God the Holy Spirit, Mentor's Guide, MG14

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G O D T H E H O L Y S P I R I T

Isa. 64.6 - We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment . We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away (cf. Ps. 143.2). Eph. 2.8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works , so that no one may boast (cf. Rom. 9.11-12, Rom. 11.6, Gal. 5.4). Titus 3.5 - . . . he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness , but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Cor. 12.3). Pastors and others involved in counseling the repentant should not undervalue true emotion. Real godly sorrow should, in fact, produce visible emotional anguish (although the extent to which the emotion is shown may vary widely according to human personality and culture). However, fear of consequences and other types of “worldly sorrow” can also produce signs of emotional distress. So these signs of emotion, in and of themselves, are not a sure indicator of true repentance. Teachability (the willingness to accept correction without self-justification or resistance and an eagerness for instruction on how to make amends for past behavior) is a much more reliable indicator that a person has had a true change of heart. We are dealing with godly Christian leaders who have proven themselves and are worthy of the utmost respect. However, even Christians struggle with sin and Christian leaders often have very few contexts where they can be vulnerable about their struggles. The teaching on repentance may open the door to a time of sharing about these temptations. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you sensitive to these opportunities. If it seems appropriate, lead the class in a time of prayer for the salvation of loved ones and for personal and corporate holiness among God’s people.

11 Page 67 Outline Point II-B-2-c

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Counseling and Prayer