This is an excellent post. For a number of years I...

2011-10-26T16:36:19.973-07:00

This is an excellent post. For a number of years I was in a branch of evangelicalism that over-emphasized our "saintly" status as Christians. With all the saintly emphasis, one would think it would have been a very saintly place. Ironically, we observed more sin in this church than in any other we'd been a part of! There was a lot of pretense, rationalization of sin, and self-deception. People could not honestly face their weakness and sin. And when things are ignored, it usually only gets worse!

From my perspective, they were too focused on themselves...their holiness, their victory, etc. Instead of focusing on Christ and their position IN CHRIST. I appreciate the scriptural passages you bring out. When our focus is on Christ and our position in Christ, we can, as you word it, face our sin "without either self delusion or self-condemnation."

I have blogged on different aspects of this since it was such an issue for us at this former church. But I have never taken quite the approach as you have. It is excellent.

Our "saintly" theology friends can't seem to grasp it. They think if you honestly admit your weakness/sin, then it is self-condemnation,and thinking negative. And if you think negative, this will only lead to more sin. Thus, they would only think of themselves as saintly. But that clearly was not working. Anyways...

Fantastic post! Thank you!

2011-10-23T21:25:57.426-07:00

Fantastic post! Thank you!

I studied the this passage for a women's retre...

2011-10-21T11:27:54.836-07:00

I studied the this passage for a women's retreat earlier this month, and I found the end of Chapter 7 especially insightful when looking at Romans 8. Paul states clearly his conviction of sin. Then, he states his hope in Jesus. Then, he writes Romans 8, beginning with the powerful first verse. Chapter 7 leads us to a deeper understanding of the beginning of 8, and doesn't allow for delusion or condemnation. Oh, such sweet words!

Comments on Practical Theology for Women: Self-delusion Verses Self-condemnation

This is an excellent post. For a number of years I...

Fantastic post! Thank you!

I studied the this passage for a women's retre...