Application - Apply the truth of Gods Word

Confession - Living in a state of confession

Transformation - Into the holy image of God

Salvation, is more than simply repeating a prayer after a pastor, walking to the front of the church, or even getting baptized. Salvation is living a life completely and exclusively devoted to God.

Confession

“Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda

In a deep discussion with students at a summer retreat, regarding the topic of prayer and being honest with God, one student spoke up and said,

“I can’t be honest with God, If I am honest, I am afraid God will hate me for what I have done”.

Why do we need to confess our sins?

Is it true that God will hate me if I do?

1. Confession In Salvation

1 John 1:9 ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Confession is the beginning of Salvation. It is a confession of how broken we are and a profession of how we need God.

Confession at its core it just honesty

Honesty with ourselves that we are mere created beings designed with the need to worship and fear the creator, God.

2. Confession of Sins

Proverbs 28:13 NIV

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

We are selfish beings, and our selfishness is what separates us from the image of God.

The version of myself that looks more like me and less like God is the version that is not going to prosper.

Confessing those sins is how we cleanse ourselves more into the image of God, allowing God to cover us in Mercy and Grace.

Scripture makes it clear that God hates the sin, and not the sinner.

Meaning it is our un-confessed sins in our life that God hates but He will never hate us.

3. Confession in Christ

I think we have an understanding of confession and why it is important, but How?

In other words: You are saying to master Yoda, I understand that “fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering” but how do I not turn to the dark side?

James 5:16 ESV

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Scripture tells us we confession our sins through prayer to God. It is not a person or pastor that cleanses you of your sins, but God.

James directs us to even confess our sins to one another.

The body of Christ is not meant to just be a room full of people, but brothers and sisters that come alongside one another and point them back to the Father.

Conclusion

Are You Living In A State of Confession?