Pulpit Report -- May 10, 2009 -- Confession: Embracing the Spirit's Redemption

Being a pastor I do preach every Sunday and I want to add a post on what I am preaching.

Over the last couple months, I have been preaching a series of messages called Discipline: The Path of Disciple. It is based on the book by Richard Foster called -- Celebration of Discipline. The outline and disciplines I talk about are the same, but slant has my own emphasis.

I started the series with an introduction that the point of the disciplines is the fruit of the Spirit being developed in the person through the transformation of God. It should bring joy and should not be about drudgery. The disciplines should also not be about judging another based on who does what, it is about humility before for God's glory.

After the introduction, I have done eight sermons so far 4 on the inward disciplines and 4 on the outward disciplines.

Inward:
1. Meditation
2. Prayer
3. Fasting
4. Study

Outward:
5. Simplicity
6. Solitude
7. Submission
8. Service

Today, I began the final four with the corporate discipline of Confession.

Title: Confession: Embracing the Spirit's Redemption
Text: James 5:13-16

Corporate disciplines require other Christians to do and that means fellowship and accountability.

There are basically three parts to good confession
1. First is a no excuse, I am responsible for my sin, repentance.
2. Second is genuine sorrow over sin and a desire not to return to it.
3. Third is restitution -- desire to make it right.
All of this is expresses to another believer.

The results of confession are forgiveness and restored relationship with God.

To give a confession a person needs to remember that they must be sorry and sorrowful over sin and be ready to make restitution. It is also important to find a person to confess to that is not going to justify your sin or break your confidence.

To receive a confession one must be ready to be both objective and compassionate and ready to offer up advice on restitution. You also have to be a person who keeps you mouth shut about sensitive issues.

Love and Forgiveness in truth are the key things in confession.

Where are you?