Almost Honest Christians Week 1: Confession Message Summary: Most of us have a sin (or two) that we never confess, at least not to our fellow believers. It is way too awkward to talk about that struggle, so we keep it between us and God, hoping that somehow, in some way, things will change. Sadly, they don’t (and instead get worse). But what if we said it? What if we confessed our sins to one another? Would our worst fears come true? Or would we find freedom in allowing our Christian friends to pray, encourage, and forgive us in Jesus’ name? ✦ What are we to think about confession? ❖ Proverbs 28:13 — Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. ❖ 1 John 1:8-9 — If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ❖ James 5:16 — 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. ✦ What are we to think about ourselves: Sinner? ❖ Psalm 51:2-4 — Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. ❖ Psalm 103:3-5 — Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. ✦ Are you confession accessible? ✦ Assignment: Ask someone. ❖ Luke 7:47 — “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” ✦ Are you confession able? ✦ Assignment: Find someone. ❖ 1 Timothy 1:15 — Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. Planting Jesus Roots GATHER — Worship is both a corporate practice (church services) and an individual lifestyle (discipleship). Corporate worship informs individual living. Sin and Grace is a perfect example. How much of your life from day-to-day is characterized by confessing your sins and forgiving others? GROUP — It’s not easy to be humble and vulnerable about your sins. This is where Life Groups become important. One function of joining Life Groups is to find a supportive network where you can confess a struggle and find forgiveness. Do you have a Christian group of friends to turn to? GROW — Daily connecting with God’s Word in personal devotions is important for so many reasons. But one of the most important is that in daily connecting, we are reminded that God invites us to always confess to him so that he may forgive us in Jesus and assure us of his love. How’s your daily devotional habit? GIVE — One of the best ways to serve our loved ones and neighbors is to lend an ear to hear. In building relationships through the giving of yourself, you create a context for others to open up about their need for grace. What areas of your life are you connected to others in service? What areas may there be growth opportunities? GO — The greatest thing we are all looking for on the deepest of levels is worth and belonging. Sadly, it’s our default to believe that our worth comes from performance and perfectionism and that in excelling at these things, we believe we earn belonging. Truth be told, our worth can only come outside of us in grace and forgiveness. And only in receiving grace can we be certain we belong to God. Who in your life doesn’t know this? Homework: Matthew 18:15-18