AS WE PREPARE OUR HEARTS TO RECEIVE COMMUNION THIS MORNING I WANT TO INTRODUCE ANOTHER AREA OF DISCIPLINE IN THIS SERIES: DISCIPLINE: THE WAY TO SUCCESS. ANDY GRANATELLI ONCE SAID, "WHEN YOU ARE MAKING A SUCCESS OF SOMETHING, ITS NOT WORK. IT’S A WAY OF LIFE. YOU ENJOY YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU ARE MAKING YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORLD." THE PRINCIPLES OF DISCIPLINE THAT I HAVE TAUGHT IN THIS SERIES NEED TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN OUR DAILY LIVES SO THAT THEY BECOME THE WAY OF LIFE THAT GOD INTENDED FOR US. THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT JESUS HAS COME TO GIVE US LIFE AND LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY. IT IS GOD’S WILL FOR YOU TO REACH YOUR DESTINY IN CHRIST, TO FINISH YOUR COURSE WITH VICTORY AND TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIVES. THIS MORNING I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE THE DISCIPLINE OF CONFESSION.

Heb 4:14-16

14Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed

through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our

confession. 15For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize

with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet

without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

LAST WEEK WE LEARNED THAT JESUS IS THE HIGH PRIEST OF OUR CONFESSION AND THAT THE PROPER USE OF OUR TONGUE LINKED US TO JESUS’ HIGH PRIESTLY MINISTRY. THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF CONFESSION IN SCRIPTURE. THE ONE WE STUDIED LAST WEEK IS THE CONFESSION OR PROFESSION OF GOD’S WORD. IN OTHER WORDS, THAT CONFESSION IS DEFINED AS SAYING THE SAME THING WITH OUR MOUTH THAT GOD SAYS IN HIS WORD WHICH ALLOWS CHRIST AS OUR HIGH PRIEST TO ENFORCE AND PERFORM THOSE WORDS IN OUR LIFE. THE OTHER SCRIPTURAL ASPECT OF CONFESSION IS KNOWN AS THE CONFESSION OF OUR PERSONAL SIN IN THE APPROPRIATION OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS.

MANY OF US LIVE DAY TO DAY WITH GREAT BURDENS WEIGHING US DOWN! WE CARRY SECRETS THAT WE WORK HARD AT TO KEEP IN THE DARK. WE HOPE NO ONE UNCOVERS THEM. ASHAMED AND GUILTY WE PRESS ON FROM DAY TO DAY, HOPING THAT GOD'S GOODNESS WILL COVER OUR SIN. WITH ENTHUSIASM WE SPEAK AND SING OF FORGIVENESS, BUT NAGGING GUILT TOO OFTEN REMAINS. THE SONG SAYS, "REDEEMED HOW I LOVE TO PROCLAIM IT, REDEEMED THROUGH THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, REDEEMED THROUGH HIS INFINITE MERCY; HIS CHILD FOREVER, I AM." DO YOU KNOW WHAT REDEMPTION MEANS IN THE BIBLICAL SENSE?

Rom 3:24-26

24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:

25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in

his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins

that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might

be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Col 1:13-14

13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and

hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14In whom we have redemption through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

