Week 4 - CONFESS
CONNECT
What are you thankful for?
What challenge are you facing?
How has God been answering our prayers for you from last week?
How can we pray for you this week?
Pray for each other.
Did anything stand out to you from last week’s follow-up Bible readings?
Last week you forgave others. How has your week gone in terms of freedom from bitterness? Is there anyone else you need to forgive?
How did your “I will …” statement from last week go?
How did your sharing goal from last week go?
How’s your memory work coming along?
John 8:31-32 (NAB)
31 Jesus said to those who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, 32 you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
DISCOVER
Let’s start with a review. We’ve worked through these freedom truths and freedom responsibilities:
OBEY
Obedience leads to freedom while disobedience leads to bondage, so obey the Lord and be free.
RESIST
Jesus resisted Satan by reciting the truth of God’s Word, so resist Satan by reciting the truth of God’s Word.
FORGIVE
God has forgiven you, so forgive others.
And now …
CONFESS
Confession is agreeing with God that our unrighteousness is sin, so confess your sin and find forgiveness and cleansing.
Ask God to speak to you as you read His Word.
1 John 5:17 (CSB)
All unrighteousness is sin.
1 John 1:5-10 (CSB)
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. 6 If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. 7 If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 John 2:1-2 (CSB)
1 My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.
Have someone retell these passages in their own words.
What stands out to you in these passages?
Do you have any questions about these passages?
What does these passages say about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)?
What does these passages say about people, including ourselves?
What does these passages say about the life God is calling us to live?
Confess Sin
If we have already confessed our sins when we first repented and believed in Jesus, why do we need to continue to confess our sins?
Do we need to be saved all over again?
What does confession do?
Cancel Claim
Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV)
26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.
Nursing your anger through bitterness, unforgiveness and revenge opens you up to the devil’s influence. It gives the devil a place to work from. He claims the territory, sets up a base of operations and exploits the spiritual opening to his advantage.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NET)
10 If you forgive anyone for anything, I also forgive him—for indeed what I have forgiven (if I have forgiven anything) I did so for you in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we may not be exploited by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his schemes).
Let’s not be ignorant of Satan’s schemes. Refusal to forgive gives him legal right or "grounds" to access our minds and hearts and lives. So after confessing the sin of unforgiveness, cancel his claim on your life and reclaim the space for Jesus.
After mentioning the space that the sin of unforgiveness creates, Paul goes on to say, Let him who stole steal no longer (Ephesians 4:28). And in John 14:30, Jesus said the devil had no claim on Him (ESV). Jesus could say that because there was absolutely no space for Satan to work with. Satan had no legal ground or right against Jesus because Jesus was sinless and perfectly clean. That can’t be said of us. The point is, any and every unconfessed sin opens us up to Satan’s influence and gives him aplace in our lives. We need to take back this space and cancel Satan’s claim through the confession of sin.
Why does unconfessed sin open us up to the devil’s influence? What kind of influence would Satan wield over us?
Cut Ties
Sexual intercourse creates a bond between people. This is good and godly in marriage. It makes the two one (see Genesis 2:24). This is not good nor godly, however, outside of marriage.
1 Corinthians 6:15-17 (NLT)
15 Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! 16 And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.” 17 But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
It’s important to break these bonds and cut these ties.
Why does sexual sin create a tie between the people who committed the sin together? How does this tie impact the people?
Mutual Confession and Healing
James 5:16 (NIV)
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.
Not only does confession free us, it can heal us. Find personal, relational and even physical healing by confessing your sins to each other.
Why does mutual confession bring healing to our lives?
Truth & Responsibility
Freedom truth:
Confession is agreeing with God that our unrighteousness is sin.
Freedom responsibility:
So confess your sin and find forgiveness and cleansing.
Unable but Enabled
You won’t be able to confess your sins on your own. That’s why we support each other. But more importantly, that’s why we need the Father’s love. God never intended for us to live the Christian life in our own strength. Instead, He gives us His love. Then what we could never do on our own, we do through His loving kindness. After all, God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance (Romans 2:4).
Luke 15:17-23 (NIV)
17 When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.” 20 So he got up and went to his father.
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
22 But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.”
Notes on FREEDOM
As always, what’s shared here must stay here. Please practice strict confidentiality.
Satan doesn’t want you to be free. And he’ll do everything he can to discourage and distract you. For example, you may experience mental oppression as you go through today’s freedom exercises. Thoughts like, “This isn’t going to work” or “God doesn’t love you” or “Don’t believe this stuff or this person” may come to you. Resist these lies and trust God’s truth. If you’re experiencing mental oppression, it’s important to tell the others in the group so they can pray for you and help you stand firm on God’s truth.
These freedom exercises may take some time, maybe more time than one week’s meeting. Especially if you have several people working through these exercises, it may take more than a week. There’s no need to rush. Just take the time you need.
These freedom exercises may bring up some very personal and painful issues. Going through these exercises will give you greater freedom in Christ. You may, however, need additional help from a Christian support group, pastor, counsellor or therapist. Your group can help you discern if you need additional help.
