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Confession of Sin – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:9; James 5:16.
Introduction
1. The Bible tells us that we are to confess our sins.
2. 1 John 1:9.
3. James 5:16.
4. But how does this work?
a. Are we to confess our sins to a priest?
b. Are we to confess our sins publicly? If so, how often should one do this?
c. Are we to confess our sins only to God?
5. Tonight, let us consider what it means to confess our sins and how we should go about doing it.
Body
I. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CONFESS SIN?
A. Simply put, confession of sin means that one acknowledges sin in their lives. Psalm 51:3.
B. Confessing sin in our lives is the first step toward repentance.
1. Certainly, one who does not admit sin in his life will never repent of it.
2. This is a common problem. John 9:39-41
3. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness.
C. But to whom do we confess our sins?
1. Genesis 39:8-9.
2. Ultimately, all sin is against God, so obviously we must acknowledge our sins to Him. 1 John 1:9.
3. Are we to confess our sins to men?
a) Yes and No.
b) The answer to this question depends upon the nature of the sin being confessed.
c) Generally speaking, the sin needs to be confessed (acknowledged) as widely as it is known.
d) However, there is also James 5:16 to consider.
(1) This tells us that it is good to confess our faults / sins / shortcomings to one another so that we can pray for one another.
(2) There are times that all of us need the prayers of the church.
(3) Those prayers are effective.
II. CONFESSION OF PRIVATE SIN.
A. Private sin is sin that is only known by you and God.
1. As such, it needs only be confessed to God.
2. It need go no further.
B. Ultimately, there is only one mediator between God and man and that is Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5.
1. The idea of having to have a human mediator in order to deal with God is foreign to Scripture.
2. Jesus is our Mediator. As such, we can approach God through Him.
C. However, there may be times when our private sin is getting the best of us.
1. Sins like: drug addiction, alcoholism, pornography, gluttony, etc.
2. We may need to seek the prayers of the church for strength to overcome these sins and “be healed.” James 5:16.
3. Please remember though, those confessing sins need to be willing to do their part in repenting of those sins as well.
III. CONFESSION OF SEMI-PRIVATE SIN.
A. By “Semi-private,” I am referring to sins that are not public but that are known to at least one other than yourself.
B. Perhaps, you have sinned against a brother or a brother has sinned against you.
1. A sin such as this needs to be taken care of as widely as it is known.
2. Note Matthew 18:15-17
a) The ultimate goal is to make peace.
b) Between the brethren and if a sin has indeed been committed and it is not just a misunderstanding…
c) To make the offending brother / sister right with God.
3. Every attempt has to be made to keep this sin as private as possible. 1 Peter 4:8.
4. All too often, what happens is brethren confess their brother’s faults with us.
5. As seen from the passage above… sometimes this type of sin might become public knowledge if there is no repentance on the part of the guilty party.
C. Sometimes, we may sin against an individual who is not a member of the church.
1. In doing this we have hurt not only our influence but the influence of Christ and His church.
2. When this happens we must repent of our sin and make restitution (as much as is possible) with the one we sinned against.
IV. CONFESSION OF PUBLIC SIN.
A. Sometimes, our sins are committed in a very public way.
1. Perhaps our actions have brought reproach on the church.
2. Perhaps our actions have led others astray. i.e. Doing drugs and leading others to think that it is ok to do such.
B. Public sin needs to be taken care of in a public way.
1. Acts 5:1-5.
2. Galatians 2:11-14.
3. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5.
C. Public sins are also sins against the church.
1. When we sin in such a way, we must seek the church’s forgiveness.
2. The church (if it is what is should be) is all too willing to forgive, they just need to know that forgiveness is sought.
3. We offer this opportunity when we give the invitation.
Delivered on: November 13, 2011. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Prayer Purposes
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(The Purpose Of Prayer)
