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Confession: Identify Your Sins According to God's Word

Writer: Dwight SchettlerDwight Schettler
6 hours ago3 min read

Guidelines for Confession

Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 4, Question 25, p. 62

Sin and its presence in our lives can often be a challenging concept to confront. However, by acknowledging the commandments and portions of Scripture we have violated, we take the first step towards repentance and forgiveness. In this blog post, we will explore how our thoughts, words, actions, and omissions may lead us to sin, and how Scripture guides us to seek redemption. This is the next of the Guidelines for Confession: Identify Your Sins According to God's Word.


Sinful Thoughts

Our thoughts have the power to shape our actions and attitudes. As Ecclesiastes 2:1-3 reflects, "I said in my heart, 'Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.' But behold, this also was vanity. I said of laughter, 'It is mad,' and of pleasure, 'What use is it?'" Similarly, in Matthew 15:19, Jesus teaches, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." Luke 6:45 echoes this sentiment, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Recognizing sinful thoughts is crucial as they often lead to sinful actions.


Sinful Words

The words we speak can have a profound impact on others, and Scripture warns us about the danger of sinful words. Exodus 20:16 instructs, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Proverbs 11:13 states, "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered." In Ephesians 4:29, we are reminded, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Our words should reflect Christ's love and truth.


Sinful Actions

Scripture is clear about the importance of righteous deeds. Exodus 20:12-17 outlines several commandments, including honoring one's parents, not committing murder, adultery, theft, false witness, or coveting. In Matthew 7:12, Jesus advises, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Galatians 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh which are sinful, "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these."


Sins of Omission

Neglecting to act in love is another form of sin. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes love's attributes, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." Failing to love as Christ commands is a significant omission.


Despite our sins, redemption is always within reach. Romans 4:25-5:2 promises, "who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness and are restored to righteousness.


In confessing our sinful thoughts, words, actions, and omissions, let us turn to Scripture for guidance and seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Embrace the promise of redemption and strive to live a life reflecting His love and grace.


 

This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:

 
 
 

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