Alchemy Part 1
Big idea for the final two weeks: When God’s GRACE hits our GUILT, the outcome is palpable GRATITUDE
9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” —Matthew 9:9–13
The reason people (usually) feel guilty is that we are guilty. The reason guilty people run to King Jesus is that He forgives our guilt, redefines our identity, and provides a way out.
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. —1 John 1:8–10
The first step to freedom from guilt and shame is being able to clearly confess…
“What I did IS evil,”
“What I did IS selfish,”
“What I did IS lying,”
“What I did IS murder,”
“What I did IS adultery,”
“What I did IS immorality,”
“What I did IS betrayal,”
“What I did IS greed,”
“What I did IS laziness,”
“What I did IS unforgiveness,”
“…BUT I was totally justified in what I did.”
“…BUT King Jesus became my sin on the Cross and took my shame and guilt upon Himself,”
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:21
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. —Romans 8:1
“…AND He no longer defines me by sin and shame…”
33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” —Jeremiah 31:33–34
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. —2 Corinthians 5:17
“…AND He has given me the wisdom of His Word and the Power of His Spirit so that I never have to go back.”
11 Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. —Proverbs 26:11
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! 13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. 14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. 16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. —Psalm 119:9–16
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. —Romans 8:13
The way to finally and fully deal with guilt and shame once and for all is to call it what God calls it, appeal to Him for a clean conscience, and live by the wisdom of His Word and power of His Spirit
CONFESS – 1 John 1:9
APPEAL – 1 Peter 3:21
LIVE – 1 John 1:7
LOVE – John 14:15
One Missoula Church gives back to God through sacraficial giving that we use to help others discover and strengthen a relationship with Jesus Christ. We’ve removed every barrier and inconvenience to make this sacrificial act as accessible and simple as possible. At present, here are the avenues avialable to us:
- Sunday Morning - offering boxes on the communion tables at theback
- Snail Mail - postage-paid envelope included in the handout
- Text “1MSO” to 888-364-4483
- Online at https://onemissoulachurch.com/give
- Via the One Missoula App under the “Giving” tab
