A Lifestyle of Confession Selected Scriptures
Why Confess? Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed (James 5:16) -- for healing; restoration
Psalm 32:3-5 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. ay to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.
Psalm 38:3-8 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all day long I go about mourning. For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart . . . (v18) I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin. ay to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.
Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.
2. What is Needed for Confession? -- Humility (James 4:6, 10) -- Honesty (Psalm 51) -- Hack away our fear of man
3. How to Confess - Make it a lifestyle choice - Foster relationships where this is the norm - Know that your not the only one who struggles - Don’t wait for others to go first
4. How to Respond to a Confession - Point them to the Gospel for future hope and show them the Gospel in the now - Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. - 1 Thessalonians 5:14 encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all