Pharaoh's Confession: The Danger of Empty Acknowledgment

Devotional

Day 1: Acknowledging Our Sinfulness Before God

Pharaoh, the self-proclaimed god of Egypt, was brought to a place where he openly admitted, “I have sinned this time; the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.” This confession is remarkable because it shows that even those who seem the most powerful and self-sufficient are confronted by the reality of their own sinfulness when faced with the true God. Yet, simply admitting sin is not enough—recognition must lead to transformation. Like Pharaoh, we may find ourselves acknowledging our faults, but the real question is whether we allow that confession to move us toward repentance and change, or if we simply return to our old ways once the pressure is off. [13:36]

Exodus 9:27 (ESV)
Then Pharaoh sent and called Moses and Aaron and said to them, “This time I have sinned; the Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong.”

Reflection: Is there a sin in your life you’ve been willing to admit but not truly turn away from? What would it look like to take the next step from confession to genuine repentance today?

Day 2: The Danger of Confession Without Submission

Pharaoh’s story is a warning about the difference between admitting guilt and actually submitting to God. He confessed his sin and even acknowledged God’s righteousness, but he refused to humble himself and change his ways. This is a common trap: we can say the right words, even feel conviction, but unless we surrender our will and submit to God’s authority, nothing truly changes. God desires more than lip service—He wants a heart that is willing to be transformed. The tragedy of Pharaoh is that he was so close to mercy, yet missed it because he would not yield. [22:16]

Matthew 7:22-23 (ESV)
“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

Reflection: In what area of your life have you been confessing but not submitting to God’s authority? What would true surrender look like for you this week?

Day 3: The Tragedy of Willful Ignorance

There is a sobering reality in the way people can know the truth about God, yet choose to push Him out of their minds and hearts. Pharaoh, like many throughout history, had every opportunity to know and honor God but instead chose to harden his heart. The apostle Paul describes this as “willful ignorance”—not just forgetting God, but actively evicting Him from our lives. When we refuse to retain God in our knowledge, our hearts grow dark, and we fill our lives with things that cannot satisfy. The world offers plenty of distractions, but only God brings true understanding and life. [36:03]

Romans 1:28-29 (ESV)
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips.

Reflection: Are there areas where you have been intentionally ignoring God’s voice or pushing Him out? What is one practical way you can invite God back into your thoughts and decisions today?

Day 4: The Hollow Pursuit of Self-Glorification

When we stop glorifying God, we inevitably begin to glorify something else—most often, ourselves. Pharaoh’s refusal to honor God led him to elevate his own image and power, but this self-glorification is ultimately empty and destructive. Like the story of Dorian Gray, the more we focus on preserving our own image and desires, the more our true selves become corrupted. God calls us to turn away from self-centeredness and instead love Him and others, finding our worth in His glory rather than our own. [41:48]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to seek your own glory or put yourself first? How can you intentionally honor God and serve others today?

Day 5: The Power of Humble Reverence and Daily Worship

The difference between Pharaoh’s empty confession and a life truly transformed is humble reverence for God. When we start each day by acknowledging God’s greatness, sovereignty, and goodness, it shapes our hearts and actions. True worship is not just about asking God to bless our day, but about blessing and glorifying Him with our words, attitudes, and actions. This daily posture of humility and praise keeps us from the pitfalls of pride and draws us closer to the heart of God. [46:54]

Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV)
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Reflection: How can you make it a habit to begin each day by blessing and glorifying God? What specific act of worship or gratitude can you offer Him today?

Sermon Summary

Tonight’s focus centers on the confession of Pharaoh in Exodus 9:27, a moment that, while often read quickly, holds profound spiritual lessons for us all. Pharaoh, the self-proclaimed god of Egypt, surrounded by power and worship, is brought to a place where he admits, “I have sinned this time; the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.” This admission is shocking, not just for its content, but for who is saying it—a man who had built his entire identity and nation on the lie of his own divinity. Yet, even in this moment of confession, Pharaoh falls short of true repentance.

The journey through Pharaoh’s words reveals the difference between confession and transformation. Pharaoh acknowledges his sin and even the righteousness of God, but he does not submit or repent. He is willing to admit some things, but not surrender all. This is a pattern seen throughout history—empires and individuals alike who build on pride and self-deception eventually collapse, because there is always a greater power, a true God, who cannot be replaced or ignored.

