KEY PASSAGES
– GENESIS 2:25
25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed or embarrassed.
7 Then the eyes of the two of them were opened [that is, their awareness increased], and they knew that they were naked; and they fastened fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.
– GENESIS 3:7-13
8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool [afternoon breeze] of the day, so the man and his wife hid and kept themselves hidden from the [d]presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to Adam, and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard the sound of You [walking] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” 11 God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten [fruit] from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 And the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me—she gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I ate it.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent beguiled and deceived me, and I ate [from the forbidden tree].”
- CONFESSION IS A PRACTICE
16 Therefore, CONFESS your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and PRAY for one another, that you may be healed and restored.
– JAMES 5:16
23 Since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God,
– ROMANS 3:23
12 And the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me—she gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I ate it.”
– GENESIS 3:12
- CONFESSION IS AN INVITATION
13 Is anyone among you suffering? He must pray. Is anyone joyful? He is to sing praises [to God]. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He must call for the elders (spiritual leaders) of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, CONFESS your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored.
– JAMES 5:13-16
PRACTICE OF CONFESSION: ASK AND NAME
– PSALM 139:23
23 Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; 24 And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
GOD WE ASK: SEARCH US AND REVEAL WHERE WE HAVE FALLEN SHORT
NAME WHERE YOU’VE FALLEN SHORT
DECLARE WHERE YOU’VE FALLEN SHORT
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVATION:
IT’S A COVER UP
READ: GENESIS 3:7-13
- CONFESSION IS A PRACTICE
READ – JAMES 5:16; ROMANS 3:23; GENESIS 3:12
ASK: Am I taking responsibility for bringing my faults and offenses before Jesus?
- CONFESSION IS AN INVITATION
READ – JAMES 5:13-16; PSALM 32:3; GENESIS 3:9; PSALM 139:23-24
ASK: What are the masks I keep hiding behind keeping me from truly being known and experiencing real intimacy with God and with others?
PRAY: Father, thank you for the salvation of your Son Jesus. Thank you for pursuing me to come out from where I find myself hiding. I confess there are times I cover myself up out of fear of the shame I am feeling. I confess my need for your saving grace and your continual grace. Help me to have the courage to be vulnerable with you, God, and with those in my life. Amen!