Heb 9:11-12

11But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come,

by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands,

that is to say, not of this building; 12Neither by the blood of

goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into

the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

REDEMPTION IS THE WORK OF GOD TO PURCHASE HIS CREATION BACK FROM THE SLAVERY TO SIN AND SATAN CREATED BY THE DISOBEDIENCE OF OUR FIRST PARENTS. EVIL SEDUCES AND WHEN WE RESPOND A KIND OF FATAL ATTRACTION WEAVES A DESTRUCTIVE WEB AROUND US. BUT GOD DOES NOT ABANDON US TO THE FATE WE BRING ON OURSELVES. HE INTERVENES WITH REDEMPTION. REDEMPTION IS GOD'S MEANS OF PROVIDING FOR OUR RESTORATION TO THE POTENTIAL HE CREATED WHEN HE DESIGNED US IN HIS OWN IMAGE. THE REDEMPTION PLAN WAS DESIGNED IN HEAVEN BUT IT WAS PLAYED OUT ON A CROSS 2,000 YEARS AGO. FROM THAT POINT, REDEMPTION BECAME A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD WHO WOULD BELIEVE AND RECEIVE HIS GRACE. IT IS A CURRENT PROCESS THAT BRINGS OBJECTIVE CHANGE IN THE WAY THAT WE LIVE; THAT BRINGS HEALING TO OUR MINDS AND HEARTS, AND PRODUCES

TRANSFORMING LIFE TO OUR SPIRITS.

Eph 1:7-9

7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,

Rom 8:22-25

23Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

REDEMPTION IS SALVATION IN THREE TENSES; PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. FIRST OF ALL, REDEMPTION WAS WHAT CHRIST DID ON THE CROSS OF CALVARY. THEN, REDEMPTION IS WHAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS DOING IN OUR LIVES TODAY. AND FINALLY, REDEMPTION WILL BE WHAT THE FATHER IS PLANNING AT THE CULMINATION OF THE AGES WHEN SATAN WILL BE BOUND AND CREATION RETURNED TO A STATE OF PERFECT HARMONY WITH

HIS WILL.

Col 2:5-10

6As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

MY MESSAGE TODAY IS FOCUSED ON THE PRESENT ASPECT OF REDEMPTIVE SALVATION, THE PROCESS OF BECOMING WHOLE AND COMPLETE IN CHRIST AND RECOVERING THE SPIRITUAL GLOW OF THE GLORY OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE. AN IMPORTANT DISCIPLINE IS INVOLVED IN THAT PROCESS – IS THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE OF CONFESSION. NOW THERE ARE 2 ASPECTS TO THE CONFESSION OF PERSONAL SIN. THE FIRST IS CONFESSION TO GOD AND THE SECOND IS CONFESSION TO ONE ANOTHER. SOME OF YOU WHO HAVE A BACKGROUND IN CATHOLICISM ARE PROBABLY MORE THAN A LITTLE CURIOUS AT THIS POINT WONDERING IF YOUR PASTOR IS GOING APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO BUILD A CONFESSIONAL BOOTH. NO, I WON'T BE SO RADICAL. BUT, YES, I DO BELIEVE THAT CONFESSION IS A NEGLECTED DISCIPLINE AMONG CHRISTIANS TODAY. WE HAVE SO PRIVATIZED OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THAT WE NEGLECT THE REAL TRUTH THAT OUR CHRISTIANITY REACHES ITS FULLNESS IN COMMUNITY.

Eph 1:22-23

22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him

to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body,

the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Matt 18:15-20

15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just

between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother

over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that

`every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses

to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax

collector. 18 "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be

bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in

heaven. 19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about

anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

John 20:23

23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you

do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

I DO NOT WANT TO BE GUILTY OF MAKING THOSE WORDS MORE THAN WHAT THEY ARE, BUT THEIR CLEAR MEANING CANNOT BE IGNORED. AS CHRISTIANS WE DO NOT LIVE IN SPLENDID ISOLATION! WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS WHO ARE SEEKING AFTER GOD. GOD HAS INVESTED IN THE COMMUNITY THE POWER TO HEAR THE SINS OF THE REPENTANT ONE AND TO RELEASE THEM FROM OUR JUDGEMENT AND THEIR GUILTY CONSCIENCE IN THE NAME OF

JESUS!

