Scripture Reading: Psalm 38:1-8

The Guilt of Sin

Intro.

1. Are you struggling with the guilt of sin? If so, you are not alone. And, there is an available remedy to remove guilt and replace it with joy and peace.

2. We each bear the guilt of our own sin, Rom. 3:9-12, 23; 5:12; 6:23; Ezek. 18:20.

a. Guilt: Blame; "iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity". ^[1]

b. Hence, the universal need for redemption and reconciliation, 2 Cor. 5:18-21.

3. Some allow sin's guilt to immobilize them, to become overwhelmed by its guilt to the point that they believe themselves compromised beyond repair, incapable of renewal and revival. This is Satan's ploy...

a. To destroy faith by preventing sinners from trusting God's love, mercy and forgiveness.

b. To prevent renewed faithfulness, cf. Peter, Lk. 22:31-32, 62; Jno. 21:15-19.

4. Acknowledging one's guilt of sin is essential for redemption.

I. THE GUILT OF SIN SHOULD ALERT US TO DANGER WHEN SIN IS COMMITTED. Ezek. 18:20

A. When We have been Trained by the Truth, cf. 1 Tim. 4:1-2.

1. Suppressing the reality of sin only hardens the heart and prevents surrender and redemption.

2. The word of God identifies our sin. The guilt of sin should prompt us to turn to God for His remedy (forgiveness and salvation).

B. The Example of David, Psa. 38:3-14.

1. David suffered in body (2-8) and spirit (9-14) because of his sin.

2. David put his hope in God for relief (15-16).

3. David was in anguish over the guilt of his sins (18).

4. God was his salvation (21-22).

II. THE GUILT OF SIN LEADS TO BEING CONVICTED OF OUR SIN.

A. This is the Spirit's Work through the Gospel, Jno. 16:8-9.

1. Convict: “to show someone his sin and to summon him to repentance.”^[2]

2. Contrast Acts 2:22, 36-37 with Acts 24:25.

3. This is why we need the Bible in our hearts! Heb. 8:10-12; Psa. 119:11, 36

III. THE GUILT OF SIN IS REMOVED BY CONVERSION, Acts 3:19.

A. Seasons of Refreshing from God, cf. Isa. 35:3-7.

1. God's mercy stimulates renewal and revival, Rom. 12:1-2; cf. Psa. 51:4-5 (guilt), 7-9 (forgiveness), 10-15 (recovery and restoration via redemption).

2. Sin never brings refreshment - only guilt!

3. Make a committed, conscious decision to be converted in heart and life; to always obey the Lord in everything.

B. Become a Christian to be Forgiven, Acts 2:38-41.

C. Repent of Every Sin that has Plunged you Back into its Guilt and Shame, Acts 8:22-24; 2 Cor. 7:9-10.

Conclusion

1. The answer to sin's guilt is divine forgiveness, Psa. 32:1-5.

2. Faith is the means by which God will forgive sin, removing guilt and replacing it with blessed joy, Rom. 4:6-8.

^[1] Thomas, R. L. (1998). New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries : updated edition. Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc.

^[2] Kittel, G., Bromiley, G. W., & Friedrich, G. (Eds.). (1964–). Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 2, p. 474). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: December 5, 2014