Confession
In the Bible, confession holds significant spiritual importance, reflecting a recognition of sin and a desire for reconciliation with God. The Hebrew word for confession, "וְהִתְוַדּוּ" (hithvaddu), primarily found in Leviticus 5:5, means to acknowledge or declare one’s sins. This act of confession is not merely an admission of wrongdoing but an essential step towards repentance and restoration of one’s relationship with God. In the New Testament, the Greek term "ἐξομολογέω" (exomologeō) conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing the verbal acknowledgment of sin, as seen in 1 John 1:9, which states, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."Confession is also intimately connected with the concept of accountability within the community of believers. James 5:16 encourages believers to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed," highlighting the communal aspect of confession and its role in fostering spiritual growth and healing. Thus, biblical confession is a multifaceted practice that involves acknowledging sin both to God and within the community, leading to forgiveness, healing, and a restored relationship with the divine.
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Confession
By William MacDonald1.6K33:502CH 7:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of valuing and prioritizing the word of the Lord. He highlights how the presence of television can distract and diminish the preciousness of God's word in our lives. The preacher laments the fact that many Christians today are more enthusiastic about TV shows than they are about studying and discussing the things of the Lord. He calls for confession and revival, urging believers to be concerned about the salvation of others and to not become complacent in dull worship meetings. The preacher also warns young people about the negative influence of TV and encourages strict control or elimination of it in order to make progress for God. He references two Bible verses, Psalm 119:37 and 1 Samuel 3:1, to support his argument against the vanity and negative effects of television.
Psalms 51
By Chuck Smith0EXO 34:6PSA 32:3PSA 51:1PSA 51:10PSA 51:15Chuck Smith explores Psalm 51, a penitential psalm reflecting David's deep confession after his sin with Bathsheba. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin before God, recognizing that true cleansing comes from a heartfelt confession and reliance on God's mercy. Smith highlights that sin is ultimately against God, and its effects can lead to a loss of joy and separation from His presence. The sermon underscores the necessity of seeking a clean heart and a renewed spirit, as well as the transformative power of God's forgiveness.
The Throne of Grace
By Phil Beach Jr.3056:20JOS 7:19HEB 4:14JAS 5:16Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of confession and humility before God, warning against the hypocrisy of worshiping with empty words while harboring pride and sin in our hearts. He illustrates the importance of being transparent and honest about our faults, both to God and to one another, as a means to receive mercy and grace. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights how acknowledging our guilt leads to true healing and a deeper relationship with Christ, who bore our sins. The sermon calls for believers to confront their pride and come boldly to the throne of grace, recognizing their need for God's forgiveness and transformation.
The Purposes of Confession
By Steve Mays87124:48GEN 3:6JOS 7:202KI 5:272CH 26:191JN 1:7In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the story of Moses and the consequences of his disobedience. He emphasizes the importance of confession and taking responsibility for our sins. Pastor Steve highlights that confession is not about blaming others, but about acknowledging our own wrongdoing and turning back to God. He also emphasizes the power of confession, stating that when we confess our sins, God can restore and use us for His purposes. The sermon concludes with a poem and the reminder that both God touching us and us touching God are equally wonderful experiences.
Mutual Confession of Faults, and Mutual Prayer
By Charles Finney0PSA 32:5PRO 28:13MAT 5:23LUK 17:3GAL 6:2EPH 4:32COL 3:131TH 5:16JAS 5:161JN 1:9Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of mutual confession and prayer among believers, urging that confessing faults to one another fosters healing and spiritual growth. He clarifies that this practice is not about confessing to a priest but rather to those we have wronged, which promotes humility, repentance, and accountability. Finney outlines the implications of confession, including the necessity of genuine remorse and the importance of making restitution. He also highlights that prayer for one another is essential, as it reflects a deep concern for each other's spiritual well-being and facilitates forgiveness. Ultimately, Finney calls for a culture of openness and support within the Christian community to strengthen faith and relationships.
Our Cry for Pardon and Deliverance Will Work an Entire Revolution.
