2 Samuel #9: Deceiving Ourselves

We should be especially on guard against self-deception and rationalization when we fail morally, because both—deceiving ourselves and trying to rationalize our decisions, choices, and behaviors—are what we will do if we don’t guard against it. To avoid the subconscious state of denial, a believer who has failed morally must go to God early on, confess, repent, ask forgiveness, receive it (which is promised), and yield to the Holy Spirit’s help in avoiding that sin. It is important, as in all areas and circumstances, to be in the Word daily (determined to do what it says) and to spend time in prayer (for strength to carry out the Word and for Holy Spirit to shine His searchlight into our mind and heart). Both will help us avoid sin in the first place, but even if we give in to the temptation of sin, both will help us own up to it and run to God.

Thanks for the teaching, Dr. G.