Phil 2:12-13

12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

I AM CONVINCED THAT IF WE WANT TO "CONTINUE TO WORK OUT OUR SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING..." AS THE WORD SUGGESTS IN PHIL. 2, WE MUST LEARN TO SUBMIT OURSELVES TO THE CONFESSION OF PERSONAL SIN TO EACH OTHER. NOW I BELIEVE WE NEED TO DISCUSS SOME GUIDELINES HERE BUT THE WORD OF GOD CLOSELY TIES CONFESSION OF SIN TO HEALING AND WHOLENESS WITH THESE WORDS THAT WE FIND IN JAMES 5:14-16:

"IS ANY ONE OF YOU SICK? HE SHOULD CALL THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH TO PRAY OVER HIM AND ANOINT HIM WITH OIL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. AND THE PRAYER OFFERED IN FAITH WILL MAKE THE SICK PERSON WELL; THE LORD WILL RAISE HIM UP. IF HE HAS SINNED, HE WILL BE FORGIVEN. THEREFORE CONFESS

SO THAT YOU MAY BE HEALED. THE FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN IS POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE.

WHAT IS CONFESSION?

CONFESSION IS THE ACT OF TAKING OWNERSHIP FOR OR SINS AND FAILURES WITHOUT EXCUSE. AN ADDED DIMENSION IS AGREEING WITH GOD'S ASSESSMENT OF THOSE ACTS. HOW HARD IT IS FOR US TO DO THAT. OUR PRIDE CAUSES US TO WANT TO HIDE OUR SINS OR AT LEAST TO BLAME THEM ON SOMEONE ELSE. WE CAN SEE THIS PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING IN GENESIS.

Gen 3:6-13

6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food

and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her,

and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they

realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound

of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day,

and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But

the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" 10 He answered,

"I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I

hid." 11 And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you

eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" 12 The man said, "The woman you put here with me--she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

IN GENESIS THE STORY OF ADAM AND EVE ILLUSTRATES THIS IN A VIVID WAY. IN THE THIRD CHAPTER WE FIND THE STORY OF THEIR DISOBEDIENCE. FIRST THEY LISTENED, THEN THEY CHOSE TO RESIST THE EXPRESSED WILL OF GOD. THEIR INNOCENCE WAS LOST. WHAT DID THEY DO? THEY COVERED THEMSELVES WITH FIG LEAVES. FEELING THE STING OF CONSCIENCE, THEY HID FROM GOD'S FELLOWSHIP. WHEN HE FOUND THEM, THEY BLAMED AND EXCUSED. DO YOU KNOW WHO OFFERED THE FIRST EXCUSE? ADAM DID! INDIRECTLY HE BLAMED GOD! [GENESIS 3:12] THE MAN SAID, "THE WOMAN YOU PUT HERE WITH ME -- SHE GAVE ME SOME FRUIT FROM THE TREE, AND I ATE IT." (NIV)

WHEN WE CAN NO LONGER HIDE OUR SINS WE ARE FORCED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ACTIONS, THE NEXT TEMPTATION IS TO RATIONALIZE THEM AWAY. AS LONG AS WE COVER UP, HIDE, BLAME, AND RATIONALIZE, WE CANNOT BE FREE FROM GUILT. IT HANGS ON TO US, SINKING ITS PAINFUL TALONS

DEEP INTO OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.

FIRST, WE CONFESS TO GOD. OUR MEDIATOR BEFORE GOD IS NONE OTHER THAN JESUS CHRIST. HE IS THE ONE WHO RELEASES US FROM THE PENALTY THAT OUR DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD HAS BROUGHT UPON US.

1 John 1:8-2:2 AND 1 John 2

8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

2:1My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

SECOND, WE CONFESS TO ONE ANOTHER. WE MUST NOT IGNORE THE BIBLICAL TEACHING THAT CONFESSION OF OUR SINS AND FAULTS TO EACH OTHER IS IMPORTANT. BOTH ASPECTS OF CONFESSION ARE FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURES.
James 5:13-16

13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

THERE ARE TWO THINGS IN OUR HUMAN NATURE THAT MAKE CONFESSION OF OUR SIN DIFFICULT: AND THAT’S FEAR AND PRIDE. FEAR AND PRIDE HATE DISCLOSURE. FOSTER SAYS IN HIS BOOK: THE CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE

Heb 12:1-2

12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

IN PROVIDING PASTORAL CARE OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE BURDEN OF HIDING ONE'S SINS OFTEN BECOMES AS HEAVY AS THE SIN ITSELF. FOR MANY LOOKING THE PART OF THE VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN IS AS MUCH A STRUGGLE AS

THE STRUGGLE WITH SIN.

