Passive Resistance
Miles J. Stanford's sermon emphasizes the believer's freedom from condemnation through Christ and the importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in discerning truth from the enemy's lies.
Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the freedom from condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, highlighting the importance of realizing our secure position in Him to overcome the enemy's harassment. He contrasts the condemning whispers of the devil with the convicting yet sweet guidance of the Holy Spirit, pointing believers to specific actions for repentance. Stanford warns against the feverish, despair-inducing suggestions of the enemy, advocating for the quiet, clear, and deliberate leading of the Holy Spirit that brings peace and cleansing. Through Philippians 1:28, he encourages believers to stand firm without fear in the face of adversaries.
Text
"There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus " (Romans 8:1).
Until the believer realizes that his life is safely hid with Christ in God, he will never get free from the harassment of the enemy. "When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?" (Job 34:29). "If the Lord Jesus is not positively before the soul, it is enough: the enemy's work is done!" -F.W.G.
"There is a world of difference between the nagging, corroding condemnations of the devil, and the clear convictions of the Holy Spirit. The enemy speaks in generalities, seeking to smear us by a vague sense of failure, uncleanness, confusion, heaviness of spirit. The answer to that is there is 'now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus. '
"The Holy Spirit speaks specifically, and His convicting, although rebuking us, is sweet and clean and true and acceptable. He points out some exact and immediate action by which we have temporarily given in to sin. Satan points downward to despair, but the Spirit points upward to cleansings."
"The tempter's suggestions are apt to make one feverish. There is a sure test for ambitious plans. Any trace or taint of fever produced is a pretty sure indication of the enemy's influence. In sharp contrast with this, the Holy Spirit's work always makes us quiet and clear and deliberate. Our Master's touch still has the same power and effect as when He touched the hand of Peter's wife's mother; the fever leaves."
"In nothing terrified by your adversaries" (Philippians 1:28).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding no condemnation in Christ
- The difference between condemnation and conviction
- The role of the Holy Spirit
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II
- Recognizing the enemy's tactics
- The nature of the tempter's suggestions
- The impact of the Holy Spirit's guidance
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III
- The importance of being grounded in Christ
- The assurance of peace in Christ
- Living without fear of adversaries
Key Quotes
“There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus.” — Miles J. Stanford
“The enemy speaks in generalities, seeking to smear us by a vague sense of failure.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Our Master's touch still has the same power and effect as when He touched the hand of Peter's wife's mother.” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- Recognize and reject the enemy's condemnation by focusing on your identity in Christ.
- Seek the Holy Spirit's clarity in moments of confusion and despair.
- Stand firm in your faith against adversaries, knowing you have peace in Christ.