Does your heart condemn you?
1John 3:20, 21
20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
At first look, it appears that these verses balance on the word condemns. This can be troubling because Romans 8:1 clearly says that there is "no condemnation" and now it appears that our heart will condemn us. So, at closer look, we find that this word 'condemn' is translated from the Greek word kataginōskō which is a combination of the two words kä-tä' which is a preposition that is translated many ways, but most commonly as according to, and ginōskō, which is to come to the knowledge of or learn. But has reference to an intimate knowledge, as in a man "knowing" a woman.
kataginōskō is only used in scripture 3 times and is also translated as blame, but I don't agree with the translation condemn as I understand the word. Because we know that there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ.
That word used in Romans 8:1 is not the same word as above but is katakrima. It shares the same prefix Kata, but that is the only similarity to kataginosko. The second root word for condemnation in Romans 8:1 is krinō and most is often translated to judge.
Translating these words so similarly is like saying two words that both begin with the prefix "pre" are the same in meaning. Such as prejudice and premonition. Completely different meanings.
So understanding that my heart doesn't condemn me, brings us to ask what this verse means.
Paul says that our hearts have been circumcised. Why circumcised? What is the significance of this. I have another teaching on the heart of a new covenant believer, but let me summarize with this.
When we are born again, our hearts are circumcised, which means the flesh is cut away, because the Spirit and the flesh can't reside together. Our hearts become the meeting place of our spirit and soul. The conference room, if you will. My heart is where the Holy Spirit speaks the truth of my spirit. It where all truth is revealed to me. My heart isn't wicked. It isn't flawed. It's not my heart that needs change, it's my soul, my mind, will and emotionsy that needs change. The renewing of my mind is how I'm transformed, not my heart. My heart is good and pure and communes with my spirit.
When you hear something that bears witness with the truth of your spirit, you know it in your heart.
1John 3:20, 21
20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
At first look, it appears that these verses balance on the word condemns. This can be troubling because Romans 8:1 clearly says that there is "no condemnation" and now it appears that our heart will condemn us. So, at closer look, we find that this word 'condemn' is translated from the Greek word kataginōskō which is a combination of the two words kä-tä' which is a preposition that is translated many ways, but most commonly as according to, and ginōskō, which is to come to the knowledge of or learn. But has reference to an intimate knowledge, as in a man "knowing" a woman.
kataginōskō is only used in scripture 3 times and is also translated as blame, but I don't agree with the translation condemn as I understand the word. Because we know that there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ.
That word used in Romans 8:1 is not the same word as above but is katakrima. It shares the same prefix Kata, but that is the only similarity to kataginosko. The second root word for condemnation in Romans 8:1 is krinō and most is often translated to judge.
Translating these words so similarly is like saying two words that both begin with the prefix "pre" are the same in meaning. Such as prejudice and premonition. Completely different meanings.
So understanding that my heart doesn't condemn me, brings us to ask what this verse means.
Paul says that our hearts have been circumcised. Why circumcised? What is the significance of this. I have another teaching on the heart of a new covenant believer, but let me summarize with this.
When we are born again, our hearts are circumcised, which means the flesh is cut away, because the Spirit and the flesh can't reside together. Our hearts become the meeting place of our spirit and soul. The conference room, if you will. My heart is where the Holy Spirit speaks the truth of my spirit. It where all truth is revealed to me. My heart isn't wicked. It isn't flawed. It's not my heart that needs change, it's my soul, my mind, will and emotionsy that needs change. The renewing of my mind is how I'm transformed, not my heart. My heart is good and pure and communes with my spirit.
When you hear something that bears witness with the truth of your spirit, you know it in your heart.