*ILL.– A PASTOR COUNSELED WITH A CHRISTIAN WHO HAD FALLEN BACK INTO DEPENDENCE ON ALCOHOL AFTER MANY YEARS OF SOBRIETY. THIS SAINT WEPT BITTERLY OVER THE FAILURE AND WONDERED IF SHE WOULD BE WELCOME TO REMAIN IN THE CHURCH IF ANYONE FOUND OUT ABOUT HER SIN. SHE WAS BURDENED BY HER FAILURE. BUT WHAT MADE THE GUILT UNBEARABLE WAS THE SENSE THAT SHE COULD NOT SHARE THAT WITH ANYONE. KNOWING THAT WE ARE A FELLOWSHIP OF SINNERS WHO ARE STILL BECOMING WHAT GOD ULTIMATELY PLANS FOR US TO BE, THE PASTOR CHALLENGED THIS WOMAN TO TAKE THE RISK OF OPENNESS. HE CHALLENGED HER TO OPEN HER HEART WITHOUT EXCUSE, IN HONEST HUMILITY. HOW THRILLED HE WAS BY THE RESPONSE OF THIS COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS. THERE WAS NO CENSURE, NO CASTING THE ONE OUT. RATHER THERE WERE GENTLE HUGS, EMBRACES, PRAYER, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND OPEN

ARMS. IT MUST NOT HAVE BEEN A PENTECOSTAL CHURCH BECAUSE WE HAVE A TENDENCY TO CASTIGATE AND KILL OUR

WOUNDED SOLDIERS.

2 Cor 12:10

10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses,

in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.

For when I am weak , then I am strong.

IF WE ARE WILLING TO BE OPEN TO THE DISCIPLINE OF CONFESSION, OUR HUMANITY DOES NOT HAVE TO BE DENIED, IT CAN BE TRANSFORMED. IN DISCLOSURE OF OUR WEAKNESS, WE DISCOVER THE GRACE OF GOD THAT CHANGES WEAKNESS INTO STRENGTH!

THERE ARE CHRISTIANS WHO DRAG AROUND HEAVY LOADS OF GUILT. THE SINS AND SORROWS OF THEIR PAST HAUNTS THEM, THOUGH THEY HAVE MADE CONFESSION BEFORE GOD HUNDREDS OF TIMES AT AN ALTAR OR IN THEIR PERSONAL PRAYERS. THESE SAME BURDENED BELIEVERS HAVE TRIED TO TAKE FORGIVENESS BY FAITH, BUT THERE IS NO RELEASE.

IS GOD TALKING TO ANYONE TODAY? HAVE YOU BROUGHT YOUR SINS, YOUR FAILURES TO GOD, TIME AFTER TIME, BUT STILL ARE WEIGHED BY GUILT? ARE THERE HABITS THAT DETERMINE TO DEFEAT, ONLY TO FALL ANOTHER TIME? PERHAPS THERE IS ANOTHER MEANS OF RECEIVING GOD'S GRACE THAT YOU HAVE NOT

TRIED!

