Introduction: Two destructive forces that are found in the human heart are guilt and shame.  The two seem to work in tandem with each other destroying its victim.  Victory over guilt and shame is only found in the provision of Jesus Christ.

The Guilt of Sin

• Definitions of Guilt

           Remorseful awareness of having done something wrong

           Bearing responsibility for an offense or wrongdoing

           Answerable to the judgment & condemnation of God

• Types of Guilt

           No Guilt  (1 Timothy 4:2)

           Appropriate Guilt  (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

           Unfounded Guilt

           Destructive Guilt

The Shame of Sin

• Definitions of Shame

            A painful emotion caused by guilt

            A condition of humiliating disgrace

            A possible manifestation of self-hatred

• Types of Shame

            No Shame

            Appropriate Shame (conviction)

            Unfounded Shame

            Destructive Shame

The Painful Emotions of Guilt & Shame

• Worthlessness

• Hopelessness

• Despair

• Rejection

Interesting Thought:

When it comes to guilt and shame, too often our self-image rests solely on how we look at our past behavior. 

We end up measuring ourselves only through a memory. 

Day after day, year after year we tend to build our personalities on the rubble of yesterday’s personal disappointments and failures.

The Penetrating Effects of Guilt & Shame (Survival Mode)

• Projection of feelings onto other people

• Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors

• Expects Worst Possible Outcome

• Blame Shifting

• Loss of Intimacy

• Unhealthy Addictions

• Inability to say “No”

The Proper Expression of Guilt & Shame

• Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-12)

• King David  (2 Samuel 12:13) (Psalms 38 & Psalms 51)

The Purchased Exemption for Guilt & Shame

• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

• 2 Corinthians 5:21           

• Romans 5:1-2

• Hebrews 12:1-2

The Progressive Exchange of Guilt & Shame

• Admit your guilt & shame

• Confess your guilt & shame

• Forsake your guilt & shame

• Accept His forgiveness & grace  (Acts 3:19)

Application: According to God’s Word, you are deeply loved by God (1 John 4:9-10) and are completely forgiven and fully pleasing to Him (Romans 5:1).  What keeps you from believing these truths?