There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

(Romans 8:1 NKJV)

Thousands of thoughts run through our heads daily. They are the voices in our minds. Whose voices are we listening to? How can I discern between God’s voice and the voice of the enemy?

The devil does more than tempt us. He messes with our minds, his favorite battlefield. Examining the details of those thoughts will connect them to a voice. As Christians, we are now under no condemnation like our focal verse declares. This is the truth of God, and knowing the truth sets us free.

Yes, we will make mistakes. Yes, we will stumble and even fall, but God is faithful and just to forgive (1 John 1:9).

The voice of Satan condemns the child of God. “You’re not good enough.”

“Look at your past!”

“Do you really think God would save you?”

“If God really loved you, He wouldn’t allow you to suffer like this.”

“You committed the unforgivable sin.”

Does any of that sound familiar? If so, that is the voice of the enemy trying to make you doubt God, doubt yourself, doubt God’s love for you and doubt your salvation.

Satan speaks lies, spreading deceit hoping it will take root in the fertile soil of our minds. He is the father of lies (John 8:44).

The voice of God will convict us through the Holy Spirit. He will definitely point out our sins, but His voice sounds different than the voice of the enemy. His voice isn’t threatening.

” I love you, even when you stumble. I will help you get back up.”

The Holy Spirit never condemns you. He convicts you. Both voices point to our sin.

The voice of the enemy shames us. The Spirit sanctifies us.

What is sanctification? It is the separation of the believer to God and from the world and evil. Sanctification is a process beginning with salvation and ending when we reach the gates of heaven. It is the process by which we become holier as time passes.

I can look back at my life and see major changes from one year to another. In time, I feel convicted by something that didn’t bother me before. The Holy Spirit offers us a hand pulling us out of the muck and mire of sin.

Satan wants to separate us from God, not our sin. He cares less about our sanctification, but God wants to help us live the holy life. It’s a life that seems impossible to live in the flesh, but we can walk it through the power of the Spirit.

Why is it important to recognize these voices? Because the enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy you (John 10:10). His words cut like a knife. They leave us despondent and feeling worthless. God gives us hope, mercy, and love. Make sure you listen only to the voice of the Spirit.

The Spirit speaks mercy. Satan speaks misery.

Lord God, thank You for Holy Spirit conviction rather than condemnation. I want to live holy. Search me and cleanse me from sin. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read 1 Corinthians 6:11 NKJV.

And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

HIKING THE TRAIL

Do you see the process of sanctification in your life? Are you feeling convicted in some area now? Did you realize the devil was the voice you heard? Now you can dismiss him.

RELATED RESOURCE

Check out Carolyn’s books in the shop. Click here!

Originally posted on January 8, 2021 @ 3:00 am