Grace Bible Church of Boerne Walking in Christ Week 4
In all of the laments and reproaches made by our seers and prophets, one misses any mention of sin, a word which used to be a veritable watchword of prophets. It was a word once in everyone s mind, but now rarely if ever heard. Does that mean that no sin is involved in all our troubles sin with an I in the middle? Is no one any longer guilty of anything? Guilty perhaps of a sin that could be repented and repaired or atoned for? Is it only that someone may be stupid or sick or criminal or asleep? Dr. Karl Menninger
Wrong things are being done, we know But is no one responsible, no one answerable for these acts? Anxiety and depression we all acknowledge, and even vague guilt feelings; but has no one committed any sins? Where, indeed, did sin go? What became of it? Dr. Karl Menninger
Guilt Understanding Guilt Biblically
Biblical Understanding of Guilt Guilt A legal liability or culpability to punishment Often associated with the feeling that accompanies guilt. Guilt is a fact.
Biblical Understanding of Guilt False Guilt Oxymoron Usually describes regret or remorse.
Our culture has declared war on guilt. The very concept is considered medieval, obsolete, unproductive. People who trouble themselves with feelings of personal guilt are usually referred to therapists, whose task it is to boost their self-image. No one, after all, is supposed to feel guilty. Guilt is not conducive to dignity and self-esteem. Society encourages sin, but it will not tolerate the guilt sin produces. John MacArthur
One of the most painful, self-mutilating, time-and energyconsuming exercises in the human experience is guilt It can ruin your day or your week or your life if you let it. It turns up like a bad penny when you do something dishonest, hurtful, tacky, selfish, or rotten Never mind that it was the result of ignorance, stupidity, laziness, thoughtlessness, weak flesh, or clay feet. You did wrong and the guilt is killing you. Too bad. But be assured, the agony you feel is normal Remember guilt is a pollutant and we don t need any more of it in the world. Ann Landers
Getting Rid of Guilt Many ways the world tries to get rid of guilt More sin Chemicals Blame Shifting Self-Esteem Self-Gratification
Repentance The Biblical Response to Guilt
Defining Repentance In the Old Testament Hebrew: שוב Literally means to turn back or to return. Exodus 4:20 So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt.
Defining Repentance In the Old Testament Hebrew: שוב Also translated as repent Ezekiel 14:6 Thus says the Lord God, Repent and turn away from your idols
Defining Repentance In the New Testament Greek:!ετανοέω Also translated as repent Means to change one s way, change one s mind, or repent
Repentance is Required Repentance is necessary for true conversion. Luke 3:3 - John the Baptist came preaching repentance And he came into all the district around the Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins
Repentance is Required 2 Cor 7:10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation
Repentance is Required Repentance is necessary after conversion. Luke 17:3 Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him and if he repents, forgive him.
Elements of Repentance Comprehending Confession Understanding what we did is wrong. Saying the same thing about our sin that God says about it. Choosing Willfully resolving to never repeat the sin.
Effects of Repentance Change in Behavior No regret Restitution Reconciliation Sorrow (Emotional Response)
Practical Repentance How do I change? We are creatures of habit We develop sinful habits over time We must break these habits and replace them with new ones Put on / Put Off
God gave man a marvelous capacity that we call habit. Whenever one does something long enough, it becomes a part of him. Jay Adams
Practical Repentance Ephesians 4:22 That in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,
Practical Repentance Ephesians 4:23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
Practical Repentance Ephesians 4:24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness ad holiness of the truth.
Practical Repentance When does a liar cease being a liar? When he starts telling the truth. Eph 4:25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of each other.
Forgiveness Understanding Biblical Forgiveness
Forgiveness Defined Forgive to send away or to release. Regarding sin: it means to pardon
Forgiveness Defined Forgiveness is a promise Jeremiah 31:34 for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.
Forgiveness is a promise to pardon..
Divine Example The model of forgiveness God Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Divine Example We should forgive each other as God has forgiven us. Col 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Divine Example Does this mean forgiving is forgetting? How do I forget what others have done to me? No Forgiving is NOT forgetting Isaiah 43:25 And I will not remember your sins
I Promise When you forgive you are making 3 promises: "I will not remind you of this sin (unless it would be absolutely necessary to do so for your good). "I will not mention it to anyone else (unless it would be absolutely necessary )." "I will not allow my mind to dwell on it."
I Promise Breaking a promise to another person is dishonest Therefore, break these promises is a sin. Scriptures command us to forgive others. Refusing to make these promises is a sin.
Who do I forgive? Luke 17:3 4 Be on your guard! If your brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, I repent, forgive him. Mark 11:25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone
Types of Forgiveness Attitude Transaction
Attitude of Forgiveness Required before forgiveness can occur Describes the condition of our heart We should not harbor: anger bitterness, resentment, or ill will toward another. We are commanded to: Love (Luke 6:27 35) Be kind and gracious (Romans 12:17 21)
Attitude of Forgiveness Our hearts should resemble God s heart Psalm 86:5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon you.
Attitude of Forgiveness It is the promise of pardon made in the heart before God. The Attitude of Forgiveness is done in prayer. Luke 23:34 But Jesus was saying, Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.
Attitude of Forgiveness Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Father, you know what has happened between and me. Help me to not be angry or bitter at him, nor to seek revenge in any way, but help me to love him and desire only his good. Please work in his heart and bring him to repentance so that we can have a reconciled relationship. Use me in any way You can to help him.
Transaction of Forgiveness Occurs verbally with the other person. Is Conditional We are to forgive as God forgives Does God forgive unconditionally? Acts 2:38 Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins Luke 3:3 And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;
Transaction of Forgiveness The Transaction of Forgiveness is conditioned upon repentance. Those who refuse to repent, do not receive a restored relationship with God.
Conducting the Transaction Transaction includes Confrontation Luke 17:3 Be on guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
Conducting the Transaction How often should you be willing to conduct this transaction of forgiveness? Luke 17:4 And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, I repent forgive him.
Other Considerations Important issues regarding whom we forgive Confront vs. covering Apologizing vs Asking forgiveness. Forgiving God Forgiving Unbelievers Forgiving the deceased Forgiving yourself
Other Considerations How should we forgive? Immediately (Luke 17:3) Repeatedly (Luke 17:4) Lavishly ( 2 Corinthians 2:5 8)
Grace Bible Church of Boerne Questions? Week 4