Overview of Confession

 “Confession” literally means “to speak with.” Confession is a kind of prayer where we affirm with God what He already knows. Confession is simply refusing to hide truth from ourselves or (in some cases) from others. 

First, though, we must face the truth.  That requires a thorough examination of our thoughts, feelings, and actions.  Then we agree with God through confessions.  We are going to be looking at three kinds of confessions—negative confessions, creedal confessions, and positive confessions. 

Negative confessions

(Numbers 5:5-7, Ps 38: 18 , James 5:16, 1 John 1:8-9)  Confession of sins is when we agree with God about things that need to be changed in our lives.  Positive confessions (Romans 10: 9-10, Phil 2:10-11, Hebrews 13:15) are agreeing with God about what He can do in and through us.  One leads to repentance while the other leads to power. 

Creedal Confessions

The creeds are the public positive confessions of the church.  Saying them reminds us regularly of God’s power and majesty.

Bible verses such as Psalm 23, Philippians 1:6, 4:13, 4:19, 2 Corinthians 5:17.  Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 6:13-18, or 2 Timothy 1:7 can have the same effect on us. So can your own personal creed—a listing of the things you believe. It does not have to be poetic or clever—just real. We all need a reminder of what God has done for us.

Positive confessions

 (Romans 10: 9-10, Phil 2:10-11, Hebrews 13:15-16)

Positive confessions are affirmations of God’s promises.  We choose verses and statements which remind us regularly of what God has done for use personally.

Self Evaluation

Self-evaluation is both a valuable tool for Christian meditation and a distraction from it.  Used correctly, self-evaluation can lead to a greater knowledge of oneself, which will in turn lead to a greater sense of faith in the redeeming power of God.  Used improperly, self-evaluation can lead to doubt and self-loathing.  Paul said in 1 Cor 11:28 “let a man examine himself”.  He also said

in  1 Cor 4:3 “I do not even judge myself.”  There is a difference between self examination and self judgment, of course—a difference we ignore a our peril.  Jesus sees all our faults, but he also forgives them.  When we look at ourselves with the eyes of forgiveness,  we can stand to see the faults inside as examples of God’s wonderful love.  After all, what is a greater example of love—“I love you because—“ of “I love you, in spite of--?”  God sees everything we are not, and does not care.  We are works in progress,  not finished, but improving.

Today get alone in your place of prayer, and into your position of prayer.  Take a moment to concentrate your mind on God—by breathing deeply, or by concentrating on Scripture.  Here some to think about:

Romans 7: 14-25

Romans 8: 1-8

2 Corinthians 5:17

When you are ready, honestly and prayerfully answer these questions.

If you could change one thing about your prayer life right now, what would it be?

When was the last time you remember having a specific prayer answered?

When was the last time in your private prayer you sensed the presence of God?

Now, close your eyes and think about this

“God loves me, just the way I am.  He accepts me completely, knowing full well the darkest places of my heart.  He calls me to be better, but accepts me when I am not.  He covers my sin with His divine love.” 

Lord, I open myself to you, so that you can show me my own heart.  I speak to you, so that You may speak to me.

Let me live today for you—wholly, fully, completely. Let me be yours, wholly yours, so that I may experience all that you have for me this day.

Do not let me settle for second best, but let me strive to have all you have for me, so that I may be all for you.

In Jesus’ name  Amen