“I Have Sinned”

“I have sinned” Words we have all heard and probably said ourselves To become a Christian, we admit we are a sinner – Acts 8:22, 1 John 1:9 “I have sinned” found 19 times in Bible, on numerous occasions and in various ways Let us notice some times it is used

Pharaoh Twice, after plagues of hail and locust Exodus 9:27, 10:16 Twice, after plagues of hail and locust As soon as plague ended, he reverted to former attitude Are there some who confess sins to get immediate relief? Maybe even make promises True repentance remains faithful – Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 10:38-39

Balaam Numbers 22:22ff, 22:34 Following this, Balaam sought a way around the Lord’s will Numbers 25, 31:16 Balaam’s sin mentioned – 2 Peter 2:15, Jude 11, Revelation 2:14 Do some today seek a way around their “repentance”? Matthew 7:21-23

Achan He confessed AFTER he was caught Joshua 7:20 After Jericho fell, Achan took items that belonged to the LORD. When they attacked Ai, 36 were killed Achan’s sin affected the people. Lot’s are cast and Achan is exposed He confessed AFTER he was caught But there were still consequences

Achan Joshua 7:20 Many today confess, after they are caught, and facing consequences. Some are seeking a “soft landing” One day, we will stand in judgment – Hebrews 9:27, Matthew 25:46 – late confession will be too late

Achan NOTE: It IS possible to be genuinely repentant, but there may be doubt and the expectation that you “prove yourself” 2 Corinthians 7:11, will we clear ourselves? ALSO, we ought to give the benefit of the doubt when possible – Luke 17:4, etc.

King Saul Saul began as a humble king, but soon he lost that When commanded to destroy the Amalekites, the people did not totally obey When Saul was confronted, he “confessed” 1 Samuel 15:24, 30 BUT, he made excuses 1 Samuel 26:21, another occasion, backs off momentarily

King Saul Another “after the fact” confession, and with excuses and superficial confession (based on actions) True repentance does not make excuses. When one says, “I have sinned, BUT…”, is it genuine? God does not accept excuses – Genesis 3:11-13, Romans 1:20, John 15:22 1 John 1:8-10, are we lying?

Judas Matt. 26:14-16, Judas agrees to betray Jesus Later he regrets it and seeks to return the money, 27:3-4 After this, he goes out and hangs himself Repentance, but he dealt with it in the wrong way. Did not forgive himself

Judas We may know we have sinned and genuinely admit it. But how do we taker care of it? When we repent, do we accept God’s forgiveness and move forward - Acts 8:22, 1 John 1:9 cf. Paul 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Corinthians 15:9-10

King David David’s sin with Bathsheba and its fallout 2 Samuel 12, Nathan confronts David. 2 Samuel 12:13, “I have sinned” Genuine repentance – no excuses, “against the LORD, real remorse – Psalms 51, 6, 38, 32, 41:4, etc

King David Later in life, he numbers the people – 2 Samuel 24:10,17 He is remorseful and confesses his sins, ready to accept consequences This is genuine confession and accepting responsibility

The Prodigal Son Luke 15:18, 21 After he “came to himself”, he took action. He confesses to his father This is a parable about God and His forgiveness. We simply need to come to Him and He will welcome us back (1 John 1:9) with rejoicing (cf. Luke 15:7, 10, 32)

Have you confessed? How did you mean it?