Living With Confidence From Romans 8Sample

Jack Nicklaus one of the greatest ever golfers once said:

“Confidence is the most important single factor in this game”

It’s a frequent refrain we hear commentators, coaches, and players talk about at every age and at every level. It effects our performance, our enjoyment and often the outcome. It must be one of the most talked about subjects in sport.

Over the next six days we’re going to be in Romans Chapter 8.

Here, Paul writes to help Christians be confident in their faith. This confidence comes from an assurance of what God has done and what he continues to do in all areas of your life, including your sport.

Let’s focus in on verse 1 today;

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

To feel condemnation and be on the receiving of an act of condemnation are two horrible experiences.

The feeling of condemnation is the feeling of guilt. You’ve done something wrong and you know it.

This feeling can be frequently felt within sport.You make a bad pass and hear all expressions of disapproval from team mates around. You fail to qualify for the tournament and a family member makes a comment that stings.You feel their disapproval and dissatisfaction in you. That’s the feeling of condemnation and it’s a grim place to be in.

When Paul speaks about condemnation he is using the language of a law court: the act of condemnation is the punishment when someone is found guilty. The judge declares “guilty” and the sentence is given: a fine, or imprisonment.

Think about the acts of condemnation in your sport. A red card, a ban, your coach dropping you from your team because of some mediocre performances or a sponsor pulling out because you’ve not met the requirements. It’s not a good place to be in.

Paul says that there is now no condemnation. Who does he mean?

Romans 8 is the conclusion of a description of someone who has been released from the grip of sin and of thinking that the law of God can save them from it.

Earlier in his letter Paul describes the condition of every human

"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." (Romans 5:12)

That includes me and you.

Sin (my rejection of God) has led to God’s right condemnation of me, which is the punishment of death.Paul has spent time earlier in the letter helping his readers understand that.

But now, Paul says “no condemnation”. The punishment for sin has been dealt with.I no longer have to feel condemned or experience condemnation.

Is this for everyone to feel and experience?

Paul says it’s “for those in Christ Jesus”.

If you trust in Jesus for forgiveness of sin what a place you find yourself in: utterly free from condemnation. You are now totally liberated to go and live - to glorify God and enjoy him forever.

It’s Game day - now go and play, with confidence in your standing before God and in the freedom He gives.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you that because I trust in Jesus for forgiveness of my sin I can have confidence that there is now no condemnation.

Help me to play my sport, in light of this wonderful truth, and be grateful.

In your name,

Amen