(Clip) Condemnation is Our Greatest Enemy
Derek Prince teaches that condemnation is the enemy's greatest weapon against believers, contrasting it with the Holy Spirit's conviction which leads to righteousness and freedom.
This sermon focuses on the distinction between guilt and conviction of sin, emphasizing that condemnation is a tool of Satan while conviction comes from the Holy Spirit as a friend guiding us to righteousness. It warns against those who induce guilt, highlighting the importance of showing people how to be made righteous rather than making them feel condemned.
Full Transcript
But you'll notice as we turn to it that Paul returns again to this theme of no condemnation with which he began this chapter. You remember the first verse, there is therefore now no condemnation. You see, our greatest enemy and the greatest tool of Satan against us is condemnation, being made to feel guilty.
I need to tell you there's a great difference between being made to feel guilty and conviction of sin. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin. He's specific, he's practical, he says, you did this, you shouldn't have done it.
This is what you've got to do to put it right. And the moment you've put it right, it's all over. But guilt is something you can never fully define.
Did I say the right thing? Maybe I didn't say the right thing. Maybe I haven't done enough. Maybe I didn't treat her right.
Maybe what she said about me was right. Maybe I'm not really true or sincere or, you see, there's no end to guilt. And the further you go into it, the deeper you sink.
It's totally different. Guilt comes from the enemy. Conviction comes from our friend.
There's a Portuguese proverb which says, the friend is the one who shows you the danger. That's what the Holy Spirit does. He shows us the danger to get us out of it.
Let me say to you, and I can't go into the reasons for this, be very cautious about anybody who makes you feel guilty. Because very seldom what they say is from God. God is not in the business of making people feel guilty.
As a young and ardent preacher, I used to tell my small congregation how bad they were. And I mean, I did a good job of it. And every Sunday I would just put them down and they'd walk out and say, thank you, wonderful message.
And I'd think to myself, did they really hear what I said? How could they call that a wonderful message? But one day God in his mercy spoke to me and he said, I want you to understand, you're doing the devil's work for him. I didn't call you to make people feel guilty. I called you to show people how they could be made righteous.
And I realized that the devil and his aides were doing the job well enough without my help. And I ceased to become one of the devil's little helpers.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the theme of no condemnation
- Paul's declaration in Romans 8:1
- Condemnation as Satan's greatest weapon
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II
- Difference between guilt and conviction
- The Holy Spirit convicts specifically and practically
- Guilt is vague and endless, coming from the enemy
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III
- The role of the Holy Spirit as a friend who warns
- Warning against those who induce guilt falsely
- God's purpose is to make people righteous, not guilty
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IV
- Personal testimony of preaching guilt
- God's correction to preach righteousness
- Ceasing to be an unwitting helper of the devil
Key Quotes
“There is therefore now no condemnation.” — Derek Prince
“Guilt comes from the enemy. Conviction comes from our friend.” — Derek Prince
“God is not in the business of making people feel guilty.” — Derek Prince
Application Points
- Recognize the difference between the enemy's guilt and the Holy Spirit's conviction in your life.
- Reject feelings of condemnation and embrace the righteousness offered through Christ.
- Be cautious of anyone who tries to make you feel guilty rather than leading you to repentance and restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between guilt and conviction?
Conviction is a specific, practical prompting from the Holy Spirit to correct sin, while guilt is a vague, endless feeling imposed by the enemy.
Why is condemnation considered the greatest enemy?
Because it causes believers to feel guilty and defeated, hindering their freedom and relationship with God.
How does the Holy Spirit help believers regarding sin?
The Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin to lead them to repentance and restoration, acting as a friend warning of danger.
Should Christians feel guilty for their sins?
Christians should experience conviction that leads to repentance, not ongoing guilt which is from the enemy.
What should preachers focus on instead of making people feel guilty?
Preachers should focus on showing people how they can be made righteous through Christ.