How to Act After You Sin (Study Outline)

Written on 11/20/2025


HOW TO ACT AFTER YOU SIN


INTRODUCTION



I. FEELING SORROW IS GOOD AND NECESSARY

1. Godly sorrow is commanded and is a gift from God

2. The Holy Spirit produces conviction

3. God accepts the sacrifice of a broken spirit

4. Feeling sorrow is part of worship


II. BUT SORROW MUST LEAD TO CORRECTION — NOT SELF-PUNISHMENT

1. Repentance requires learning and changing, not just feeling sad


2. God disciplines us so we will change

3. God uses consequences to make us wiser



III. HOW TO CORRECT YOURSELF EFFECTIVELY AFTER SIN

1. Confess clearly and without excuses


2. Identify the lie or weakness that led to the sin


3. Replace the sin with the opposite obedience


IV. DON’T LET GUILT STAY — GUILT DESTROYS STRENGTH

1. Nehemiah 8:10 — “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

2. God does not remember forgiven sins




V. LIKE DAVID — MOVE ON AFTER REPENTANCE

1. David sinned and lost his child — but after mourning, he got up



VI. ACCEPT YOUR FATE, TRUST GOD’S PURPOSE, AND MOVE FORWARD

1. God works all things for good — even our sins


2. God teaches us through consequences so we stop sinning


3. God uses past failures as future testimonies


VII. SUMMARY: WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER SIN

1. Feel godly sorrow — don’t run from it

2. Confess sin to God

3. Study the Word to understand why you fell

4. Build a plan to change behavior

5. Accept consequences as God’s discipline

6. Reject lingering guilt — move forward with joy

7. Worship and move on like David