Problems of the Heart #7

THE PROBLEM OF GUILT

Proverbs 28:13-14

Introduction:

1.         What is done with this problem may either cure or complicate any of the others.

2.         In one way of looking at it, guilt is not the problem but a symptom.

3.         From another of thinking about it, guilt is not only a problem, but the worst of problems.

4.         Obviously, guilt must be both understood and dealt with in the light of the truth of God.

Discussion:

1.         The Perspective of Wisdom

a.         Prov. 16:6 – “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,

                                                and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.”

b.         Prov. 20:9 – “Who can say, ‘I have made my heart pure;

                                                I am clean from my sin’?”

c.         Prov. 21:8 – “The way of the guilty is crooked,

                                                but the conduct of the pure is upright.”

d.         Prov. 28:18 – “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,

                                                but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.”

e.         Prov. 29:6 – “An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,

                                                but a righteous man sings and rejoices.”

2.         The Crucial Observation

a.         Prov. 28:13a – “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper...”

b.         Prov. 28:14b – “But whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.”

c.         Prov. 28:13b-14a – “But he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

                                                          Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always.”

3.         The Healthy Heart: Mercy Overcoming Guilt

a.         Seek truth in order to see yourself as God sees you.

b.         Respond to guilt with godly sorrow so that you turn from transgression to promise.

c.         Sincerely, one time, and one time only, ask God to forgive you in the manner he has provided for any person in your state.

d.         Take him at his word, and when the thought ever comes up again, thank him for his mercy.

e.         Make it your practice to extend mercy to others.

Conclusion:

1.         “...Is there no physician there?”  (Jer. 8:20-22)

2.         “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”  (Luke 5:31-32)