By Andrew Murray0MAT 28:19ROM 12:1GAL 2:201JN 1:9Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound impact of recognizing our failure to fully embrace and share God's love with the world. He calls for a heartfelt confession and a desperate cry for pardon and deliverance, which can lead to a transformative revolution in our lives. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, we can embody the life of Christ and dedicate ourselves to glorifying God through the salvation of souls. This sermon challenges us to move beyond mere token gestures of service and to fully commit to God's mission.
On Confessing and Being Cleansed From Sin
By Charles Finney0PSA 51:10PRO 28:13MAT 11:28JAS 5:161JN 1:9Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of genuine confession of sins as a prerequisite for receiving God's forgiveness and cleansing. He explains that true confession goes beyond mere words; it requires a heartfelt acknowledgment of one's sins and a commitment to renounce them. Finney warns against the self-deception of claiming to be without sin and highlights the importance of recognizing our moral weaknesses as our own responsibility. He assures that God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse those who sincerely confess their sins, offering hope for transformation through Christ's power. Ultimately, Finney calls for a deep, honest engagement with our sins to experience the fullness of God's grace.
Deliver Me From Bloodguiltiness, O God
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 51:1C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of honest confession before God, as exemplified by David's acknowledgment of his sin of bloodguiltiness. David's contrition reflects a deep understanding of the gravity of his actions, urging believers to recognize and name their sins truthfully rather than downplay them. Spurgeon highlights that true forgiveness comes from a heartfelt recognition of sin's heinousness and a sincere plea to the God of salvation. He encourages the faithful to rejoice in God's mercy and to respond with songs of praise for His righteousness, especially after experiencing His forgiving love. The sermon calls for a broken spirit and a commitment to glorify God through worship.
Confession of Sin
By Chuck Smith2.0K41:29PSA 32:1In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of confessing and seeking forgiveness for our sins. He warns that hiding our sins will only lead to dire consequences and that it is better to address them now. The pastor shares the story of David and Bathsheba as an example of the consequences of trying to cover up sin. He highlights the power of God's forgiveness and encourages the congregation to focus on the blessings and positives in their lives.
You Shall See but Not Eat
By Phil Beach Jr.241:22:01JOS 7:192KI 7:19PRO 28:13HAG 1:2MAT 7:7MRK 11:24JHN 15:7JAS 5:161JN 1:51JN 5:14Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical importance of responding to God's word with faith and confession, using the story from 2 Kings 7 to illustrate how one's response can determine their fate. He warns against the dangers of unconfessed sin and self-deception, urging the congregation to enter the new year with a clean slate and a commitment to God's will. Beach highlights the necessity of taking risks in faith, as exemplified by the four lepers who ventured into the enemy camp, leading to the end of a devastating famine. He cautions that those who doubt God's promises may witness His work but miss out on the blessings. The sermon concludes with a call to action for the congregation to confess their sins, consider their ways, and be prepared for God's movement in the coming year.
Spiritual Vomit
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 51:10PRO 28:13EZK 18:30MAT 3:8LUK 13:3ACT 3:19ROM 6:12CO 7:10JAS 4:71JN 1:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of true penitential confession, which must be accompanied by a genuine desire to reform and forsake sin. He asserts that mere confession without the intention to abandon sin is futile, as God requires both elements for forgiveness. Brooks likens confession to a spiritual vomit, where one must earnestly wish to rid themselves of the burden of sin, just as a sick person desires relief from their discomfort. He stresses that true confession involves a heartfelt commitment to not repeat the sins confessed, highlighting the importance of both confession and reformation in the believer's life.
It’s Time to Get Right With God
By David Wilkerson4.4K36:43ISA 52:4HOS 11:7MAT 11:28LUK 12:371CO 15:521CO 15:58HEB 11:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a response to God's call to get out of despair and captivity. He uses the example of Israel being captivated by their unbelief and hardness of heart. God comes to Israel and tells them to wake up, put on strength, and shake off the dust. The preacher shares a personal story of being called to work with gangs and drug addicts in New York and how he used a trumpet to gather a crowd and deliver God's message. The sermon concludes with the message that God wants to redeem us without any cost and calls us to get up and get out of the pit of despair.
