Dealing with GUILT (2)

Guilt Defined – 1) the fact that you have committed an offense or wrong; 2) you feel responsible, regret, shame or remorse for something, whether you did it or not In a sense, we are ALL guilty – Romans 3:23. Sin makes us guilty before God Yet many seek answers from sources outside of God’s word

Guilt “False guilt” – a feeling of being guilty, even though you are not: e.g. parents divorcing, false standards, false accusations, manipulators, survivor’s guilt, victims, death of a loved one, etc.

Guilt and the Bible With sin comes guilt from the beginning - Genesis 3:7-11 – sought to hide, blamed others Genesis 4:4-5 – Cain’s countenance fell… 2 Samuel 11 – David’s sin with Bathsheba

Guilt and the Bible How does God view the guilty? We are all guilty He does not ignore our guilt - Genesis 3:14-24 – Adam and Eve cast out of the garden, cursed Genesis 4:10-15 – Cain’s curse Jesus exposed sin and the sinner Matthew 19:16ff, 15:12-14, 23:12-16; 16:11-12, John 8:7-9

Guilt and the Bible Convicted John 16:8 – the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin Acts 2:37-38 – they were cut to the heart Acts 9:3-6 – Paul on the road to Damascus Preaching is to convict - Ephesians 5:11, 2 Timothy 4:2,

Dealing with guilt HONESTLY determine the source of your guilt! Do you feel guilty or are you guilty? Are you making excuses? Blaming others? Ezekiel 18:4, 20 Are you categorizing real guilt as “false guilt”?

Dealing with guilt Realize that guilt can be a good thing God has given us a conscience. Romans 2:14-16, Psalm 51:1-4, 6:6, 32:1-5 2 Corinthians 7:10 – godly sorrow produces repentance Acts 2:37-38 – cut to the heart, they responded 1 Timothy 4:2 – don’t damage your conscience

Dealing with guilt Realize God has made provisions for our guilt Jesus died because we are guilty John 3:16, Romans 5:6-8 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthians 5:21 Even Christians can be forgiven again, 1 John 1:9, 2:1-2, Acts 8:22-23

Dealing with guilt Address the cause of your guilt Repent! Acts 8:22, 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 Accept the consequences of your guilt. Quit making excuses for bad behavior. Change what you can, but move forward

Dealing with guilt Accept God’s forgiveness Genuine faith – James 1:6, Hebrews 10:23 Accept where you are. The past is the past! Consider Paul 1 Timothy 1:13, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Philippians 3:13-14

Dealing with guilt IF you need help, find a godly source Don’t turn to the godless for answers. Find someone who cares about your soul James 5:14-16

Dealing with guilt What about “false guilt” Keep studying God’s word! The soul that sins will die - Ezekiel 18:20 - Blaming others never resolves problems - 1 Corinthians 10:13 – take comfort in this - Learn to forgive yourself and accept forgiveness

Dealing with guilt What about “false guilt” Matthew 11:28-30 - turn to Jesus; 1 Peter 5:6-7 – turn to God, He cares about you! Work on accepting (and not worrying about) what you cannot control and changing what you can - Matthew 6:25-34

Dealing with guilt What about “false guilt” Build up your faith – the greater your trust, the greater your ability to deal with struggles Again, seek help from brethren who will pray for you and with you, and who will guide you in the right direction!

Have you taken care of your guilt with God?