Ex 19:5-6

5Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Rev.1: 4-6

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father-to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

LET ME ASK YOU SOMETHING, HAVE YOU DISCIPLINED YOURSELF TO CONFESSION? HAVE YOU ASKED A BROTHER OR SISTER TO STAND IN GOD'S PLACE AS A PRIEST TO HEAR YOUR HEART'S CONFESSION AND TO RELEASE YOU FROM GUILT IN CHRIST'S NAME? YES, TO BE SO OPEN IS TO RISK. SOMEONE MAY LATER REPEAT THAT THING TOLD IN PRIVATE. AN UNSCRUPULOUS CHRISTIAN MAY CHOOSE TO TRY TO USE THE KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR INNER SECRETS AGAINST YOU. BUT ISN'T THE FREEDOM TO GROW UP IN GRACE AND TO BE UNBURDENED BY THE SENSE OF GUILT, WORTH THE RISK? AT FACE VALUE I WOULD SAY NO BUT THEN I’M TALKING ABOUT CALCULATED RISK. YOU NEED TO CHOOSE WISELY WHO YOU WANT TO HEAR YOUR CONFESSION AND TO PRAY FOR YOU. HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN BE INTIMATE WITH. PROBABLY NOT MANY. BUT FOR A TRUE, TRUSTWORTHY AND RELIABLE FRIEND AND CONFIDANT YOU CAN TRUST THEM WITH ANYTHING INCLUDING YOUR SIN AND FAILURE. THAT’S THE KIND OF PERSON YOU NEED TO SEEK OUT AND PRACTICE THIS DISCIPLINE OF CONFESSION WITH. IT MIGHT JUST RESULT IN A GREATER FREEDOM AND A GREATER SENSE OF JOY THAN YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED BEFORE. NOW ITS NOT JUST YOU FIGHTING AGAINST THIS AREA OF TEMPTATION BUT ITS TWO OF YOU. AND IF TWO OF YOU SHALL AGREE AS TOUCHING ANYTHING THAT THEY SHALL ASK, IT SHALL BE DONE FOR THEM FROM MY

FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.

1 Peter 2:4-12

4 As you come to him, the living Stone-rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:

"See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and

the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who

do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become

the capstone," 8 and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message-which is also what they were destined for. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

LISTEN, WE ARE PRIESTS TO EACH OTHER! THIS IS THE MESSAGE OF THE WORD. 1 PETER 2:9 ...YOU ARE A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD... THE PRIEST OF IN THE O.T. STOOD BETWEEN A HOLY GOD AND THE SINFUL MAN. HE OFFERED UP THE SACRIFICE AND PRONOUNCED RELEASE FROM GUILT. YES, JESUS CHRIST MADE THE ONLY SACRIFICE FOR SINS, BUT WE CAN ASK OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN HIS NAME TO HEAR OUR CONFESSION AND TO BRING US HIS FORGIVENESS.

I CALL THIS KIND OF CONFESSION A DISCIPLINE BECAUSE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REMAIN HUMBLE AND TRANSPARENT ENOUGH TO CONTINUE IN THIS KIND OF LIFESTYLE WITHOUT THE LOVE AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OPERATIONAL IN YOUR LIFE.

SINCE THE GARDEN OF EDEN WE HAVE PLAYED IMAGE GAMES. WE WEAR MASKS THAT COVER OUR INSECURITIES, OUR FEARS, AND OUR TRUEST INTENTIONS. WE BLUFF AND BLUSTER. WHAT A SAD DECEPTION! BECAUSE WE ARE UNWILLING TO BE HONEST WITH GOD, WITH OURSELVES, AND WITH OTHERS- WE IGNORE THE VERY GRACE THAT COULD BRING US HEALING.

FROM THE EARLIEST DAYS OF OUR INFANCY WE ARE TRAINED BY THOSE AROUND US TO COVER, HIDE, AND SHADE OUR INNER BEING. WE LEARN THAT IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO GIVE OTHERS ACCESS TO OUR SOULS. AS A RESULT WE ARE OFTEN LONELY EVEN IN A CROWD. WHEN WE HURT WE CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR WIDE ENOUGH FOR OTHERS TO COME IN AND COMFORT. WHEN OTHERS ARE OPEN, WE FIND THEIR HONESTY THREATENING AND OFTEN TURN AWAY. BUT THE LORD WOULD HAVE US BECOME A CONFESSIONAL COMMUNITY, GIVING TRUSTED FELLOW DISCIPLES ACCESS TO OUR HEARTS, NOT HIDING BEHIND A CULTIVATED IMAGE

OF SELF-SUFFICIENT PRIDE.

