How to Handle Guilt
Text: Psalm 38:1-22
1 John 1:9 (ESV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I. ADDRESS UNJUST GUILT
Romans 8:1 (ESV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

A. COPE WITH THE PAST
1 John 1:9 (ESV)If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

B. CONFRONT THE PRESENT
1 John 1:7 (ESV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

C. CONSIDER THE SOURCE
Revelation 12:10 (ESV) And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

II. ADMIT REAL GUILT.
A. WHEN OUR SIN DISPLEASES GOD
Psalm 38:1–2 (ESV) 1 O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! 2 For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me.

B. WHEN OUR SIN STEALS OUR STRENGTH
Psalm 38:3 (ESV) 3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin.

C. HIS GUILT DEADENED HIS SOUL
Matthew 16:26 (ESV) 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

D. HIS GUILT DISTANCED HIS FRIENDS
Psalm 38:11 (ESV) 11 My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my nearest kin stand far off.

E. HIS GUILT DELIGHTED HIS ENEMIES
Psalm 38:12 (ESV) 12 Those who seek my life lay their snares; those who seek my hurt speak of ruin and meditate treachery all day long.

III. ACCEPT THE REMEDY FOR GUILT
A. THE SINNER’S CONFIDENCE
Psalm 38:15 (ESV) 15 But for you, O LORD, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.

B. THE SINNER’S CONTRITION
Psalm 38:17–18 (ESV) 17 For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever before me. 18 I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.

C. THE SINNER’S CONFESSION
Psalm 38:18 (ESV) 18 I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.