The question I want to answer is… why we feel bad when we do something wrong? The first thing that we have to do is define what wrong is = sin is anything we think say or do which displeases God.
The interesting thing about sin is even people who do not believe in a God have a moral code.
I want to show you the reasons why people set a standard of goodness and standard of what is wrong.
1. Law is written on heart Romans 2:11-16 This is why almost every civilization had or has some code or rules and oddly enough they are very similar to the commands God teaches in His Word.
Conscience- which is the inner sense of right and wrong, brings guilt to even the unbelievers mind.
This helps us to realize there must be some kind of standard that someone set. This is why even the atheist observes something horrible and says that is wrong. Unbelievers call this morality.
But just by admitting there is right and wrong tells more of what the Bible teaches about the fact that all people sin.
Dorithy Sayers the English writer during WWII in her book Creed or Chaos speaks of the people who are most discouraged in this world are the ones who have moved away from the Biblical teaching that all sin. They believe in the greater good of people and are constantly let down because they keep seeing them doing bad things.
Because the law is on our hearts and God has placed this conscience in us there is going to be a struggle Rom 7:13-25. Thanks the Father for Jesus.
Conclusion: We feel bad because God wrote it on our hearts
2. The sin of Idol worship leaves us feeling unfulfilled Idol=something in the place of God
Martin Luther talks about how if we can keep the first two of the 10 commandments, No others God or no images. Keeping the others will be easier. “What we love will enslave us”
What we love will seduce us into running from what we hate.
What we love is something that takes us away from the things or ideas we hate, we want to escape that which we hate so we seek to be saved from it. Examples: fear of being poor-single-unpopular-unsuccessful-not having fun,
Thomas Oden writes about how when we feel are idols are threatened it shakes us to the core and spins us into despair, depression and causes us to sin. Zane illustration
Bottom line is when we get what we want it is un-fulfilling anyway
Ex. Famous person commits suicide “they had it all” but their “all” was an idol Tim Keller has questions how you can tell what is an Idol in your life
What is your biggest fear? What are you clinging on to save you from it
Where do you run for comfort when things go wrong? food
What do you complain about most? money
What Makes you happiest? vacation
How do you explain yourself to other people? Kirkagaurd says “Justify your existence”
What makes you angry with God? ex. He did not serve my false God, He did not make me rich
What do you brag about? achievements
What do you want more than anything? A spouse
What do you sacrifice for? A hobby
If you could change one thing what would that be? college
Whose approval are you seeking? peers
What do you want to control or master? career
What comfort do you treasure the most? home
As Christians we fall into a trap to idols Hebrews 12:1-2 “Sin easily ensnares us”
We have to live for Jesus with our focus on Him, the rest will fall into place & guess what, when it does not fall into place the way we expect it to, Jesus helps us deal with it and accept it.
Conclusion:We feel bad because the idol did not deliver
3. The Holy Spirit is at work. conviction John 16:8-9 (pumps don’t lie)
Doing wrong things gets harder
Matt 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Conclusion: you feel bad because God the Holy Spirit is at work
You might feel a little beat down
Psalm 42:11 why is your soul so down cast, hope in God
What is the hope we find in God?
Something theologians call Total Depravity
Depravity = people fail the test in pleasing God.
Total=sin effects all aspects of us and all people
Eph 2:1-9
Martin Luther called this “the great exchange”-Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins
Admit it for salvation and admit it to live a life pleasing to Him
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