September 20 | Week 3: Character and Growth
Uncover & Acknowledge Hidden Iniquity
Psalm 32:1-7
1 Of David. A maskil. Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 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.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Confess And Be Forgiven
1. How did the writer feel when he kept his sin hidden (v. 3-4)?
David felt like he was dying inside and groaning all day. Additionally, David felt God’s hand “heavy” on him and his strength drained.
2. What happened when he finally confessed (v. 5)?
Firstly, God “forgave” David the “guilt” of his sin! Secondly, he understood that God is his “hiding place”, protector, and comfort (“songs of deliverance”
Confessing To Each Other
James 5:16
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
1. Who are we told to confess our sins to?
We are clearly told here in the scriptures to confess our sins to each other – and “pray for each other”!
2. What does confession bring?
Confession and mutual prayer bring healing. Interestingly, confession also brings righteousness which empowers our prayers! The humble person is the one God will lift up – and the humble person will be sure to confess anything and everything that is hidden!
The Blood of Jesus Purifies Us From All Sin
1 John 1:5-10
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
Walk In The Light Means Nothing Is Hidden
1. What happens when we walk in the light with each other (v. 7)?
First, When we confess what is hidden we are no longer walking in the darkness and lying. I hurt everyone around me when I lie to keep my sin hidden. (Proverbs 26:28) Therefore, when speaking lies like this I am in the darkness and speaking Satan’s native language. (John 8:44) Lastly, there is no true love in the darkness living with hidden sin.
2. What does God promise if we confess (v. 9)?
Secondly, we walk in the light having fellowship with each other – knowing and being fully known! When I confess what is hidden, the blood of Jesus purifies me from “all” sin! Jesus Christ is faithful and just and will forgive me all of my sins and purify me from all unrighteousness! This promise is astonishing! Confessing what is hidden is the key to powerful prayer for it is how we are made perfect and righteous via the blood of Jesus. Amen.
Confess & Walk In The Light Today
APPLICATION: Hidden sin loses its power when you bring it into the light. Is there something you have been afraid to say out loud? Write it down and go tell a trusted disciple today.
What do I not want to say out loud? I overeat and I can overindulge in my hobbies (games). Food and entertainment are not “bad” things (generally, as some “entertainment” can be wicked). However, greed for them and over-doing it can be idolatrous. Honestly, I “check-out” with these kinds of things. I use the modern lingo term “checking-out” for behavior that is idolatrous – finding comfort outside of God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) I need to be open when I stay up late, overeat, and feel like “checking-out.”
