help me love them with Your love.

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Accountability, Accused, Bible, Blameless, Commands, Condemnation, Confession, Eternity, God's Will, Guilt, Innocent, Scripture, Testimony

CAN I GET A WITNESS?

MICAH 1:2

“Hear, you peoples, all of you; listen carefully, earth and all it contains, and may the Lord GOD be a witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple.”

I have been in a few court trials in my life. Each and every time witnesses were called up front to testify to what they saw or know about the defendant’s innocence or guilt. Each and every time they are asked to swear to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The phrase “so help you God” used to be added to that, but most courts have dropped that now.

Micah is calling for the whole world to listen and bear witness to what the Lord is about to say concerning his chosen people. They are going to be held accountable for their breach of His covenant with them. So, the Lord wants everyone to watch and listen so they will learn what happens to those who do not heed His laws and commands.

APPLICATION

I love that Hebrew word for “listen carefully.” It has the idea of pricked up ears. You know what I mean? Suppose your dog is lying across the room from you sleeping. What happens when you call their name? They raise their head, look in the direction of your voice and their ears stand up. That’s the picture here in this verse.

How do I apply this verse to my life? Easy peasy! I need to listen carefully! That’s it – I’m done, lol. Seriously, we need to prick up our ears and listen when the Lord speaks. He always speaks truth. He wants us to listen carefully so we can learn how to walk closer to Him. He does not mince words. He speaks clearly.

I can get to talking fast sometimes, especially if I am excited about something. My wife will often give me hand signals to slow down. She and I both want the people listening to hear the message clearly. I am so glad I do not have to strain to understand my Lord. He speaks my language, and He speaks distinctly. I have no problem understanding His message to me. The problem lies with me doing what He says. Will you listen to Him today?

Thank You, Lord, for speaking to me. Help me be more attentive to Your words.

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Abuse, Apologies, Bible, Conceit, Condemnation, Guilt, Judgment

FLIP FLOPS

AMOS 8:6

“So as to buy the helpless for money, and the needy for a pair of sandals, and that we may sell the refuse of the wheat?”

I remember getting my first pair of flip flops. You know those shoes that just have a place that fits between your big toe and your second toe and is usually made of rubber. I loved those flip flops. I loved the way they sounded when you walked in them. That distinctive flip flop, flip flop could be heard all around. One thing about those shoes, though. The cheap rubber ones didn’t last very long. They weren’t worth very much.

I don’t know why, but that’s the image I got when I read this verse today. The rich and powerful people in Israel were treating the poor and needy like a cheap pair of flip flops. Use them and them throw them away. They looked down on them and really abused them. This was another reason God was judging them.

APPLICATION

I pray you would never treat someone like a cheap pair of flip flops. It’s demeaning and cruel. But people do it all the time. Even people in the church can be guilty of this. People in positions of power can take advantage of those who serve under them. Instead of shepherding them, they abuse them.

We need to see everyone through God’s eyes. He sent His Son to die for every single person we encounter. There is not a soul on planet earth who wasn’t the object of God’s love when Jesus came to save us. If God values them that much, shouldn’t we do the same.

The older I get the more I see the sins of my life. I have been guilty of looking down on others. It may be in jest to begin with, but it can rapidly become a serious thing. I have asked the Lord to forgive me for those actions in the past. Will you do the same? Ask Him to reveal your sins to you. He will and then make them right.

O Lord, my God! I beg Your forgiveness for every belittling one of Your creations. Help me see others as You see them.

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Accountability, Apologies, Bible, Commands, Condemnation, Evil, Failures, Holiness, Modeling, Prophesy, Repentance, Righteousness, Scripture, Sin

EVIL INFLUENCE

AMOS 2:12

“‘But you made the Nazirites drink wine, and you commanded the prophets, saying, “You shall not prophesy!”’”

Have you ever influenced someone to do evil? It’s not something to be proud of. Unfortunately, before I was a Christian, I did that. I don’t need to say what I did or to whom. Needless to say, I am so sorry for doing that. I have since apologized to those to whom I did that. You see, sin is so easily corruptible.

The Israelites were guilty of doing the same. The Lord says here that they made the Nazirites drink wink, which went against their vow to not let anything from the fruit of the vine touch their lips. They also commanded the prophets to not speak the word of the Lord. They didn’t want to hear it. The Lord rebukes the nation for these acts.

APPLICATION

Why do we do these things? Because we want to look better than others. The Nazirites lived holy lives. That shined light on the Israelites sins. They couldn’t have that. Prophets spoke against their sins. They couldn’t have that either. We are the same way. We don’t want others pointing out our sins. We don’t want others living lives that “show us up.”

However, we are in need of conviction. The Word says we all have sinned. That’s a fact. We need someone to point out our sins. Too many preachers today fail to do that. They gloss over sin. They condone sin. They openly accept the sins of others. That’s too sad. And it’s against what the Lord expects. God expects holy living among His people.

So, what’s it going to be for you? Are you going to influence towards evil or towards holiness? I may not always do the right thing, but it is my prayer that I always point others towards Christ. I pray they see Him in my walk. I pray they hear Him in my speech. May God continue to convict me when I fail Him.

Lord, I am so sorry for the many times I failed You. Continue to use Your Holy Spirit in my life to point me in the right direction.

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