1. UNDER SIN’S POWER Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” Romans 3:20 Bible Study Guide 6– July 10, 2016

2. What if? ■What would the outcome have been if Adam and Eve had immediately repented and came to God with a broken and contrite spirit and admitted “God we blew it, we messed up. You told us not to eat of that tree and we disobeyed you in a moment of weakness. We are sorry, would you forgive us?” ■What would God have said or done???? ■We’ll never know because they didn’t repent, Instead, they tried to hide from God behind the trees, and cover their nakedness with fig leaves. ■They each refused to take responsibility and blamed someone else for their sin.

3. ■Being accountable for our actions means taking personal responsibility for our role in sin and turning to God in repentance. What holds us back from taking personal responsibility? ■Each one of us has the personal responsibility to “repent and believe the gospel” (Mk 1:15) and then to glorify the Lord with good works (Eph. 2:10) ■Those who choose to reject the truth of God “are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). ■We cannot evade our personal responsibility to exercise faith in Christ.

4. Learn to take responsibility for your actions ■"Errors are inevitable. The mark of character is not refusing to recognize them, but acknowledging them and taking responsibility." - Andrew Sullivan ■Realize that you cannot place the blame on others for the choices you make. ■Understanding that it's ok to make mistakes. No one will think less of you. On the contrary you will earn the respect of others for admitting your errors. ■Giving of yourself in service to others, teaches empathy and compassion, characteristics that helps one to overcome self-centeredness.

5. ■Learn ways to let go of fear. Fear can create insecurities. ■Learn to love yourself unconditionally and accept who you are. ■Let go of feelings of victimization. Learn to see yourself as a victor and not a victim. ■Develop your spiritual life. By adding a spiritual dimension to your life, it can help to bring more self-awareness. ■ “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9