Proverbs 28.13
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
The parable of the publican and Pharisee...
Luke 18.9-14
13 But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
Repentance is rewarded. Godly sorrow is acknowledged by Almighty God.
Psalm 51.17 The sacrifics, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
You, O God, will not despise.
The LORD's Prayer
Luke 11.3-4 Give us this day our daly bread. Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
Jesus taught the disciples to pray for daily bread and forgiveness when they fell short of the glory of God. Our lives are to reflect His Glory. When we fall short we need to confess it to Him and receive forgiveness.
He commends those who confess their sins, are genuinely sorry for them and call upon Him.
Our tendency is to conceal our sins, to cover them up. That has been so from the beginning.
Genesis 3.6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”
Covering up their nakedness
Hiding from God.
Do not lie.
Do not seek to cover your own sin. Seek to cover your brother's sin and nakedness. In other words do not gossip about their failures, help them out of them.
Galatians 6.6 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
"Don't be too hard on yourself. We are all under God's Grace and we are doing the best we can." - Billy Graham to his daughter Ruth.
1. The Blessings Of Confession 28.13
Mercy
to love deeply, be compassionate, have tender affection...
To have mercy on people...
Listen to their stories!
Walk in their shoes
Pray for them
These are the things Jesus did for us!
Blessed are the merciful for they will obtain mercy. I want to grow in mercy. I want mercy.
2. A Benefit of Confession James 5.16
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Healing
Lit. to make whole
*If you are are harboring envy or jealousy or covetousness confessing and renouncing that will make you feel better physically.
*Sins discourage spiritual growth, they tangle up our hearts... flowers with honeysuckle vines. Confession allows God to untangle our hearts!
Physical healing is connected to to confession and forgiveness!
Physical health is connected with spiritual health- not immune but definitely benefited .
Psalm 103.1 Praise the LORD O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise His Holy Name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits—
3 Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Proverbs 14.30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Proverbs 17.22 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Take a spiritual selfie...
Psalm 139.23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my thoughts;
24 See if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Sunlight exposes dirt... this morning
The Son's Light of His Spirit exposes sin in our hearts.
3. A Further Blessing of Confession. I John 1.9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Forgiveness and Purification
1 out of 3 children in the United States live without their biological father. They need to be taught forgiveness and practice it to avoid many maladies.
A guilt free conscience is a wonderful thing!
Find a person (who can keep their mouths shut) to confess your sins to, one who prays as well.
Seek purification from sins. Seek to grow spiritually.
If you fall, get up and walk with the LORD.
Confess your sins to God and trustworthy people. You will find mercy, healing and peace!
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