Concordia Lutheran Church
Confession
It can be difficult to confess sin because it requires you to give up your pride. The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable is proud, but it is the tax collector who confesses his sin who finds mercy.
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Concordia Lutheran Church
16801 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78258, USA
Sunday 8:00 AM
Sunday 9:30 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
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https://tinyurl.com/s3k9z53Take Up: Confession
Luke 18:9-14
3.27.2022
Series Intro –
“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24
What does it mean to “take up our cross”? Today, we’ll look at how Jesus wants us to “take up” confession.
<ILL: What happens when we don’t confess?>
Luke 18:9-14
3.27.2022
Series Intro –
“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24
What does it mean to “take up our cross”? Today, we’ll look at how Jesus wants us to “take up” confession.
<ILL: What happens when we don’t confess?>
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness…” This is important because we all like to be confident of our own righteousness.
Which of the following would you prefer?
- “Well done” or “Needs improvement?”
- “A+” or “F”?
- “First place” or “Last place”?
- “Promotion” or “Demotion”?
Which of the following would you prefer?
- “Well done” or “Needs improvement?”
- “A+” or “F”?
- “First place” or “Last place”?
- “Promotion” or “Demotion”?
A “tax collector” is a BAD GUY!
“Pharisees” in ancient Israel were GOOD GUYS!
When Jesus says the very first sentence of this parable and mentions it is about a Pharisee and a tax collector, everyone already knows who the hero and who the villain will be.’
“Pharisees” in ancient Israel were GOOD GUYS!
When Jesus says the very first sentence of this parable and mentions it is about a Pharisee and a tax collector, everyone already knows who the hero and who the villain will be.’
At this point the people’s mouths would have dropped open. “What! Are you serious? The bad guy was right with God and the good guy wasn’t?” How can that be true? Confession.
The blessings of Confession …
1. Confession lets us to see ourselves more clearly.
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable. Luke 18:9
Just because we’re confident in our own righteousness, it doesn’t mean we are righteous!
The blessings of Confession …
1. Confession lets us to see ourselves more clearly.
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable. Luke 18:9
Just because we’re confident in our own righteousness, it doesn’t mean we are righteous!
<ILL: What would have happened if they changed?>
1. Confession lets us to see ourselves more clearly.
2. Confession re-connects us to God.
<ILL: “I would have gladly helped”> We can become so independent and isolated that forget how to ask for help!
1. Confession lets us to see ourselves more clearly.
2. Confession re-connects us to God.
<ILL: “I would have gladly helped”> We can become so independent and isolated that forget how to ask for help!
When we turn to God and ask for His help with sin, He forgives us and REFRESHES us. Just think about the power of connecting to God in confession ... Guilt is removed, Shame is erased, Hope is restored. Confession brings refreshment! Could you us some refreshment?