1. Dealing with GUILT (1)

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

3. Guilt
Many seek answers for their guilt outside of God’s word. Humanism, psychiatry, redefining what guilt is, etc. “It’s not your fault” “Don’t let others tell you what to do” “There is no absolute morality” “You’re not as bad as…”
Atheism, naturalism & humanism explain moral guilt away.

4. 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.
Misconceptions of guilt before God – “once saved, always saved”, “I was born that way”, sinful nature, etc.

5. Guilt and the Bible
With sin comes guilt 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
Paul was guilty and knew it – 1 Timothy 1:12-15, Acts 23:1, etc.

6. Guilt and the Bible How does God view the guilty?
Genesis 3:14-24 – Adam and Eve cast out of the garden, cursed Genesis 4:10-15 – Cain’s curse 2 Samuel 12:10-15 – David’s punishment, including the death of the child, etc.
Jesus exposed sin and the sinner Matthew 19:16ff, 15:12-14, 23:12-16; 16:11-12, John 8:7-9

7. 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
Ephesians 5:11, 2 Timothy 4:2, James 2:9, etc.

8. Have you taken care of your guilt with God?