Dealing With Your Past
By Theodore Epp0PHP 3:12Theodore Epp emphasizes the necessity of dealing with our past through confession, highlighting that only by confessing our sins can we experience God's forgiveness and cleansing. He explains that unresolved past issues can hinder our present and future, becoming burdens that prevent us from honoring Christ in our daily lives. Epp reassures believers that God wipes away transgressions and chooses to remember our sins no more, urging us to let go of failures, successes, losses, grievances, and sorrows to move forward in faith. The sermon encourages a proactive approach to spiritual health by addressing and correcting past mistakes.
He Acts on Honest Confession
By C.H. Spurgeon0JOB 33:27C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the power of honest confession to God, highlighting that those who acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness will be met with divine mercy and deliverance. He reassures believers that God is always ready to receive sincere confessions and that His promises of forgiveness are steadfast. Spurgeon encourages individuals to recognize their personal failings and to approach God with humility, trusting in His willingness to grant life and light in return for their honesty. He reminds us that despair and doubt have no place in the hearts of those who seek God's grace, as He does not turn away the humble. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, affirming that the guilty can find pardon through Jesus.
Growing in Faith Through Confessing the Word
By Mike Bickle2355:45ROM 10:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of confessing the Word of God as a means to grow in faith, highlighting that faith is directly linked to our response to God's promises. He explains that Jesus taught extensively on faith, urging believers to approach God with confidence rather than condemnation, and to speak the Word over their lives to activate faith. Bickle stresses that the connection between what we say and what we believe is crucial for experiencing God's blessings and power. He encourages believers to engage with the Word of God actively, using their own voices to declare His promises, which leads to a transformative domino effect in their lives. Ultimately, he calls for a culture of faith that combines sincerity with boldness in approaching God.
I Samuel 12:13
By Chuck Smith02SA 12:7PSA 51:1Chuck Smith emphasizes the story of David's sin with Bathsheba and the confrontation by Nathan the prophet, illustrating how David's anger towards sin in others reflects our own guilt. He highlights the importance of confession, contrasting David's honest acknowledgment of his sin with Saul's excuses, and shows that true forgiveness follows genuine repentance. The sermon underscores God's grace, as David learns that despite his sin, he is forgiven and will not die, leading to the writing of Psalms 51 and 32, which express his heartfelt confession and the joy of forgiveness.
1 John 1:9
By John Gill0PRO 28:13ROM 3:231JN 1:9John Gill emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins directly to God, as true confession arises from a deep conviction of sinfulness and a godly sorrow that leads to repentance. He explains that while we may confess our faults to others, the ultimate acknowledgment of our sins must be made to God, who alone can grant forgiveness. Gill clarifies that God's forgiveness is not contingent upon our confession but is a manifestation of His faithfulness and justice, rooted in the sacrifice of Christ. He reassures believers that through confession, they can experience the cleansing power of God's grace, which removes the guilt of sin. Ultimately, the sermon highlights the dual nature of God's forgiveness as both just and merciful.
Confessing Other People's Sins
By Samuel Logan Brengle0GEN 3:12Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the danger of confessing others' sins while neglecting one's own, illustrating this through the biblical accounts of Adam and Saul. He warns that such hypocrisy leads to spiritual blindness and ultimately results in God's displeasure, as seen in the consequences faced by Saul for his disobedience. Brengle encourages believers to humbly confess their own sins, drawing on examples from David and the publican, and highlights the importance of focusing on personal accountability rather than blaming others. He concludes by urging individuals to seek a vision of Jesus, which fosters genuine repentance and transformation, leading to peace and a renewed relationship with God.
Under the Shadow of the Almighty
By Erlo Stegen0PSA 91:1PRO 28:13ISA 59:1JHN 8:321JN 1:8Erlo Stegen shares a powerful testimony of a young man who faced despair and contemplated suicide after a series of poor choices led to his expulsion from theological college. Through prayer and confession of his sins, the young man experienced a transformative encounter with God, realizing that his sins had built a wall between him and the Lord. Stegen emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High and the healing power of confession, illustrating how God's mercy can restore and change lives. The young man's life was completely transformed, leading him to a prosperous future as he embraced God's forgiveness and guidance.
