"Confessing Sins & Praying For One Another"
Texts: James 5:13-16, 1 John 1:5-10
+ Leviticus 5:5 - when anyone becomes aware that they are guilty in any of these matters, they must confess in what way they have sinned.
+ Numbers 5:7 - and must confess the sin they have committed. They must make full restitution for the wrong they have done, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the person they have wronged.
+ Proverbs 28:13 - whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them find mercy.
Confessions of David
- Psalm 32:5 & Psalm 38:18
Examples of Confessions of Sins in New Testament
- Luke 15:21, Luke 18:13, Matthew 6:1 & Romans 10:9
Two Types of Confession
1. Roman 10:9-10: Confession of Faith (Salvation)
2. James 5:16, 1 John 1:9: Confession of Sins (Fellowship)
What is Confession?
The word 'confession' in the New Testament comes from the Greek word 'Homologoe', which means 'to agree with, to say the same thing as, to concur with'.
Confession is:-
1. Recognizing, admitting and acknowledge our guilt of sin
2. Ceasing to deceive ourselves (1 John 1:8)
3. Ceasing to deny, justify, deny our action, excuse, explain away
4. Calling 'sin' sin
5. An act of repentance, godly sorrow, remorse
6. Seeking forgiveness
7. Making restitution
Consequences of not:-
1. broken relationship and fellowship
2. Lord's chastening, discipline (Hebrews 12:6)
3. Loss of inner peace (Philippians 4:7)
4. Pricking of conscience (Hebrews 13:18)
5. Sickness and stress (Psalm 32:3)
To Whom & When?
1. Matthew 5:23-24
- Study very carefully and apply
- 6 simple words that saves relationship (I am sorry, Please forgive me, I love you)
- one to one, not public
2. Matthew 18:15
- sin against
- initially private, can become public
Private Sin involves two persons
- Confess to God, to another person
- Remains private, public not involved
Public Sin involves many
- Confession has to be public
- Needs public repentance and restoration
Why Pray After Confession?
- Confession - Prayer
1. Exposes sin 1. Access to God's healing grace
2. Takes responsibility 2. Seek help to do right
3. Admits sin (do not deny) 3. Sets free from sins effect (conscience clean, peace of mind)
4. Become vulnerable 4. Intercede for vulnerable
*Be careful whom you choose to confess your sins with. Treat it with great respect, sacred action with God. If not, afraid that it might becomes a gossip of the church.
Confession of sins is an act of responsibility. Remember that we are a fellowship of sinners. If someone seek forgiveness, don't spoil it by adding conditions to their actions.
Online Sermon. All Rights Reserved.