How Do You Handle Guilt Psalm 32:1-11

False Concepts Psychologists call it harmful Some want everybody to share it

Contrast Judas –Saw only his failure –Saw God only as a judge –Looked only at the past –Sorrow of the world Peter –Sought God’s help (Luke 22:31) –God’s forgiveness (1 Peter 5:6, 7) –Looked with hope (1 Peter 1:3) –Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)

What Is Guilt? When one fails to meet a standard –“The fact of having committed a breach of conduct, deserving censure or blame” (Webster) –Everyone holds to some standard

What Is Guilt? Why is it not properly felt? –Acceptance of a false or wrong standard (Proverbs 3:5) –Deception (Jeremiah 6:15; 1 Timothy 4:1, 2)

Three Influences Moral consciousness –Parents –Society –God’s Word

Parental Influence Some standard in every home –Not always right –Crucial time (Ephesians 6:4)

Societal Influence Includes many people and things –Friends at school –Associates at work –What civil law allows –Warnings (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Corinthians 15:33)

God’s Word Essential –Only correct standard (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) –Know it and teach it to others

The Purpose of Guilt Tell us something is wrong –Functions as a fire alarm –Should “trigger” godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:8-11)

Case At Corinth Man in adultery –Had his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5) –Guilt produced godly sorrow, which produced repentance –Resulted in action

Action Taken Text (2 Corinthians 7:8-11) –Earnestness: diligence to not repeat sin –Vindication: clearing of guilt –Indignation: learning to hate sin –Fear: wholesome dread of offending God –Longing: intense desire to change –Zeal: enthusiastic submission to God –Avenging: live righteously in the future

Misuse of Guilt Used to manipulate –Ahab to Elijah (1 Kings 18:18) –Sometimes we condemn ourselves needlessly (1 John 3:19-21)

Overcoming Guilt Four steps –Face the sin –Confess the sin –Change our life –Accept forgiveness

Face The Sin Consider David –Faced his guilt (2 Samuel 12:13) –Admit guilt to those we wronged (Genesis 39:9; 1 Samuel 15:1-24)

Confess The Sin Cannot be hidden –Terrible consequences (Psalm 32:1-7; Proverbs 28:1, 13) –To all involved (James 5:16; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:1, 2)

Change Our Life Follows repentance –Woman taken in adultery (John 8:10, 11) –No peace until we do so (Matthew 3:7, 8)

Accept Forgiveness From God and others –He forgives (Hebrews 8:12) –Enjoy the benefits of forgiveness (Psalm 32:11; 51:12) –Paul (1 Corinthians 15:9, 10)

Conclusion Value of a clear conscience (Acts 23;1; 24:16; 26:9) Comes through forgiveness Will we imitate Judas or Peter?