This passage is a shadow of the gospel, but in reverse. Pharaoh’s confession outlines the steps toward salvation: recognizing our sin, acknowledging God’s righteousness, and then—where Pharaoh failed—turning from sin in repentance and submission. Without that final step, confession becomes empty words. The tragedy of Pharaoh is that he was so close to mercy and transformation, yet chose to cling to his pride and position rather than humble himself before God.

The lesson extends beyond Pharaoh to us today. It is possible to know the truth, to even admit our faults, and yet remain unchanged if we do not allow God to transform us. The world offers countless distractions and false identities, but only in surrender to God do we find true life. We must not settle for surface-level spirituality or mere acknowledgment of God; we are called to deep reverence, humility, and wholehearted submission.

Let us not be like Pharaoh, who was content to confess but refused to change. Instead, let us seek the substance of faith—a life built on the solid rock of Christ, marked by repentance, humility, and a desire to glorify God above all else.

Key Takeaways

1. Confession Without Repentance Is Empty Pharaoh’s admission of sin and God’s righteousness was remarkable, but it lacked the essential step of repentance. True spiritual transformation requires more than acknowledging our faults; it demands a turning away from sin and a submission to God’s authority. Without this, confession is just lip service, and the heart remains unchanged. [18:49]
2. Pride Precedes Collapse—Individually and Collectively The story of Pharaoh, like the fables of the boastful rooster and the man with the lavish coat, illustrates that pride and self-deception ultimately lead to downfall. Whether in empires or in our own lives, building on lies or appearances instead of truth and humility ensures eventual ruin. There is always a greater power, and only the humble will stand. [12:56]
3. Acknowledgment of God Must Lead to Reverence and Submission It is not enough to know about God or even to admit His righteousness. Pharaoh knew the truth but refused to glorify God as God, choosing instead to glorify himself. Knowledge without reverence leads to spiritual darkness; only when we honor God as sovereign do we experience true understanding and transformation. [40:26]
4. Surface Spirituality Is a Dangerous Substitute for Genuine Faith Pharaoh’s willingness to confess “this time” but not address the deeper pattern of sin reflects a common temptation: to deal with symptoms rather than the root. God desires more than momentary admissions; He seeks a heart that is fully surrendered, not content with partial or selective obedience. [34:06]
5. Proximity to Truth Is Not the Same as Possession of It Pharaoh stood face to face with God’s prophets, witnessed miracles, and was “so close” to grace, yet missed it by refusing to take the final step. Many can be near the things of God—hearing, seeing, even agreeing—yet never enter into true relationship because they stop short of surrender. Let us not settle for being almost persuaded.

** [28:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - The Challenge of Preparation
[01:47] - Spiritual Substance Over Surface
[03:10] - Pharaoh’s Confession in Exodus 9:27
[05:07] - Fables of Pride and Appearance
[07:45] - Pharaoh’s Identity and the Egyptian Dynasty
[10:13] - The Illusion of Divinity
[12:56] - The Collapse of False Empires
[13:36] - Pharaoh’s Shocking Admission
[16:51] - The Shadow of the Gospel
[18:49] - Confession Without Repentance
[22:16] - Acknowledging God’s Righteousness
[24:08] - The Moral State of a Nation
[28:43] - So Close, Yet So Far
[32:43] - Nibbling Ourselves Lost
[34:06] - Selective Confession
[39:46] - Knowledge Without Reverence
[41:48] - Glorifying Self Over God
[45:00] - The Tragedy of Pharaoh’s Nearness
[46:54] - Living to Glorify God

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Exodus 9:27 — Then Pharaoh sent and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “I have sinned this time. The Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.”

- Romans 1:21
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

- Matthew 7:22-23
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Observation Questions

What did Pharaoh actually say in Exodus 9:27, and why is it surprising coming from him?
According to the sermon, what steps did Pharaoh take in his confession, and which step did he leave out?
In Romans 1:21, what does Paul say happens when people know God but don’t glorify Him as God?
In Matthew 7:22-23, what is the difference between those who do things “in Jesus’ name” and those who truly know Him?

Interpretation Questions

Why is Pharaoh’s confession considered “the gospel in reverse” according to the sermon? What does this reveal about the difference between confession and true repentance?
The sermon says Pharaoh was “so close” to mercy but missed it. What does it mean to be near the truth but not actually changed by it?
How does pride play a role in Pharaoh’s downfall, and how does the sermon connect this to the collapse of empires and individuals?
What does it look like to acknowledge God’s righteousness but not submit to Him? How is this different from genuine faith?

