How to Deal with the Guilt of Sexual Failure for the Glory of Christ and His Global Cause

Last year at Passion 07, John Piper shared a message titled: How to Deal with the Guilt of Sexual Failure for the Glory of Christ and His Global Cause. This is a message I wish I could have heard 10-12 years ago when I was struggling with the guilt of sexual sin in my own life. The guilt and baggage of it all had weighted me down for many years and left me feeling unworthy of serving the Lord wherever He may lead. I found this message to be an encouragement that in Christ, I have been able to deal with and let go of the guilt and shame I carried around for so many years. I'm confident this message will be an encouragement to others dealing with guilt and shame associated with sexual failure and sin. The main point of the message is summed up in the section of the message titled: A Dream That Faded.

A Dream That Faded

Verwer’s burden in that conference was the tragic number of young people (like many of you) who at one point in their lives dreamed of radical obedience to Jesus and were joyfully willing to lay down their lives and sacrifice anything to make Jesus known among the nations, but then faded away into useless, American prosperity because of a gnawing sense of unworthiness and guilt over sexual failure that gradually gave way to spiritual powerlessness and the dead-end dream of the middle class security and comfort.

In other words, what seemed so tragic to George Verwer—as it does to me—is that so many young people were being lost in the cause of Christ’s mission because they were not taught how to deal with the guilt of sexual failure.

Note carefully how I am saying it: They were not taught how to deal with the guilt of sexual failure. The problem is not just how to not to fail. The problem is how to deal with failure so that it doesn’t sweep you away into a whole life of wasted middle-class mediocrity with no impact for Christ.

You can get the text and audio of this message here: LINK. If you or sombody you know is struggling with sexual sin, there are a few ministries I would highly recommend for those seeking help.

• Pure Life Ministries
• Every Man's Battle

You can also get free web browser accountability software from the folks at XXXChurch.com. If you are struggling with the pain and heartache of sexual sin in your own life, I pray that you would find deliverance and freedom it. The beginning of this freedom is a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. I would encourage you to explore this further by taking this simple test.