#6 Dealing With Emotions - Guilt In A Godly Way.

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Topic #6 Guilt: Is it for Real?

     Why is mankind plagued with feelings of – GUILT of rejecting God’s work of grace in their lives?  But many Christians also experience a false type of guilt as a kind of self-hate and self-punishment.

Share some things over which you have experienced guilt.

Guilt yet Forgiven

     In Anger, do you act or react, we saw Adam and Eve experienced guilt as a result of sin.  What was the result of their guilt (Genesis 3:6-10)?

What does Romans 2:14-15 say about man’s conscience?

Romans 3:23 says “_____ have sinned.”  Therefore, _____ are guilty in God’s sight.  Our very nature demands that we be forgiven or punished.

Read 2 Samuel 11.  Name several great sins which David knowingly committed.

What were the consequences he later suffered as a result?

From Psalms 51:2-5, 10-12, 32:2-4 describe the effects of sin and guilt on David.

Physically?

Mentally?

Spiritually?

Emotionally?

What is God’s answer to guilt?

Psalm 51:2-3, 7, 10

Pslm 32:1, 5

1 John 1:9

1 John 2:2

Romans 5:8-10

     We have seen that even though God forgives us, we often must suffer the consequences of our sin.  However, even these experiences can help us mature spiritually and experience God’s grace.

     David greatly sinned and displeased God, but he later was called “a man after God’s on heart.”  This truly shows the depths of God’s mercy and forgiveness.  How is David used as an example in Isaiah 55:3 and Acts 13:14?

Pick out one of the following verses on God’s forgiveness and memorize it.  Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 44:22; Hebrews 9:22; Micah 7:19; Jeremiah 31:34; 1 John 1:9.

The Guilt Trap:

     Many Christians continue to experience guilt after coming to Christ for forgiveness.  If the Holy Spirit convicts you of a sin (John 16:8, 13; 14:26) confess it and ask forgiveness.  Make restitution if necessary.  Claim victory from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2).

     Who brings feelings of guilt and condemnation to the Christian?  (See Revelation 12:10; Job 1:9-11)

Application:

     God has already forgiven you your sins.  Have you forgiven yourself?

     Is your pride keeping you from experiencing deliverance from guilt?

Prayer:

     Lord, I thank you that there is NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.  I claim freedom from guilt and sin bought by Your blood.  Help me to live in freedom.  AMEN.

I’ll continue Wednesday 10/28/15 with “Topic #7 -Dealing With Criticism & Gossip In A Godly Way”.

Blessings – The Lord’s Servant – Sandy F.