We’ve examined our behaviors and are ready to admit the sin
in our lives.
We know what GOD’s WORD says about sin and its consequences
and we know what GOD expects of those who claim Him as Father and His SON as
LORD.
We also know that to continue in sin is deliberate rebellion
against the GOD we love.
Every child of GOD yearns for a loving relationship and fellowship
with the Father and we know when we’re not in harmony with His will for our lives. We can sense the spiritual unease within and we lack peace.
We
can only feel complete again when we close that gap of separation and know
we have the Father's approval again.
Can broken relationships with the Father be restored?
Believers should know that the answer to this question – it’s
a resounding, “YES!”
CHRIST paid the debt for all our sin – past, present and
future, because GOD knew there will always be temptation to sin.
However, GOD wants His children to look and act like Him, to
be holy 1
Peter 1:15-16, to not allow sin
to rule our lives.
Because He does not ask anything of us that He hasn’t already
made possible for us, GOD has given us the tools we need to keep living in
righteousness.
Confession and repentance:
If we claim to be
without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9
The starting point to changing our sinful behavior and getting
right with GOD is our obedience to GOD’s command.
GOD wants us to recognize our sin, admit and confess our
sin, and turn from our sin.
The best example of how this is done is Psalm
51.
The Psalmist, David, begins his petition immediately with a
plea for GOD’s mercy. He also names his moral failures – rebellion,
guilt and sin. David admits that he was deliberate in what he did and that the action is offensive to the Father.
For I am conscious of
my rebellion, and my sin is always before me. Against you — you alone — I have
sinned and done this evil in your sight. (Verses 4 &5)
Throughout the psalm David lays out exactly how what he’s
done has caused damage, and this is true for all of us.
Sin damages us, the people we sin against and, most of all, our relationship with GOD.
Although David has done terrible things, he is confident
in the character of his GOD. His past history with GOD is his assurance that GOD will forgive and restore him.
David has known GOD’s
mercy, faithful love and abundant compassion and trusts that GOD will
grant these to him again….and again, if it becomes necessary.
The act of confession and repentance must be an ongoing
habit in the life of a believer.
We can and will be guilty of wrong-doing but we do not have
to live with guilt, and separated from our Father.
GOD’s faithful love, mercy and compassion will put us right
again, because He has promised – He is
faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Conclusion
It’s useless to pretend with GOD; He knows everything about
us (Luke
8:17.)
Ongoing confession and repentance for sin is GOD’s command
for believers.
Greater obedience to His WORD causes less temptation to sin.
GOD will always hear and answer our sincere cry for mercy (Psalm
66:20.)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit
within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy
spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a
willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12
Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our Holy and Righteous Father, we admit that
we are sinners and our sin is against YOU alone. We thank YOU for YOUR abundant
mercy and steadfast love which cleanses us from sin and restores us to right
standing with YOU. Teach us wisdom by YOUR WORD so we can know the joy of YOUR
salvation. Bless us with the Holy Spirit to strengthen us against being tempted
by evil and to choose instead what is good for YOUR glory and YOUR Name’s sake.
We pray and ask all things in JESUS NAME. Amen.
Always by God’s Word and prayer,
Cecile
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