*HOW DO WE UNLEARN ALL THE TRAINING AND BECOME PEOPLE WHO PRACTICE OPEN CONFESSION?

1 Cor 11:28

28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of

the bread and drinks of the cup

2 Cor 13:5-6

5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test?

Ps 139:23-24

23Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

BEGIN THIS DISCIPLINE BY TAKING A TIME OF INVENTORY WITH THE LORD. IN A QUIET PLACE, WHERE YOU WILL NOT BE DISTURBED, INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO ENTER YOUR LIFE AND TO BRING THE LIGHT OF HIS LOVE INTO FOCUS ON YOUR HEART. DON'T DIG AROUND IN YOUR MEMORY, JUST ALLOW THE LORD ACCESS TO ALL OF YOUR BEING. YOU MAY BEGIN TO FEEL ASHAMED OR EMBARRASSED AS THOUGH YOU WERE NAKED. YOU MAY WANT TO RUN, TO LEAVE THAT HOLY PLACE QUICKLY. BUT DON'T! STAY QUIET. ASK THE LORD TO SHOW YOU THE SOURCE OF YOUR DISCOMFORT. THEN CONFESS IT TO HIM. AGREE WITH HIS ASSESSMENT OF THE ACT, WITHOUT MAKING EXCUSE OR RATIONALIZATION. THEN THANK HIM FOR THE FORGIVENESS THAT JESUS PROVIDED AT THE CROSS.

YOU MAY WANT TO JOT DOWN A BRIEF NOTE OF WHAT YOU HAVE REMEMBERED. IF THE GUILT OR SHAME CONTINUES, YOU THEN CAN TAKE THE NEXT STEP OF GOING TO A MATURE AND TRUSTWORTHY CHRISTIAN FOR A TIME OF CONFESSION. PERHAPS, WHEN APPROPRIATE, YOU WILL NEED TO GO TO THE ONE THAT YOU WRONGED AND EXTEND A CONFESSION TO THEM AS WELL. THIS EXERCISE STARTS THE PROCESS OF PEELING AWAY OUR PRETENSIONS AND LET'S US GET BACK TO REALITY.

HERE IS A DAILY ASPECT TO THIS DISCIPLINE. ON A DAILY BASIS, WE MUST CHOOSE TO REFUSE TO PLAY IMAGE GAMES, TO HIDE OUR SINS, OR TO LET OURSELVES OFF THE HOOK OF HONEST CONFESSIONS WITH RATIONALIZATIONS TO OURSELVES.

• WHEN WE EXAGGERATE, WE SHOULD STOP AND CATCH OURSELVES, AND THEN WE SHOULD MAKE A CONFESSION TO THE SIN OF LYING, RIGHT THEN AND THERE.
  
• WHEN WE ACT IN AN UNHOLY WAY, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTS US, WE SHOULD STOP RIGHT THEN AND THERE AND CONFESS OUR SIN AND AGREE WITH GOD ABOUT THE NEED FOR PERSONAL CHANGE IN OUR LIFE.
  
• WHEN WE ARE RUDE, IMPATIENT, OR UNKIND; WE GO TO OUR CHILDREN, OUR WIFE, OUR CO-WORKERS AND WE ADMIT SIMPLY AND HONESTLY THE WE WERE WRONG AND THAT OUR ACTIONS WERE WITHOUT JUSTIFICATION.

