Killing SinSample

Expose It

Exposing our sin to God and others is the first step of victory over sin. That’s why if we ignore, justify, or hide our sin, God may freeze us out to get our attention (Ps. 66:18-19).

Any healthy parent knows how this works. I had to freeze my son’s funds one day. We headed out on a big road trip, and my wife let me know that our son was giving her fits and wouldn’t listen to her. I broke the bad news to him: even though he had his heart set on some sports magazines, he wasn’t going to have the funds to purchase them until he got his attitude squared away. I froze his funds, and that truth began to sink in. Soon he started listening and honoring his mom. You got it; I unfroze the funds, and he had a great trip.

In the same way, God’s love drives Him to be a wise, functional Father who will get your attention most practically: keeping you from hearing His voice so He can get your life aligned again with truth and His blessings.

He wants you to bring your sin into the light of truth by confessing it to Him and friends. When you bring sin into the light of truth, three powerful things happen. 1. The cleansing process begins, and it’s thorough. 2. You realize you’re not alone/not the only one. 3. You live in an authentic community and are free from shame and isolation.

Look at the powerful effect of the confession of sin—exposing it gives us a new connection with God and people.

● “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. (1 John 1:7–9)

● “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:16a)

You can take a small step right now. In just a few words, tell God what sin or sins have a grip on you. He knows already, but authentic faith is relational, and your proximity to God will be tighter due to your coming clean. Remember, you have never been more loved, and nothing can separate you from His love. PERIOD!

STRATEGY FOR BATTLE:

EXPOSE IT — Bring that sin to mind that needs to die. Courageously face it. Now you have two practical moves to make:

● Confess it to God and agree with Him that you have this in your life, and it has to go.

● Call a trusted friend, pastor, or mentor and confess this sin as well to them. Bringing this into the light will bring you unexpected relief.