If you’re unsure that you need to deal with something being covered, deal with it anyway. It’s better to be safe than sorry. For example, if you couldn't remember whether your jeans were washed or not and you threw them in the wash, it wouldn't be the end of the world, right? They would still be clean and you would know it. So, if in doubt, go through the freedom exercises. You may find greater freedom having done so.
Please don't use the prayers below as magic formulas. It's not about getting the words just right. It's about intimately and honestly connecting with our Heavenly Father. So feel free to modify the prayers to fit your situation and communicate your heart.
Confessing Sin
What follows is adapted from The Steps to Freedom in Christ by Neil Anderson
Pray this Psalm and prayer out loud:
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Lord, show me what sin I need to confess. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Take a moment and wait on the Lord. Note any sins the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Sins to Consider
This list is taken from Exodus 20:1-17 (The 10 Commandments), Leviticus 18, Deuteronomy 18:9-13, Isaiah 58, Matthew 5-7 (The Sermon on the Mount), Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 7:20-23, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:19-21, Philippians 2:14-16, 4:6, and Revelation 21:8, 22:15. This is not an exhaustive list. It’s meant to lead to self-examination and reflection. As you read through the list, allow the Spirit to convict your heart of these (and other) sins.
Idolatry, false worship
Witchcraft, divination, sorcery, astrology
Self-righteousness, self-salvation, self-reliance
Unbelief, hopelessness, prayerlessness
Anxiety, worry, fear, obsessing, people-pleasing, cowardice
Bitterness, unforgiveness, revenge
Hatred, anger, rage, murder
Arrogance, boastfulness, pride, judgmentalism, racism
Lording over, manipulation, control, oppression
Jealousy, envy, coveting
Greed, love of money, lack of generosity, hoarding, selfish ambition
Theft, not paying salaries or debts
Injustice, showing partiality, lack of concern for those in need, exploitation
Lack of love, mercy, compassion
Lying, cheating
Breaking your word (promises, covenants and vows)
Making of unrighteous vows
Mocking, belittling, cursing others OR yourself
Slander, gossip
Ingratitude, grumbling, complaining
Arguing, disrespect
Dissension, division
Drunkenness, debauchery
Sexual immorality, adultery, homosexual activity, pornography, orgies
Disobedience to parents, rebellion
Lack of submission to authorities
And so on …
That’s a pretty overwhelming list. But keep in mind, these are the very sins Jesus died for and God forgives. So allow the Holy Spirit to convict you of these (and other) sins, but don’t allow Satan to condemn you for them. Remember, there’s no sin that God can’t forgive or free you from.
Sexual Sin?
Where there has been sexual sin, sexual ties may have been created. Pray this prayer out loud:
Lord, is there anyone that I am sinfully and inappropriately bonded to? Show me who that is so this sinful tie may be cut. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Take a moment and wait on the Lord. Note any names the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
1. Confess Sin
Pray these prayer out loud:
Lord, I confess that I have committed the sin of ______ (name sin). Thank You for forgiving my sin and cleansing me from this unrighteousness.
2. Cancel Claim
In the name of Jesus Christ, I cancel any claim and close any opening that my sin gave to Satan. Thank You for setting me free.
3. Cut Ties
Lord, I confess that I committed ______ (name sin) with ______ (name person). I know this was wrong and I confess this sin to You. In the name of Jesus Christ, I cut this sinful tie with _____ (name person).
4. Commit to Righteousness
I now commit myself to righteousness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I might walk in the light as You are in the light. Help me to be holy as You are holy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
5. Pronounce Forgiveness
What a privilege it is to now pronounce forgiveness over the person who has confessed their sin. Lay your hands on them and say:
Upon your confession of sin and in the name of Jesus Christ, _____ (name person), I/we declare you to be forgiven, cleansed and free. May the peace and joy of the Lord be upon you. Amen.
Additional Prayers for Specific Issues
In addition, consider the following issues and prayers.
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Lord Jesus, I confess that I have looked at sexually suggestive and pornographic material for the purpose of stimulating myself sexually. I have attempted to satisfy my lustful desires and polluted my body, soul and spirit. Thank You for cleansing me and for Your forgiveness. I renounce any satanic bonds that I have allowed in my life through the unrighteous use of my body and mind. Lord, I commit myself to destroy any objects in my possession that I have used for sexual stimulation, and to turn away from all media that are associated with my sexual sin. I commit myself to the renewing of my mind and to thinking pure thoughts. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may not carry out the desires of the flesh. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Lord, I now confess these sins to You and claim through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ my forgiveness and cleansing. I cancel out all ground that evil spirits have gained through my willful involvement in sin. I pray this in the wonderful name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Lord, I confess to You any part that I played in my divorce (ask the Lord to show you specifics). Thank You for Your forgiveness, and I choose to forgive myself as well. I renounce the lie that my destiny is now in being divorced. I am a child of God, and I reject the lie that says I am a second-class Christian because of the divorce. I reject the lie that says I am worthless, unlovable, and that my life is empty and meaningless. I am complete in Christ, who loves me, just as I am. Lord, I commit the healing of all hurts in my life to You as I have chosen to forgive those who have hurt me. I also place my future into Your hands and trust You to provide the human companionship You created me to need through Your Church and, if it be Your will, through another spouse. I pray all this in the healing name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord and closest friend. Amen.
