Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 105 – Psalm 32:5- Acknowledged My Sin – Growing As Disciples
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”– and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah Psalm 32:5 (NIV)
Confess
I will regularly, willingly and openly confess my sins to you. As needed, I will also confess my sins to anyone I have sinned against. I will not ignore my sins. I will not try to hide my sins. I will not stubbornly and pridefully resist the idea that I am a sinner. I will not reject the truth that I do need your forgiveness and cleansing of my sins. That is very good.
Will you generally ask for forgiveness of your sins? I’m not sure what you are asking of me. Will you be specific when you are asking for forgiveness of your sin? Is that important? What do you think? By you asking me that question, I am guessing that it is very important that I am specific when I confess my sins to you. Good guess. Why do you suppose it is important that you acknowledge and confess your specific sins? A general confession of sin is almost like no confession at all. A general confession of sin acknowledges no actual wrong doing on my part. I would not be naming how I have sinned. I would not be determining to turn away from my sin. I would not be asking you to help me to not sin against you or others. With a general confession of sin, it is highly unlikely that I would ever ask for forgiveness from someone I have sinned against. These are all true statements. What else? A general confession of sin is likely to leave me with the vague feeling that I have been forgiven. That’s true. What else? You no doubt want to have a conversation with me about my sin. A general confession of sin is unlikely to lead to any meaningful conversation between us about my sin. That is also true.
I have another question for you? I’m listening. What freedom and joy and peace have you found when you have come and confessed specific sins to me? For one, I have known without a doubt that I have openly and willing admitted my specific sin to you. We have talked together about my sin. I have asked you to help me to not sin against you and others. I have determined that I will turn away from my sin. I have taken steps to avoid circumstances that might cause me to sin against you and others. I have also made a commitment to flee when temptation and evil approach me. But I am most thankful to know without a doubt that you have forgiven my sin and cleansed my unrighteousness. Knowing this has filled my life with your freedom, joy and peace. Yes, it has and that is very good.
Lord, I will not pridefully resist confessing my sins to you. I will regularly, willingly and openly confess my sins to you. When needed, I will also confess my sins to anyone I have sinned against. Thank you for forgiving my sins and cleansing all my unrighteousness. Amen
Key Question… How are you making it your regular practice of openly and willingly confessing your sins to the Lord?
Living It Out… Willingly and openly and regularly confess your sins to the Lord so you can receive His forgiveness.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will forgive your sins as you confess them to Him.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you regularly ask the Lord to forgive your sins.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you acknowledge your sin to the Lord, so you can receive His forgiveness.
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