Chapter Four

Gospel Enemy #2: Persistent Guilt

1. Explain how those who embrace persistent guilt lean on the same object of dependency as those who embrace self-righteousness. (53)

2. What is a conscience? Explain in your own words.

3. What did God design the conscience to do for us? What are its two purposes? (54)

4. Why do we tend to use different escape mechanisms when dealing with a guilty conscience? What is the purpose of these escape mechanisms? (55)

5. What have you used in the past to attempt to escape the voice of your conscience? Is this sinful? Why or why not? (55)

6. Read 1 Timothy 1:19. What can happen to our faith when we repeatedly reject our conscience?

7. How have the ten questions on pages 56 and 57 revealed the presence of persistent guilt in your life?

8. The idea that we must “forgive ourselves” has no basis in Scripture. Why do you think this concept has become so popular—even among Christians? (57)

9. Read Hebrews 9:14. What purifies our conscience?

10. Describe how the first bookend is the only way to defeat persistent guilt. (57-58)

11. Read 1 Timothy 1:13-14. Explain how a healthy remembrance of our sin can be a blessing. (58-59)

12. Puritan Thomas Wilcox described six ways to deal with persistent guilt by shifting our focus. Which of these do you find helpful and why? (59-61)

13. Describe how persistent guilt can be transformed into joyful gratitude for the gospel. (61-63)