Seven Questions About Confessing Our Sins 1 John 1:9

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

To whom should we confess? 7 Questions about confessing our sins What is confession? To whom should we confess? What problems occur when there is no confession? What blessings accompany confession? Why don’t we confess more? How can we “mess up” our confession? What do we need in order to confess more effectively?

Literally means “to say together” #1What is confession? Literally means “to say together” We “say together” with God that we have sinned. Confession of Christ is “saying together” with God that Jesus Christ is His Son (another topic for another day).

#2To whom should we confess? Not to “Clergy” Assigned Partner Those who know nothing of our sin and cannot help us with it

#2To whom should we confess? But to God Psalms 32:5 – “I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.”

#2To whom should we confess? And to Those who know your sin James 5:16 – “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

#2To whom should we confess? And to Those who know your sin Your spouse Your children Your brethren individually The church

#2To whom should we confess? And to Brethren in a position to help Galatians 6:1 – “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

#3What are problems that occur when there is no confession? Physical problems --Psalm 32:3-4 – “When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer.”

#3What are problems that occur when there is no confession? Physical problems Mental problems Conflict in the church Incomplete spiritual healing (James 5:16)

#4What are blessings that come from confession? Clean conscience Relief --Psalms 32:5 – “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou hast forgavest the iniquity of my sin.”

#4What are blessings that come from confession? Clean conscience Relief Healing in the church Forgiveness and salvation --1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

#5Why isn’t there more confession? Pride

#6How can we “mess up” our confession? Worrying about the sins of others as you confess yours So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Samuel 12:13)

#6How can we “mess up” our confession? Worrying about the sins of others as you confess yours Saying, “If I have offended you,” or “If I have sinned,” Saying, “I’m sorry you took it the wrong way,” or “I’m sorry you felt offended.” “Negotiating” a confession

#7What do we need in order to confess more effectively? Be more easily convicted of sin (James 3:2 – “For in many things we offend all.”) Humility! (Psalm 34:18)

David was an effective leader and yet… Psalm 34:18; 40:12,13 18The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. David was an effective leader and yet… 12For innumerable evils have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; Therefore my heart fails me. 13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me!

#7What do we need in order to confess more effectively? Be more easily convicted of sin Humility! Confess a lot!

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”