Last week we talked about self-examination – getting to the sin beneath the sin in our lives. This week we are going to talk about a very natural next step, which is confession. If we want freedom from our sins, we must be honest about those sins with others.

NOTE: POSTS IN THIS SERIES HAVE BEEN ADAPTED LARGELY FROM A STUDY CALLED “CHRISTIAN RECOVERY” FROM PROVIDENCE CHURCH.

Confession is appropriate and necessary in three ways. First, confession is a way that we turn to God in faith, acknowledging our sin against him and receiving forgiveness from him. Second, confession of sins is an appropriate means to be cleansed of feelings of guilt. Guilt and shame grow in the dark, but are overpowered by light. Third, confession of sins within the context of Christian community, together with prayer, brings healing.

It’s more than getting things off your chest. It is a means of renewal. In short, by confessing our sins, we acknowledge the idols of our hearts, and begin to take the ax to the root of the tree. It is relatively easy to confess that you are sinful, in an abstract way. It is more difficult to confess specific sins, because this forces us to acknowledge and confront our sinfulness much more directly. The aim of this principle is to experience the power of the gospel when we get specific in our confession.

DISCOVERING THE PRINCIPLE IN SCRIPTURE
We are going to look at a passage that will help us understand more about confession and as we read this, look for what we learn about confession. Read 1 John 1:5-10

This passage shows us that our experience of the gospel to change us is closely connected to our practice of confession. The diagnostic questions below are designed to help you in the process of confession. They will help you discover the desires underneath your behaviors. Remember to be as specific as you can about your real life.

1: What does it mean to “walk in the light as God is in the light”?

2: What happens when we walk in the light (confess our sins)?

3: What would you consider to be a healthy confessional life? Describe what that would look like for you. How often? With whom? What would it result in? What would it produce in you?

4: What would have to change in your beliefs, thoughts, or behaviors in order for you to practice confession?

5: What do you think is the biggest barrier for you in confessing your sin? (Possible barriers include: fear of man – not wanting to be “found out”, lack of awareness of your sin – not knowing your sin and its effects on others, apathy toward your sin – not wanting to change, feeling defeated by your sin – not empowered to change)

APPLYING THE PRINCIPLE

Let’s apply this to the area of sin that you identified last week, and to the specific episode you talked about. Last week, we tried to dig deeper to the heart idols underlying our behavior. Why do you think it is important to confess not just our sinful behaviors, but the sinful desires behind them?

Take some time to confess your sins to God in prayer together. You can follow this simple template:

  1. Thank God for His grace and faithfulness to forgive sin.
  2. Confess your sins to God. Name the behaviors and the idols underneath the behavior.
  3. Acknowledge that God alone can satisfy your desires, and ask him to help you experience that reality.

One reason we confess our sins to each other is to open ourselves up to wise counsel. If you have time, this is a good time to ask someone close to you for any input related to your struggle. This is not a time “fix” each other, but rather to encourage one another, give practical help, and point each other to Jesus.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT FOR GOING DEEPER

Below is a process to help you think through and practice this principle as it relates to your specific struggles. If we want freedom from our sins, we must be honest about those sins with others. Confession is appropriate and necessary in three ways.

  1. Confession is a way that we turn to God in faith, acknowledging our sin against him and receiving forgiveness from him.
  2. Confession of sins is an appropriate means to be cleansed of feelings of guilt. Guilt and shame grow in the dark, but are overpowered by light.
  3. Confession of sins within the context of Christian community, together with prayer, brings healing. It’s more than getting things off your chest. It is a means of renewal.

In short, by confessing our sins, we acknowledge the idols of our hearts, and begin to take the ax to the root of the tree. It is relatively easy to confess that you are sinful, in an abstract way. It is more difficult to confess specific sins, because this forces us to acknowledge and confront our sinfulness much more directly. The aim of this principle is to experience the power of the gospel when we get specific in our confession.

For going deeper into the principle of confession this week, we suggest repeating the simple confession template below, working through more of your sins with a friend or mentor. Stop along the way and take unhurried time to pray with and for each other. You can also focus on bringing more of yourself into the light. Most of us only tell 90% of the story because it’s the last 10% that we are ashamed of. Step out in faith and share the last 10% with your friend or mentor.

Take some time to confess your sins to God in prayer together. You can follow this simple template:

  1. Thank God for His grace and faithfulness to forgive sin.
  2. Confess your sins to God. Name the behaviors and the idols underneath the behavior.
  3. Acknowledge that God alone can satisfy your desires, and ask him to help you experience that reality.

Spend time meditating on Psalm 32:1-11  this week.