Condemnation And Subjectivity

Discussion questions on condemnation and subjectivity

C. J. Mahaney, The Cross-Centered Life, chapters 4-6.

Introduction

• three temptations to lose sight of the cross

  • legalism

  • condemnation (flip side of legalism)

  • subjectivity

• balancing (false dichotomies)

  • demand for obedience with Christ’s imputed righteousness (legalism)

  • demand for holiness and sanctification with forgiveness received in Christ (condemnation)

  • delight in God versus enjoying His gifts (subjectivity)

Condemnation

• discussion goals

  • identify nature of God’s expectations for our obedience.

  • identify the significance of our disobedience.

  • return to the cross: there is no condemnation. not that we may freely sin, but that we are freely forgiven.

• questions

  • What is condemnation? (CJ distinguishes between condemnation over great sin, and low-grade guilt. There is also the condemnation that strives to earn forgiveness, and that which despairs of communion with God or blessing from Him.)

  • Scripture says that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. Do we live in light of God’s forgiveness, or are we blinded by condemnation? In what ways do our daily thoughts and actions deny the forgiveness we have received?

  • If our justification means there is no condemnation, then does it matter if we sin? Does God still have the expectation that we must obey His commands? What is the outcome of our sin, if not condemnation? We misrepresent God, and he is displeased and grieved; we may be subjected to consequences of our sin or even disciplined by him, but are neither separated from him nor fall from his favor. Ultimately if we continue in sin one should question our salvation, because growing obedience is the fruit of salvation.

  • What is our condemnation revealed to be in light of the cross? Unbelief, failure to trust, arrogance, self-importance. The cross reveals condemnation to be sin, but the cross also defeats condemnation — we are forgiven!

  • How does “no condemnation” affect how we fight and resist sin? Do you fight forgiven sin? (Piper: ”The only sin we can fight against successfully is a forgiven sin. Without a once-for-all justification through Christ, the only thing that our striving for holiness produces is despair or self-righteousness.”) That is, do you fight sin with confidence that not only are you not condemned because of the cross, but you are empowered by God to overcome?

Subjectivity

• discussion goals

  • identify what, from an eternal perspective, is our reality: we are sinners saved from judgment by a merciful God.

  • identify tensions tempting us to be blinded to that: earthly joys and trials

  • identify proper cross-centered response to joys and trials (to be heavenly minded is to be the most earthly good)

• questions

  • Do we live in light of the great salvation we have received, and the great God who has given it to us? In what ways do our daily thoughts and actions deny the reality of it, and its supreme importance?

  • Can we always trust our feelings to give us an accurate picture of the reality of God’s mercy, love, and care? Not always, though if we are seeking Him we are sure to find joy in Him; primarily our feelings reveal how much we are trusting in Him, rather than grounding that trust.

  • What is the place of feelings in our lives?

  • We are so easily blinded, both by earthly joys and earthly sorrows. Our outlook and our emotions should be grounded in the reality of the cross, not in our subjective feelings. What are some ways we can grow in this?

    • How can we better enjoy God’s blessings as gifts from Him and not as ends in themselves? Or as Piper says, how can we drink orange juice to the glory of God?

    • How can we better endure earthly trials and burdens while keeping hearts of faith, joy, and even gratitude? How does the cross help us to delight in our Saviour even when life is difficult? We are empowered because of the cross; but we are also compelled by it to see our great and beautiful Saviour, and our wondrous salvation.

Introspection

• Identify specific ways that you can put away condemnation or subjectivity, and change your thinking to be more cross-centered.

  • What specific actions can you take when you realize you are exhibiting condemnation?

  • [CJ:] How can meditating upon the crucified Savior free you from attempts to earn forgiveness for a specific sin?

  • What specific actions can you take when you realize you are exhibiting subjectivity?

  • How can you cultivate a cross-centered outlook?

    • CJ’s recommendations for keeping the main thing the main thing.

  • Does anyone have practical recommendations for how they have been able to grow in having a cross-centered mind?