Exodus 9:27
By Chuck Smith0EXO 9:27NUM 22:34JOS 7:201SA 15:24JOB 7:20PSA 51:1MAT 27:4LUK 15:181JN 1:9Chuck Smith discusses the theme of confession of sin, illustrating various types of confessions from the Bible, including the terror-driven confession of Pharaoh, the insincere confession of Saul, and the double-mindedness of Balaam. He emphasizes the difference between genuine repentance and mere acknowledgment of wrongdoing, highlighting the dangers of superficial confessions that lack true transformation. The sermon culminates in the blessed confession of the Prodigal Son, showcasing the hope and restoration that comes from sincere repentance.
Confession and Revival
By J. Edwin Orr4.1K12:44PSA 139:231JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of confession in the context of revival. He emphasizes that confession should be genuine and not turn into a mere exhibition of sins. The preacher advises that confession should be made to God for secret sins, privately to those who have been hurt by our actions, and openly for sins committed publicly. He also highlights the biblical example of Peter confessing Jesus as the Christ, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing the truth. The sermon concludes with a call to pray for revival and seek deliverance through the prayers of righteous believers.
Father, I Have Sinned
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 51:10LUK 15:211JN 1:9C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of daily confession for Christians, who, though legally cleansed by Christ's sacrifice, still need to acknowledge their sins as children before their loving Heavenly Father. He draws a parallel between earthly children confessing to their parents and believers confessing to God, highlighting that failing to seek forgiveness can lead to feelings of distance and doubt in God's love. Spurgeon encourages believers to approach God with a child's heart, seeking forgiveness to maintain a close relationship and experience peace in their Christian walk. He distinguishes between confessing as a criminal and confessing as a child, underscoring the need for ongoing cleansing in our daily lives. Ultimately, he reassures that the Father's embrace is the right place for sincere confessions.
The Cure
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 103:12ISA 1:18JHN 3:16ROM 5:82CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 1:7HEB 9:221JN 1:91JN 2:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for individuals in the church to recognize their spiritual ailments and the remedy available through Jesus Christ. He illustrates this with the metaphor of a man on a bench, resistant to the idea that he needs to change, while the cure is readily accessible. Tozer reassures that God's justice supports the confessing sinner, highlighting the efficacy of Christ's atonement and the assurance of forgiveness for those who turn to Him. He encourages believers to embrace the Holy Spirit's work in making Christ's sacrifice real in their lives, emphasizing that nothing can hinder a repentant heart from receiving grace.
Confession of Faults
By Charles Finney0PSA 32:5PRO 28:13MAT 5:232CO 7:10GAL 6:1EPH 4:32COL 3:13HEB 10:24JAS 5:161JN 1:9Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of confessing our faults to one another as a means of healing and spiritual growth, based on James 5:16. He outlines the types of faults that should be confessed, including offenses against others and habitual sins, and stresses the importance of confessing to those who have been wronged and to prayerful friends. Finney explains that confession fosters humility, encourages prayer, and restores Christian fellowship, while also highlighting the obligation to pray for those who confess. He warns against the bondage of sin that results from a lack of confession and encourages believers to seek healing through honest acknowledgment of their faults.
Sparks of Sin (Part 2)
By K.P. Yohannan0JOS 7:6PSA 32:5PSA 66:18PRO 28:13ISA 59:2ROM 3:23GAL 6:7HEB 12:1JAS 5:161JN 1:9K.P. Yohannan discusses the shame and defeat faced by the Israelites after their loss to Ai, emphasizing Joshua's despair and his plea to God for understanding. Joshua's initial ignorance of the underlying sin that led to their failure highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing hidden transgressions. God instructs Joshua to rise and reveals that the defeat was due to sin within the camp, underscoring that prayer alone cannot resolve issues rooted in unconfessed sin. The sermon stresses that harboring sin in our hearts can hinder our relationship with God, as illustrated by David's acknowledgment in Psalm 66:18.
