Confession: The Bridge to Transformation and Healing
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of "Practicing the Way" by delving into two passages from the book of John—John 1 and John 3. These passages highlight the importance of confession in our spiritual journey. John 1 introduces us to the eternal nature of Jesus, the Word, who was with God and was God. This foundational belief is crucial for our faith. John 3 recounts the story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who learns from Jesus that one must be born again to see the Kingdom of God. This rebirth involves both water and Spirit, signifying a profound transformation.
Confession plays a dual role in our lives: it is both a confession of faith and a confession of sin. The former is about acknowledging and declaring our belief in Jesus Christ, while the latter involves admitting our wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness. Confession is not just a ritual but a bridge that connects us to God, allowing us to move from a life of sin to a life of holiness. This bridge is built on the foundation of Jesus' sacrifice, which enables us to cross from darkness into light.
We also discussed the story of a woman healed by touching Jesus' garment, emphasizing that faith in Jesus can bring both physical and spiritual healing. Jesus' question to the paralyzed man, "Do you want to get well?" serves as a reminder that our healing and salvation begin with our desire and faith in Jesus' power to transform us.
In our modern context, we often downplay the severity of sin, but true confession requires us to confront and name our sins. This act of confession is the first step toward healing and reconciliation with God. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood, urging us to examine ourselves and confess both our faith and our sins.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Eternal Word: Jesus, the Word, existed from the beginning with God and was God. This foundational belief is crucial for our faith, as it establishes Jesus as the eternal source of life and light. Recognizing Jesus' divine nature helps us understand the depth of our faith and the significance of His role in our salvation. [23:21]
2. Confession as a Bridge: Confession serves as a bridge between our sinful nature and God's holiness. By confessing our sins and our faith, we build a pathway to a deeper relationship with God. This act of confession is not just about admitting wrongs but about opening ourselves to God's transformative power. [32:57]
3. Healing Through Faith: The story of the woman healed by touching Jesus' garment illustrates that faith in Jesus can bring both physical and spiritual healing. Jesus' ability to heal and save is a testament to His divine power and compassion, reminding us that our faith in Him can lead to profound transformation. [40:15]
4. The Reality of Sin: In today's world, we often downplay the severity of sin, but true confession requires us to confront and name our sins. Acknowledging our sins is the first step toward healing and reconciliation with God. This honest confrontation allows us to experience the fullness of God's grace and forgiveness. [44:14]
5. Born Again: Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus emphasizes the necessity of being born again through water and Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God. This rebirth signifies a complete transformation and a new beginning in our relationship with God. It calls us to leave behind our old ways and embrace a life led by the Holy Spirit. [51:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:21] - The Eternal Word
[24:13] - Nicodemus and Being Born Again
[25:39] - Practicing the Way
[26:25] - The Importance of Confession
[28:31] - A Story of Confession
[32:57] - Confession as a Bridge
[35:06] - The Word and Our Faith
[39:14] - Healing Through Faith
[41:55] - Do You Want to Get Well?
[44:14] - The Reality of Sin
[49:46] - Light in the Darkness
[51:18] - Born Again
[55:09] - Communion and Confession
[58:06] - Receiving Communion
[01:08:10] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:1-5 (NIV)
> "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
2. John 3:1-5 (NIV)
> "Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.' Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.' 'How can someone be born when they are old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!' Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.'"
3. John 5:6 (NIV)
> "When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, 'Do you want to get well?'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 1:1-5 tell us about the nature and role of Jesus? How is He described in these verses?
2. In John 3:1-5, what does Jesus tell Nicodemus is necessary to see the Kingdom of God? How does Nicodemus initially respond to this teaching?
3. According to the sermon, what dual roles does confession play in our spiritual journey? ([26:59])
4. How does the story of the woman healed by touching Jesus' garment illustrate the power of faith? ([39:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus is described as the Word who was with God and was God in John 1:1-5? How does this foundational belief impact our understanding of Jesus' role in our faith? ([35:39])
2. What does it mean to be "born again" through water and Spirit as described in John 3:1-5? How does this concept of rebirth relate to our spiritual transformation? ([51:18])
3. How does the act of confession serve as a bridge between our sinful nature and God's holiness? What are the implications of this for our daily lives? ([32:57])
4. In what ways does Jesus' question to the paralyzed man, "Do you want to get well?" challenge us to examine our own desires for healing and transformation? ([41:55])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the description of Jesus as the eternal Word in John 1:1-5. How does recognizing Jesus' divine nature influence your daily faith and actions? ([35:39])
2. Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born again to see the Kingdom of God. Have you experienced this spiritual rebirth? If so, how has it transformed your life? If not, what steps can you take to seek this transformation? ([51:18])
3. Confession is described as a bridge to a deeper relationship with God. What sins or struggles do you need to confess to God today to move closer to Him? ([32:57])
4. The story of the woman healed by touching Jesus' garment shows the power of faith. Is there an area in your life where you need to exercise more faith in Jesus' ability to heal and transform? ([39:14])
5. In today's world, we often downplay the severity of sin. How can you confront and name your sins honestly before God to begin the process of healing and reconciliation? ([44:14])
6. Jesus' question, "Do you want to get well?" invites us to examine our own desires for healing. What areas of your life need Jesus' healing touch, and how can you actively seek His transformation? ([41:55])
7. As you partake in communion, how can you use this time to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood? What specific steps can you take to examine yourself and confess both your faith and your sins? ([55:09])
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Word
Jesus, the Word, existed from the beginning with God and was God. This foundational belief is crucial for our faith, as it establishes Jesus as the eternal source of life and light. Recognizing Jesus' divine nature helps us understand the depth of our faith and the significance of His role in our salvation. Jesus is not just a historical figure but the eternal Word through whom all things were made. This understanding deepens our appreciation of His sacrifice and the life He offers us.
