Condemnation

Condemnation is one of the devils biggest tools its the one that tells you, your not good enough, you don't try hard enough and it leaves you feeling depressed long after you have been forgiven. It can lead to sadness, depression, even lack of sleep. Yes it is important to be convicted but condemnation is NOT of GOD. Lets look at the difference between condemnation and conviction.

Condemnation comes from Satan and is meant to tear you down. Condemnation continually points out what a failure you are, and how badly you've messed up. Condemnation is showing you the problem, but avoiding the solution.
Jesus did NOT come to condemn the world John 12:47 says, ""As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it." God comes to save not to tell us were failures. There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,". Christ coming doesn't mean we wont sin it does mean however that we are delivered from sin. We are free to repent, grow, and move on. Satan on the other hand is KNOWN for accusing us.

Conviction is known in the Bible as Godly sorrow. God's Word tells us that Godly sorrow is what leads us to repentance. Conviction tells you, "Come to me... and I will forgive you!" Not only is God willing to forgive your sins, but He longs to do so! Isaiah 30:18, "Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him." (NASB)
1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness."
Romans 2:4, "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
Conviction shows you the answer to your problem. Conviction shows you the blood of Jesus that wipes away your sins!

So today we have homework (only if you are 16 or older with an adults permission) I want you to get a piece of paper and tear it up so you can write on smaller pieces. Write down the things that have you condemned, or the things the devil tells you about yourself. Things like, "I cant believe you did that again, how are you supposed to minister now?" "You know you don't deserve this (gift, joy, happiness)look at all you have done." Write down the things you hold on to because you think God doesn't care because of your past sins. Write them down put this in a pie pan and lite them on fire. This is symbolic of letting it all go of giving it back to GOD. Sometimes we find it so easy to forgive others but we have a very hard time forgiving ourselves.