(Confession/Restoring One Another)
The Objectives : The two main objectives of this study are to teach disciples how to confess their sins and
restore others who have sinned.
The Bible says that a friend loves at all times and a brother (family) is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17). Our
spiritual friendships and our spiritual family (the church) are designed to love us, support us, and help us find
strength in God as we face the adversities of life.
Q: What kinds of adversity or challenges do you think you will have or have had already as a disciple of Jesus?
- Persecution, temptation, family challenges, health issues, financial hardships, conflict in relationships, problems at school, problems at work, etc..
The Scriptures:
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Q: What is the advantage of having a close spiritual friend?
The Bible tells us: “Pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” We need people in our spiritual lives to
help us up when we struggle and fall or it is only a matter of time before we will experience grief and despair!
1. Confession
1 John 1:5-10
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
7 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, purifies us from all sin.
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
“Walking in the light” means our lives are an open book and on display. The Bible tells us that “God is light; in him
there is no darkness at all.”
Q: Can we be close to God if we live in darkness or dimness (living in a little darkness)?
Claiming to be without sin equates to deceiving ourselves and calling God a liar. Confessing our sin allows us to
“walk in the light;” this has 2 effects:
- We have fellowship with one another (builds deep, authentic friendships).
- Jesus’ blood purifies us and allows us to have a relationship with God.
Q: What are some obstacles that would prevent you from being open about your life and confessing sin?
Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Concealing sin will cause downfall but we will find mercy if we confess and renounce our sins.
2. Restoring One Another
Galatians 6:1-2
1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Q: What should we do when someone confesses their sin to us?
IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES IN RESTORING ONE ANOTHER:
NEVER be harsh! Do not overreact. God calls us to “restore gently.”
Never say things like, “Amen, brother, thanks for being open.” God calls us to help them come to repentance “to
RESTORE them”.
Make sure that they bring things into the light (no dimness). Make sure you are getting enough information to
really pray specifically and also help them to come to repentance.
Always ask them “What do you think repentance looks like?” The goal is to help them to bring everything into the
light and help them to repent (be restored) so that times of refreshing can come (Acts 3:19)
Pray. Praying together after confession is always helpful.
James 5:15-17
15 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.
16 Therefore 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.
17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
It is vitally important to pray for one another after confession so that God can truly bring about healing.
The Spiritual Exercise: Have a time of confession together. Role play how you would confront
someone who has fallen into sin and how to respond to those who confess their sins to you.
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CROSS BEARERS