Sermon Summary

Pastor Chris offers a pastoral message for those who are feeling weary and heavy in this hour. He emphasized the importance of reminding ourselves that we are not condemned. Sometimes Christians can live as if they are failures, condemned by their own negative thoughts. Pastor Chris offers three thoughts to remind us of our identity in Christ in order to combat self-condemnation and weariness. The reality is that what we set our hearts on will control us. We must set our hearts on who God is and allow Him to tell us who we are.

Three thoughts:

  1. Jesus paid the price, so you don’t have to (1 John 3:19-20) – If you have a relationships with Jesus, it is finished. If you’re beating yourself over the head, it’s time to put the hammer down. Whenever your heart condemns you, know and trust that God is greater than your heart. He sees through you. He knows the deepest motivations behind what you do. You have the assurance of forgiveness as His beloved child.  We are accepted and cleansed in Christ. 

Key verses on acceptance: Romans 10:11, 1 John 3:1

  1. Love banishes self-condemnation (1 John 3:21-22) – The goal of condemnation is to hold down, while the goal of conviction is to lift up. When we dwell in heavenly conviction, we will draw near to God. He is more merciful to use than we are to ourselves. What you feel about yourself must be submitted to what God says about you. The Bible tells us to stand firm against he enemy’s voice. God knows who you are. Your opinion must be God’s opinion. 

Key verses on condemnation: Matthew 11:28, Romans 8:1

  1. The result is that the Holy Spirit empowers unity (1 John 2:23-24) – God’s design is for us to be one. Right now, our country feels more like the divided states of America. We are not meant to be the same, we are meant to pursue the same goal. Our goal as believers is to glorify Jesus and enhance His kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. 

Key verses on unity: 1 John 4:20, 1 John 17: 21-23

“What do we mean by unity? Oneness of purpose not sameness of persons. Unity is not trying to get everybody to be the same. Unity is trying to get everyone on the same page toward a legitimate goal.” Tony Evans

Now what?

  1. Believe in Christ.
  2. Love the brothers and sisters.
  3. Live upright lives.

Discussion questions:

  1. What is the difference between conviction and condemnation?
  2. How do you know you you’re not dwelling on condemnation?

Application questions:

1. Ask yourself: does your heart ever condemn you? 

  1. Ask yourself: what are you meditating on?
  2. Ask yourself: do you come to God condemned or confident?