In John 1, we see the profound truth that Jesus is the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. This passage invites us to reflect on the eternal nature of Christ and His intimate relationship with the Father. As we meditate on this, we are called to acknowledge Jesus as the light of the world, who shines in the darkness and brings life to all who believe in Him. This recognition is the bedrock of our faith and the starting point of our spiritual journey.
John 1:1-3 (ESV): "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the eternal Word change the way you view your relationship with Him today? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of His divine nature?
Day 2: Confession as a Bridge
Confession serves as a bridge between our sinful nature and God's holiness. By confessing our sins and our faith, we build a pathway to a deeper relationship with God. This act of confession is not just about admitting wrongs but about opening ourselves to God's transformative power. Confession is a vital practice that allows us to move from a life of sin to a life of holiness, grounded in the sacrifice of Jesus.
Confession involves two key aspects: confessing our faith in Jesus Christ and confessing our sins. The former is about declaring our belief in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, while the latter involves admitting our wrongdoings and seeking God's forgiveness. This dual confession is essential for our spiritual growth and reconciliation with God. It is through Jesus' sacrifice that we can cross from darkness into light, experiencing the fullness of God's grace and mercy.
1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: What sins do you need to confess to God today? How can you make confession a regular practice in your spiritual journey to experience God's transformative power? [32:57]
Day 3: Healing Through Faith
The story of the woman healed by touching Jesus' garment illustrates that faith in Jesus can bring both physical and spiritual healing. Jesus' ability to heal and save is a testament to His divine power and compassion, reminding us that our faith in Him can lead to profound transformation. This story encourages us to approach Jesus with faith, believing in His power to heal and restore us.
In the Gospels, we see numerous accounts of Jesus healing the sick and performing miracles. These stories highlight the importance of faith in experiencing Jesus' healing touch. The woman who touched Jesus' garment believed that even a small act of faith could bring her healing, and her faith was rewarded. This teaches us that no matter how small our faith may seem, it can lead to significant changes in our lives when placed in Jesus.
Mark 5:34 (ESV): "And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need healing today? How can you demonstrate your faith in Jesus' power to heal and transform those areas? [40:15]
Day 4: The Reality of Sin
In today's world, we often downplay the severity of sin, but true confession requires us to confront and name our sins. Acknowledging our sins is the first step toward healing and reconciliation with God. This honest confrontation allows us to experience the fullness of God's grace and forgiveness. Sin separates us from God, but through confession, we can restore our relationship with Him.
The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This reality calls us to take sin seriously and not to minimize its impact on our lives. True confession involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of our sins and a genuine desire to turn away from them. It is through this process that we can receive God's forgiveness and begin the journey toward spiritual healing and growth.
Psalm 32:5 (ESV): "I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin."
Reflection: What specific sins do you need to confront and confess to God today? How can acknowledging these sins lead to a deeper experience of God's grace and forgiveness? [44:14]
Day 5: Born Again
Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus emphasizes the necessity of being born again through water and Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God. This rebirth signifies a complete transformation and a new beginning in our relationship with God. It calls us to leave behind our old ways and embrace a life led by the Holy Spirit. Being born again is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of renewal and growth in our faith.
In John 3, Jesus explains to Nicodemus that being born again is essential for seeing the Kingdom of God. This spiritual rebirth involves a profound change in our hearts and minds, brought about by the Holy Spirit. It is a call to live a new life, characterized by a deep connection with God and a commitment to following His ways. This transformation is made possible through Jesus' sacrifice and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: What does being born again mean to you personally? How can you embrace this new beginning and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and transform your life daily? [51:18]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Word gave life to everything that was created and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness. And the darkness can never extinguish it." [23:21] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus replied, I'll tell you the truth. Unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God. What do you mean? exclaimed Nicodemus. How can an old man go back into his mother's womb and be born again? And Jesus replied, I assure you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit." [24:13] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "To confess your sins to God is not to tell Him anything He doesn't already know. Until you confess them, however, they are the abyss between you and God. When you confess them, they become the bridge." [32:14] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When was the last time you truly went before the Lord and just confessed to this faith? That this is the faith that you believe in. Confession of faith in Jesus is what ultimately saves us. We have to believe that what John wrote about Jesus as the word really is the truth." [43:03] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus says, do you want to be made well? Our answer always should be in confession of this faith. Yes, Jesus, I believe that you can do this." [42:30] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There's something about confession that just gets a weight off of our chest. It gets things out into the open to those that we need to tell what we've done wrong. And it begins to bring in healing to us. But the first part of this is not so much, but it's about confessing sin as it is a confession of faith." [32:14] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Confession isn't just about confessing sin. It is about confessing what is true. It's about confessing who you are, who Christ is, and who you truly are in Christ. If you never own up to who you are or who Christ is, then you cannot come to a point where you know who you are in Christ." [37:52] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we compare our lives to the life of Jesus, that's when we begin to see sin in the world. Right? Because if Jesus, Jesus is the light and we live in the darkness, Jesus wants to be the light of our life. When He begins to shine in us, it begins to shine light on the sins in our lives." [46:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you want the kingdom of God, if you want your life to ever be made new, then you have to humbly come to Jesus and confess the darkness, the sin, just call it what it is. Confess those things. And Jesus says, I, I tell you the truth, unless you're born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God." [50:41] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I think once we call it what it is, once we call out sin in ourselves, in our own life, that's the only way that the healing journey, a healing process can ever begin. Until we call sin, sin in our lives, no healing, no guilt, no shame will ever go away. It's only, by laying that down, confessing it, saying it out loud, saying it to Jesus, God already knows. Tell Him." [49:11] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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