WHEN WE STOP DENYING OUR HUMANNESS AND THROUGH CONFESSION BECOME TRANSPARENT, WE ALLOW THE SPIRIT TO BEGIN TO TRANSFORM US. WHERE WE READ THAT WONDERFUL PROMISE IN JAMES, "CONFESS YOU SINS...AND BE HEALED," LET US UNDERSTAND THAT HEALING IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST THE PHYSICAL RESTORATION OF OUR BODY. IT REACHES TO THE FULL RESTORATION OF OUR BEING: BODY, SOUL, AND SPIRIT. WHEN WE ARE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT OUR SINS WITH EACH OTHER, WE GAIN THE BENEFIT OF COUNSEL, INTERCESSORY PRAYER, AND SUPPORT. BESIDES ALL THAT, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ABLE TO WORK ON THE CHANGE OF THE INNER MAN WITHOUT HAVING TO OVERCOME OUR SELF-DELUSIONS.

Rom 8:1-4

8:1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in

Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of

life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God

did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin

offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4in order that the

righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not

live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

NOW ONE MORE POINT, BE CAREFUL OF SELF-CONDEMNATION! THERE IS A KIND OF CONFESSION THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE. IT IS MORE A DESIRE TO BE A TYPE OF EXHIBITIONIST. IT IS A REVERSE KIND OF PRIDE THAT TAKES A TWISTED PLEASURE IN LETTING EVERYONE KNOW JUST EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL AND HOW BAD YOU'VE BEEN. THAT'S NOT THE GENUINE DISCIPLINE OF CONFESSION. THAT IS A SELFISH ACT TO GAIN ATTENTION.

THE REAL DISCIPLINE IS MOTIVATED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT AND IS MARKED BY A GENUINE DESIRE FOR HOLINESS, NOT A PARADE OF SINFULNESS. THE GENUINE DISCIPLINE OF CONFESSION INVOLVES REAL REPENTANCE, HONEST SORROW OVER SIN, AND WILLINGNESS TO CHANGE. SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG WITH OUR CONFESSION OR OUR CONFESSORS, IF THERE IS NO CHANGE. IF THE SAME SINS ARE FINDING THEIR WAY INTO OUR LIVES MONTH AFTER MONTH, YEAR AFTER YEAR; THEN WE ARE NOT WRESTLING TO OVERCOME SIN IN OUR CONFESSION. WE ARE SIMPLY LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO RELIEVE OUR BURDEN OF GUILT. THE CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE OF CONFESSION IS NOT MERELY TO BE TALK THERAPY, IT IS TO BE A MEANS OF RECEIVING THE GRACE OF GOD TO CHANGE.

CONFESSION CAN HAPPEN IN A COMMUNITY CHARACTERIZED BY LOVE AND GENTLENESS. LET US STRIVE TO BE THAT KIND OF CHURCH, FILLED WITH CONCERN, OPENESS, AND READINESS TO

LISTEN TO ONE ANOTHER.

ARE YOU A SLAVE TO GUILT, FEAR, AND SHAME? YOU CAN BE FREE!

ASK GOD TO HELP YOU BECOME OPEN AND HONEST TO HIM FIRST. JESUS PROMISED, [JOHN 6:37] ALL THAT THE FATHER GIVES ME WILL COME TO ME, AND WHOEVER COMES TO ME I WILL NEVER DRIVE AWAY. (NIV)

KNOWING HIS LOVE, THEN OPEN YOUR HEART TO A TRUSTED CHRISTIAN FRIEND, A CONFESSOR WHO CAN BE YOUR PRIEST OFFERING PRAYER, COUNSEL, AND FORGIVENESS IN JESUS' NAME.

FOSTER SAYS, "THE DISCIPLINE OF CONFESSION BRINGS TO AN END PRETENSE...HONESTY LEADS TO CONFESSION, AND CONFESSION LEADS TO CHANGE. GOD IS CALLING INTO BEING A CHURCH THAT CAN ADMIT TO ITS FRAIL HUMANITY AND KNOW THE FORGIVING, EMPOWERING GRACE OF CHRIST TO CHANGE!"

Special Thanks Jerry Scott