2013 AUGUST WEEK THREE LESSON

STUDY 31

CONFESSION III – FOR ACTS OF WICKEDNESS AGAINST OTHERS

Main Text: 2 Samuel 12:13-20
Memory Verse: I John 1:8

This lesson concludes the discussion of confession. In the two previous lessons we looked at how the need for confession arises when we over-step our boundaries, and when we grossly neglect to do what we are directed to do. Today we shall look at the tendency to cover our sins by other sins leading to delayed confession.

Adultery like any other sin stinks before God. Those who are privileged to enjoy fellowship with Him should watch out they do not carry any garbage of sin before God. For, sin must be exposed and confessed readily to receive pardon. To admit and confess one’s sins is to give reverence to God (Joshua 7:19). Yet God is satisfied when He punishes the sins committed, having forgiven the sinner. This is the reason believers sometimes go through periods of discipline after they have confessed their sins and received forgiveness.

Study Questions

1. What sin did David admit he had committed? 2 Samuel 11:2-17; 12:9-10
2. Why didn’t David confess the sin of adultery when it happened? 2 Samuel 11:4-5
3. How would it have helped David if he had confessed the sin of adultery the moment it happened?
4. What moved David to finally confess his sin? 2 Samuel 12:11-12
5. What should be your attitude when:

·         You realize you have sinned against God?

·         A sin you committed in secret is becoming public?

·         You are tempted to cover one sin with other sins?

Conclusion

Sin stinks in the sight of God. It is forgiven if confessed, though there are consequences. We can save ourselves and loved ones a lot of pain and shame if we are careful to stay away from sin and to confess it when it happens (2 Chronicles 7:14). But the best thing to do is to watch out for all appearance of evil and stay away from them.

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2013 AUGUST WEEK TWO LESSON

STUDY 30

CONFESSION II – FOR NOT DOING WHAT IS DIRECTED

Main Text: I Samuel 15:10-25

Memory Verse: I John 1:8

In this second slot on our study on confession we shall look at how some people fail to confess their sins because of arrogance and pride. To confess our sins is to agree with God that we have fallen short of His standard by our thoughts, words, and deeds, and ask for grace to overcome similar challenges in future.

We need to admit our human weaknesses and frailties as we interact with people daily. Similarly we should be careful how we treat the word of God. He expects us to obey whatever He tells us as a way of acknowledging Him as the owner of all things and ruler of the entire universe. Any departure from God’s word is sin, and this must be admitted and confessed. Strangely, those who delight in going contrary to the word of God are the very people who find it difficult to admit their sins though confession. Often their confessions come rather too late to forestall a disaster.

 

Study Questions

1. What specific instructions did God give Saul? I Samuel 15:1-3
2. How did Saul carry out what God commanded him to do? I Samuel 15:7-9
3. How did Saul expose himself as someone who was not ready to admit his faults? I Samuel 15:12-15, 20-21
4. When did Saul admit that he had sinned? I Samuel 15:22-25
5. What do you do when:

·         Your interests go contrary to the word of God?

·         Your sins are exposed by the word of God?

Conclusion

It takes humble and honest people to readily admit their faults and ask for forgiveness. Those who are proud often decide to admit their faults only when that would bring them some perceived benefits. They lose heavily. Truly it is not a sign of strength in the sight of God when we pretend we are without weaknesses and frailties. Such pretence is deceptive, devilish, and dangerous.

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2013 AUGUST WEEK ONE LESSON

STUDY 29

CONFESSION I – FOR DOING WHAT IS FORBIDDEN

Memory Verse: I John 1:8

Main Text: I Samuel 13:8-14

For the next three lessons we shall look at the confession. This is the genuine acceptance of our sins before God and any other person for offences committed against them and thereby bringing some loss, harm or displeasure. It involves the readiness to accept responsibility for the consequences of the offences committed, and the preparedness to suffer the appropriate punishment.

For believers, the basic steps to holiness are ready acceptance of sins when they occur, confession of the sins committed (I John 1:8-9), asking for forgiveness, and a determination not to practice sin (I John 3:7-9). But many of us delight in blame-shifting (Genesis 3:11-13), and at times even deny responsibility for our sins (Genesis 4:8-9). For these reasons confession of sins is painfully overlooked.

 Study Questions

1.    What was wrong with Saul offering the burnt offering and the peace offering?

2.    Which group of people did Saul blame for his action?  I Sam. 13:11-12

3.    How did Saul take responsibility for his action? I Samuel 13:12

4.    What influence did Saul’s attitude have on his future? I Samuel 13:13-14

5.    What do you do when:

·         You are given instructions to follow?

·         You come under pressure to set aside the word of God?

Conclusion

When we fail to admit our faults through confession we prepare ourselves to do worse things in future. For whoever pretends he is infallible only succeeds in forfeiting the grace of God to overcome future temptations. It is far better for us to stand by the Word of God for others to see it as a sign of weakness than to disobey it for God to punish us for being morally weak.

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