Sin and Regret

Sin and Regret

I Tim. 1:12-17

Have you ever done something stupid that you soon regretted? Probably all of us have. Usually, we can learn from our mistakes and go on. However, there may be times when getting beyond the regret seems almost impossible. Are we doomed to live our older years in regret? How did Paul cope with his past?

I. He fully acknowledged His wrong.

A. He was "chief of sinners." I Tim. 1:13

B. Don’t hide the truth – confess it and forsake it.

Pr. 28:13

II. He sought and received God’s grace and mercy.

C. "His grace is greater than our disgrace." I Tim. 1:14

D. Heb. 4:15-16; II Cor. 1:3

III. He accepted God’s "service plan" for strengthening him.

E. God put Paul to work in His service. I Tim. 1:12

F. This is not penance; this is grateful, productive activity!

IV. He set about to "forget his past.

G. How do you forget the past? Phil. 3:13

H. Help other people with their problems.

V. He kept God’s greatest goal always before his mind.

I. Our future has great potential. Phil. 3:14

J. You can rise to the top!

Are you struggling with painful regrets of the past? God’s word has the answer for you. Is. 1:16-18; Acts 22:16