Lord, I now confess these sins to You and claim through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ my forgiveness and cleansing. I cancel out all ground that evil spirits have gained through my willful involvement in sin. I pray this in the wonderful name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Lord, I renounce the lie that You have created me or anyone else to be homosexual and I agree that in Your Word You clearly forbid homosexual behavior. I choose to accept myself as a child of God and I thank You that You created me as (a man or a woman). I renounce all homosexual thoughts, urges, drives and acts, and cancel out all ways that Satan has used these things to pervert my relationships. I announce that I am free in Christ to relate to the opposite sex and my own sex in the way that You intended. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord, I now confess these sins to You and claim through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ my forgiveness and cleansing. I cancel out all ground that evil spirits have gained through my willful involvement in sin. I pray this in the wonderful name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Lord, I confess that I was not a proper guardian and keeper of the life You entrusted to me and I admit that as sin. Thank You that because of Your forgiveness I can forgive myself. I recognize the child is in Your caring hands for all eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord, I now confess these sins to You and claim through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ my forgiveness and cleansing. I cancel out all ground that evil spirits have gained through my willful involvement in sin. I pray this in the wonderful name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Lord, I renounce all suicidal thoughts and any attempts I’ve made to take my own life or in any way injure myself. I renounce the lie that life is hopeless and that I can find peace and freedom by taking my own life. Satan is a thief and comes to steal, kill and destroy. I choose life in Christ, who said He came to give me life and give it abundantly (see John 10:10). Thank You for Your forgiveness which allows me to forgive myself. I choose to believe that there is always hope in Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Lord, I now confess these sins to You and claim through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ my forgiveness and cleansing. I cancel out all ground that evil spirits have gained through my willful involvement in sin. I pray this in the wonderful name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Lord, I renounce the lie that my self-worth is dependent upon my ability to perform. I announce the truth that my identity and sense of worth is found in who I am as Your child. I renounce seeking the approval and acceptance of other people, and I choose to believe that I am already approved and accepted in Christ because of His death and resurrection for me. I choose to believe the truth that I have been saved, not by deeds done in righteousness, but according to Your mercy. I choose to believe that I am no longer under the curse of the law because Christ became a curse for me. I receive the free gift of life in Christ and choose to abide in Him. I renounce striving for perfection by living under the law. By Your grace, Heavenly Father, I choose from this day forward to walk by faith in the power of Your Holy Spirit according to what You have said is true. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord, I now confess these sins to You and claim through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ my forgiveness and cleansing. I cancel out all ground that evil spirits have gained through my willful involvement in sin. I pray this in the wonderful name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Lord, I renounce the lie that my value as a person is dependent upon my appearance or performance. I renounce cutting or abusing myself, vomiting, using laxatives or starving myself as a means of being in control, altering my appearance or cleansing myself of evil. I announce that only the blood of the Lord Jesus cleanses me from sin. I realize I have been bought with a price and my body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, belongs to God. Therefore, I choose to glorify God in my body. I renounce the lie that I am evil or that any part of my body is evil. Thank You that You accept me just the way I am in Christ, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Lord, I now confess these sins to You and claim through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ my forgiveness and cleansing. I cancel out all ground that evil spirits have gained through my willful involvement in sin. I pray this in the wonderful name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Lord, I confess that I have misused substances—alcohol, tobacco, food, prescription or street drugs—for the purpose of pleasure, to escape reality or to cope with difficult problems. I confess that I have abused my body and programmed my mind in a harmful way. I have quenched the Holy Spirit as well. Thank You for forgiving me. I renounce any satanic connection or influence in my life through any misuse of food or chemicals. I cast my anxieties onto Christ who loves me. I commit myself to yield no longer to substance abuse, but instead I choose to allow the Holy Spirit to direct and empower me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord, I now confess these sins to You and claim through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ my forgiveness and cleansing. I cancel out all ground that evil spirits have gained through my willful involvement in sin. I pray this in the wonderful name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
That One Thing
Just double-checking. Is there anything else you need to confess? Maybe this question will help: What’s that one thing about yourself that you don’t want anyone else to know? If you’ve already revealed it and confessed it, thank you. That takes courage and will lead to freedom. But if you’re still holding back, please consider this a safe place to deal with it.
LIVE
What truth is God highlighting for you from the passages?
What would keep you from believing or obeying this truth?
What blessing would you experience if you believed and obeyed this truth?
How will you live out this truth this week? (“I will…”)
Who needs to hear this truth? How will you share it?
Who will facilitate next time?
Pray for God’s help as you seek to follow Jesus this week.
FOLLOW-UP BIBLE READINGS
Here are the Bible passages you are encouraged to read this coming week:
BUDDY SYSTEM
Connect with your buddy this week and ask each other these questions:
How are your readings going?
How’s your “I will …” statement coming along?
How’s your sharing goal coming along?
How can I pray for you?