The Bridge Church

Two Types of Confession:

1. Confess to God for Forgiveness

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 51:1-2
Be gracious to me, God, according to your faithful love; according to your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion. 2 Completely wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51:10
God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

2. Confess to others for Healing

2 Samuel 12:13
Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”

James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. Did you ever hide something from your parents, or another adult, when you were a little kid? What happened?
2. What are subtle ways in which we conceal?
3. Does our culture take sin seriously? Why or why not?
4. Read Proverbs 28:13. When we sin, why does covering it up seem like the easy decision? Why is it actually the costliest?
5. Read 2 Samuel 11:1-3. How might being bored and complacent allow one to be more open to sin? How does a close relationship with Jesus lead us away from boredom and complacency?
6. Have you ever experienced a time when you felt you had “arrived” and it took you away from God? Discuss.
7. Why must we constantly be on guard against the enemy’s schemes?
8. Read 2 Samuel 11:4-6 and 14-15. How can a person’s own sin have a ripple effect in the lives of others?
9. Read Luke 8:17. Is sin always exposed? Does a follower of Jesus no longer struggle with sin? Discuss.
10. Read 2 Samuel 12:5-10. Have you ever had to confront someone else about their sin? Was it difficult? Why did you do it?
11. Read 2 Samuel 12:13. How does having others in our life hold us accountable and help us not be pulled into sin as easily? Explain a time when a friend helped hold you accountable.
12. Read 1 John 1:9. Discuss the great promise found in this verse. What does it mean to repent?
13. What changes do you think God want you make in your attitude, words, or actions when it comes to dealing with the temptations of this world?

Live It Out:

What are you dealing with today that you might be concealing? Repentance and confession precede life change. Today, choose to:
1. Confess to God for forgiveness. Read Psalm 51. Your biggest sins are never too big for God’s grace. Confess to God and ask Him for a clean heart and a renewed spirit.
2. Confess to someone else for healing. Read James 5:16. Forgiveness comes from God, but healing begins when we confess it to a friend. We are never going to live the life God desires if we live in isolation. Share with someone you trust what you are hiding.

Reading Plan:
Monday: 2 Samuel 11: 1-13
Tuesday: 2 Samuel 11:14-27
Wednesday: 2 Sameul 12:1-13
Thursday: Psalm 51:1-19
Friday: Proverbs 28:13, Luke 8:17
Saturday: 1 John 1:9, James 5:16