Introduction
1. In August 2005, Newsweek and Beliefnet asked 1,004 Americans what they believe and how they practice their faith
2. One of the questions was this: What do you think is the most important purpose of prayer?
3. Here are their responses…
a. To seek God’s guidance (27%)
b. To thank God (23%)
c. To be close to God or the divine (19%)
d. To help others (13%)
e. To improve a person’s life (9%)
f. Other (4%)
g. Don’t know (5%)
[What is the purpose of prayer? As the answers above suggest, there are many reasons to pray. One way to remember “The Purpose Of Prayer” is with the acronym ACTS, where “A” stands for…]
I. ADORATION
A. EXPRESSING ADORATION…
1. God is certainly worthy of our praise, our adoration
2. While we can praise God in song, we can also praise God in prayer
B. EXAMPLES OF ADORATION IN PRAYER…
1. When Paul prayed for the Ephesians, he took time to praise God – Ephesians 3:14-21
2. David provides an example of offering adoration and praise – 1 Chronicles 29:10-13
[Expressing adoration was not one of the responses in the aforementioned survey, but it is certainly an important purpose of prayer. Continuing with our acronym ACTS , “C” stands for…]
II. CONFESSION
A. CONFESSING OUR SINS…
1. There is mercy to be found in confessing one’s sins – Proverbs 28:13
2. The Christian enjoys cleansing of sin by the blood of Jesus – 1 John 1:7-10
B. EXAMPLES OF CONFESSING SINS…
1. Jesus provided an example in the parable of the Pharisee and the publican – Luke 18:10-14
2. Again, David provides an example with his confession of sin – Psalm 51:1-13
[Obtaining forgiveness by confessing sins is a blessing now enjoyed only through Christ (John 14:6). Once we have put on Christ (cf. Galatians 3:27),prayer is crucial to remaining forgiven. “T” stands for…]
III. THANKSGIVING
A. OFFERING THANKSGIVING…
1. Being thankful is emphasized repeatedly in exhortations to pray – Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
2. The antidote to anxiety is to pray for everything, with thanksgiving – Philippians 4:6
B. EXAMPLES OF OFFERING THANKSGIVING…
1. Christ set an example of thanksgiving – Matthew 11:25; 26:27; John 6:11; 11:41
2. Daniel had the custom to thank God three times a day – Daniel 6:10
[We cannot discount the importance of thanksgiving in our prayers. Especially if we expect God to answer us as we make requests for future blessings. This leads to the final letter, where “S” is for…]
IV. SUPPLICATION
A. MAKING SUPPLICATION…
1. We are encouraged to let our requests be known to God – Philippians 4:6
2. We are commanded to make supplications for all men – 1 Timothy 2:1-2
B. EXAMPLES OF MAKING SUPPLICATION…
1. “Real widows” are known for their supplications night and day – 1 Timothy 5:5
2. Solomon made supplication at dedication of the temple – 1 Kings 8:28-29
3. Jesus made supplication as He was crucified; Stephen also, as he was being stoned – Luke 23:34; Acts 7:59-60
Conclusion
1. With the aid of a simple acronym (ACTS), we should never forget “The Purpose Of Prayer”…
a. Adoration
b. Confession
c. Thanksgiving
d. Supplication
2. It is good to understand prayer’s purpose, but do we also…
a. Appreciate the power of prayer?
b. Even have the privilege of prayer?
c. Understand the principles of prayer?
d. Manifest the persistence of prayer?
e. Engage in the practice of prayer?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 051:01-19 Confessing Our Sins
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(The Art of Confessing our Sins)
Text: Psalms 51:1-19
Introduction
1. Do you remember the joy and the relief you experienced when you were baptized?
a. Knowing that your sins had been washed away by the blood of Christ?
b. Knowing that you then stood before God holy and without blame?
— Wouldn’t it be great to experience that same joy and relief, time and again?
2. There is no reason why you cannot!
a. Even though you may have sinned terribly after your baptism
b. For God has made provision whereby we can enjoy the continual cleansing of the blood of Christ!
3. Not by being baptized again and again…
a. But by confessing our sins to God – cf. 1 John 1:9
b. For God who is faithful and just has promised to forgive our sins!
— Just as we were raised from the grave of baptism cleansed by the blood of Jesus, so we can rise from our prayers knowing that we have been cleansed from all unrighteousness!
4. The key is to confess our sins…
a. But how does one do that effectively?
b. Are there some things to keep in mind as we confess our sins?
5. In Psalms 51, we have what David wrote after he was guilty of adultery with Bathsheba…
a. He provides an example of how one should confess their sins to God
b. He provides what I like to call “The Art Of Confessing Our Sins”
[How should one go about confessing their sins to God? From the example of David, a good place to begin is…]
Body
I. APPEAL TO GOD’S MERCY AND LOVE (Psalms 51:1-2)
A. NOTE THE BASIS OF DAVID’S PLEA FOR FORGIVENESS…
1. “according to Your lovingkindness”
2. “according to the multitude of Your tender mercies”
— David sought forgiveness based upon God’s lovingkindness and tender mercies
B. THE PARDON WE SEEK SHOULD HAVE AS ITS BASIS…
1. Not in the merit or worthiness of man
2. But in the goodness and grace of God!
C. AS WE SEEK “WASHING” AND “CLEANSING” FROM OUR SINS…
1. Don’t base our appeal on our past accomplishments
a. E.g., how much we have done for the Lord
b. E.g., how long we have been a member of His church
2. But upon the goodness and mercy of God!
a. Appeal to His mercy and grace!
b. Knowing that He is slow to anger and abounding in mercy! – cf. Psalm 103:8-10
— Remember the parable of the Pharisee and the publican! – Luke 18:9-14
[As we seek forgiveness, we must of course…]
II. ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SINS TO GOD (Psalms 51:3-4)
A. NOTE HOW DAVID ACKNOWLEDGED HIS SIN…
1. He did not try to hide it: “my sin is ever before me”
2. He admitted that it was a sin against God Himself: “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight”
a. While it is true he had sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, his own wife…
b. …David knew that it was ultimately against God Himself!
