Dealing Biblically With The Past FALL 2014

FOUR BUCKETS

WHY EMPTY BUCKET #4? Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

EMPTYING BUCKET FOUR A.Realize that everyone has sin in their past 1 John 1:8, 10 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.... If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

EMPTYING BUCKET FOUR A.Realize that everyone has sin in their past 1.Sin begins by not controlling your desires James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

EMPTYING BUCKET FOUR A.Realize that everyone has sin in their past 1.Sin begins by not controlling your desires (2 Sam 11:1-2) 2.Do not complicate matters by acting on the wrong thoughts and desires of your heart (2 Sam 11:3-4a) 3.The pleasure of sin is brief compared to its effects (2 Sam 11:4b-5; Jas 1:15b)

EMPTYING BUCKET FOUR A.Realize that everyone has sin in their past B.Realize that the key is your response 1.Did you try to cover it up (2 Sam 11:6-25)? 2.Was your sinful response even worse than the initial sin (Eccl 9:3)? 3.Has your sin made you callous to its effects on others (vv a)?

EMPTYING BUCKET FOUR A.Realize that everyone has sin in their past B.Realize that the key is your response C.Realize the significant consequences for not dealing quickly with your sin 1.Unaddressed guilt (Pss 38:2-8; 51:3-4) 2.Destruction to your family

EMPTYING BUCKET FOUR A.Realize that everyone has sin in their past B.Realize that the key is your response C.Realize the significant consequences for not dealing quickly with your sin D.Realize the merciful hope of forgiveness Psalm 32:1-2 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

PERSONAL REFLECTION 1.What are some situations when you’ve sinned and then responded poorly? 2.What event from your past have you recently addressed? Was it hard to do so? Are you glad you did?