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?