3. He accepted the condemnation of God against him
a. That God was both “just” and blameless” in judging him
b. As God did when He sent Nathan to condemn him
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. Appreciate that this is key to receiving God’s grace – cf. 1 John 1:9
2. Acknowledge the sin; while we may at times simply confess tobe sinners, it never hurts to actually mention the sin for which we seek forgiveness
3. Understand that all sin is ultimately a sin against God Himself!
4. Don’t fault God (His Word or His messengers) when we are exposed and condemned for our sins!
— As we confess our sins, there is more that we should bear in mind. From David we learn that we should also…
III. UNDERSTAND WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE GOD WANTS US (Psalms 51:5-6)
A. UNTIL FORGIVEN, ONE IS DEEP IN SIN…
1. Using hyperbole so common in poetic language, David describes the depravity in which he finds himself
2. He is not trying to escape responsibility by saying he was born that way; only that he knows he is utterly sinful
B. BUT GOD DESIRES MUCH MORE…
1. David knew that God wanted:
a. “truth in the inward parts”
b. “wisdom in the hidden parts”
— Again, figurative hyperbole illustrating that truth and wisdom are to be as pervasive as sin had been!
2. David knew that God desired to provide more than just forgiveness, He also desires:
a. Total restoration, with understanding and wisdom on our part
b. That we be equipped for faithful service
[Understanding what God wants of us helps us to appreciate what David goes on to say. Indeed, confession of sins should also mean that we…]
IV. PRAY FOR RENEWAL AND RESTORATION (Psalms 51:7-12)
A. DAVID DESIRED MORE THAN JUST FORGIVENESS OF SIN…
1. He does pray for forgiveness, using figurative language in asking God…
a. To purge him with hyssop – Psalm 51:7
b. To wash him whiter than snow – Psalm 51:7
c. To hide His face from his sins – Psalm 51:9
d. To blot out all his iniquities – Psalm 51:9
2. But he also sought for more; he desired…
a. Joy and gladness – Psalm 51:8
b. A new heart, and renewal of a steadfast spirit – Psalm 51:10
c. Continuation of God’s presence and Spirit – Psalm 51:11
— As summarized in verse 12: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit.”
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should look to God for more than just forgiveness!
2. We should also ask for:
a. A complete renewal and total restoration!
b. A return to “the joy of salvation” (that joy experienced when we first obeyed the gospel!) – Acts 8:35-39
[As we consider further David’s confession of sin, we find it proper to…]
V. RESOLVE TO OFFER GRATEFUL SERVICE (Psalms 51:13-17)
A. DAVID RESOLVES…
1. To teach other sinners and transgressors – Psalm 51:13
2. To praise God for His righteousness in delivering him from sin – Psalm 51:14-15
a. Knowing that God delights in something more than animal sacrifices – Psalm 51:16
b. A broken spirit and contrite heart is what really pleases God – Psalm 51:17; cf. Isaiah 66:1-2; 57:15
B. SUCH RESOLUTION IS IN KEEPING WITH TRUE REPENTANCE…
1. For God desires more than just forgiveness, but total restoration – cf. Psalm 51:6
2. And zealous service is indicative of true repentance, as taught in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11
C. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should look beyond obtaining forgiveness for past sin
2. We should look beyond obtaining present joy and gladness of heart
— We should be making commitments regarding future service!
[Finally, as we come to the end of David’s psalm, we find that “The Art Of Confessing Our Sins” includes that we…]
VI. PRAY FOR GOD’S PURPOSES (Psalms 51:18-19)
A. DAVID OFFERED A PRAYER REGARDING GOD’S PURPOSES…
1. That God would fulfill His purpose for Zion – Psalm 51:18
2. That God would be pleased with Israel’s sacrifices – Psalm 51:19
— Thus his confession of sin ends with a desire for that which pleases God
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should not be selfish, praying for only our needs
2. What about God’s desires? His purposes?
— As Jesus taught us in “The Lord’s Prayer”, it is important to pray for God’s will as well as our own (cf. “Thy Will be done on earth, as it is in heaven”)
Conclusion
1. I hope I have not made the practice of confessing sins sound complicated…
a. Certainly there are occasions where a simple “I have sinned…” may suffice
b. As illustrated in the prayer of the tax collector – Luke 18:13-14
2. Yet if we desire to be less self-centered in confessing our sins, we can follow David’s example:
a. Appeal to God’s mercy and lovingkindness
b. Acknowledge our sins to God
c. Understand where we are and where God wants us
d. Pray for renewal and restoration
e. Resolve to offer grateful service
f. Pray for God’s purposes
3. By praying as David did, we are to sure to experience two things:
a. Forgiveness itself
b. The joy of forgiveness
— As David expressed in Psalm 32:1-5, written after receiving forgiveness for his sins
4. The Christian who confesses his sins is the truly happy individual (“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven…”), for they have the assurance of salvation (cf. 1 John 1:9).
5. Have you confessed your sins to God today?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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