Search Me O God
By Dale Yocum1.3K57:09PSA 139:23In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Psalm 139, specifically verses 23 and 24. The congregation is urged to pray for God to examine their hearts and thoughts, to reveal any wickedness within them, and to lead them in the way of the Lord. The preacher shares a story about a doctor who discovered a hidden problem in a patient's x-ray, highlighting the importance of examining our inner lives. The sermon emphasizes the need to prioritize seeking God's kingdom and living in accordance with His word, as there is no second chance at judgment.
Psalms 32
By Chuck Smith0PSA 32:1PSA 32:10Chuck Smith explores Psalm 32, emphasizing the blessings of forgiveness and the burdens of unconfessed sin. He highlights the importance of acknowledging our transgressions and the relief that comes from confession, contrasting the heaviness of silence with the joy of God's forgiveness. Smith illustrates that while we may face trials and sorrows, God provides strength and guidance through them, urging us not to resist His instruction. Ultimately, he reassures that true peace comes from a spirit free of guile and a heart open to God's voice.
Confess Over Him All the Iniquities of the Children of Israel
By A.B. Simpson0HEB 13:111PE 2:24A.B. Simpson emphasizes the privilege of confessing our iniquities to the Holy Spirit and laying them upon Jesus, who has already borne our sins on the cross. He illustrates the process of sin being consumed and removed from us, akin to the sin offering being taken outside the camp and burned, leaving us with a profound sense of God's presence and purity. Despite the reality of suffering and pain, there is a sacred assurance of separation from evil, as the Holy Spirit works to cleanse our spirits without harming us. Simpson encourages believers to surrender their entire nature to Christ, seeking to be consumed by His holy fire and to live solely for Him.
#3 – Forgiveness and Confession
By J. Edwin Orr0LEV 5:5MAT 6:14MAT 18:15ACT 3:19ROM 5:8EPH 1:7COL 1:14JAS 5:161JN 1:61JN 1:9J. Edwin Orr addresses the critical doctrines of forgiveness and confession, emphasizing that true forgiveness requires a price to be paid, as illustrated through personal anecdotes. He explains that while God forgives sins through the sacrifice of Christ, believers must also confess their sins to restore fellowship with God. Orr highlights that forgiveness is conditional upon repentance and that unconfessed sin can lead to a broken relationship with God. He encourages believers to be specific in their confessions and to seek restoration in their relationships with others. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the cross as the foundation of forgiveness and the necessity of maintaining fellowship with God through confession.
(First Baptist Church) #3 - Forgiveness and Confession
By J. Edwin Orr5.4K1:04:46In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being specific when confessing sins and seeking forgiveness. He shares a personal story about a child named Dan who initially struggles to apologize sincerely for stealing two bags of potatoes. Through this story, the speaker highlights the need for genuine repentance and the power of confessing specific sins. He also mentions the importance of addressing the harm caused by our words and actions and encourages the congregation to apologize to those they have hurt. The sermon emphasizes the biblical principle of confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness from both God and others.
Confession of Sin
By Andrew Murray0PSA 32:51JN 1:9Andrew Murray emphasizes the critical importance of sincere confession of sin in the Christian life, arguing that superficial confessions hinder spiritual growth and victory over sin. He references David's experience in Psalm 32, illustrating the relief and deliverance that comes from honest acknowledgment of wrongdoing. Murray encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness to forgive and cleanse them from unrighteousness, highlighting that true confession involves handing over guilt to God and relying on His power for deliverance. He reassures Christians that through confession, they can experience a deeper fellowship with Jesus, who saves them from their sins.
Confession of Sin
By C.H. Spurgeon0EXO 9:27NUM 22:34JOS 7:201SA 15:24JOB 7:20MAT 27:4LUK 15:18C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon on the 'Confession of Sin,' emphasizing its necessity for salvation and the different types of confessions found in Scripture. He illustrates the concept through various biblical characters, such as Pharaoh, Balaam, Saul, Achan, and Judas, highlighting the insincerity and double-mindedness that often accompany false confessions. Spurgeon contrasts these with the genuine repentance of Job and the Prodigal Son, who truly acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness. He warns against the dangers of superficial confessions made in times of fear or despair, urging listeners to pursue a heartfelt and sincere acknowledgment of their sins to experience God's mercy.