Application Questions

The sermon warns that “confession without repentance is empty.” Have you ever found yourself admitting a fault but not actually changing? What kept you from taking the next step?
Pharaoh was willing to confess “this time” but not address the deeper pattern of sin. Are there areas in your life where you only deal with the surface issues instead of the root? What would it look like to go deeper?
The story of Pharaoh shows that pride and self-deception lead to collapse. Can you think of a time when pride kept you from admitting you were wrong or from changing? How did that turn out?
The sermon says, “Proximity to truth is not the same as possession of it.” Are there ways you are “close” to God—attending church, reading the Bible, knowing the right answers—but not fully surrendered? What would full surrender look like for you?
Pharaoh acknowledged God’s righteousness but refused to glorify Him as God. Is there an area in your life where you know what is right but struggle to honor God with your actions or choices?
The sermon challenges us not to settle for “surface-level spirituality.” What are some practical steps you can take this week to move from surface faith to deeper reverence and submission to God?
The pastor rewrote Pharaoh’s confession to say, “I am not God. I have sinned, and that alone disqualifies me from divinity. The Lord is righteous and I am not.” How does embracing this kind of humility change the way you approach God and others?

Sermon Clips

We don't want to just get up here and and and preach and shout and and you know everybody run the aisles and then when you walk out that door and you get in your car you completely forgot what was discussed from the pullpit that is a waste of god's time it's a waste of of of your time to just come up and preach something that has no value if it doesn't have any spiritual calories. [00:01:47]

There's a story in um who's familiar with asop's fables I read them all the time okay asp they're little short stories with great morals okay there was this one story about the fighting roosters and the eagle anybody know this story two roosters were they were fighting for dominance in the uh in in the yard and after a fierce battle one of the roosters um won and he decided that he was going to let everybody know and he crowed and crowed and he shredded around and he flew up on top of the barn and and and he was just crowing and all of a sudden there was this eagle in the distance he was hearing him um being boastful and crowing and he swooped down and he carried him away and the defeated rooster ended up taking over the yard the moral of the story as tells us is that pride goes before a fall and it's true you want to boast on how big you are and how strong you are and how mighty you are well guess what happened there's a bigger bird somewhere. [00:05:07]

This particular pharaoh we we believe most commentators believe could be ramsy's which we might get into this here in a little while but he was known for building cities and uh and in those cities he would make sure that his image was on certain foundations and everybody would remember for years to come that that this was the the pharaoh that built this particular city he didn't want to rule under a god he wanted to not only be as god he proclaimed that he was god. [00:07:52]

See we can tell a lie long enough to where we'll actually believe it ourselves my wife said something to me last night and i she she said she's she can remember you know certain tons of stuff in her life and i said honey i can't remember the stuff hardly anything in life because i've had some some brain damage but um i said and most of the things i remember now are exaggerated you know the fish we caught was no longer a 10 pound fish it's a 12pb fish or you know we all do that but anyways so he actually got to the point to where he started to believe that he was god all of a sudden god sends people two prophets moses and aaron to come down and moses and aaron shows him that he is not god because you can replicate certain things you can turn your staff into a serpent it doesn't mean that you're create they're creator of the staff or the serpent. [00:09:18]

Every empire every dynasty that builds itself on that kind of a lie whether it was egypt assyria babylon the persians the the calaldanss greece or rome every one of them will eventually collapse because no matter how big you think you are there's a bigger bird out there somewhere no what kind of a god you think you are there is a one true god. [00:12:41]

Pharaoh sent and called for moses and aaron and said unto them i have sinned this time the lord is righteous and i and my people are wicked this is pharaoh the self-proclaimed god of egypt worshiped by his people and surrounded by all these idols and power he admits right here in this single verse that this so-called god himself he admitted something that contradicts something that he has been proclaiming and that all the dynasties before him proclaimed that he a is not god and that the god of moses and aaron he is god. [00:13:36]

This is kind of like what we would call um a a shadow it it's it's trying to not necessarily reveal the source but it's kind of outlining the source for us the old testament is a school master that would lead us to christ okay so it's it's bringing us along so if you don't have a good understanding of the old testament you really don't have a good understanding of jesus christ the old the new testament can tell you some things it tells you a great deal amount okay and plus plus revelation and prayer and and and all this kind of that reveals a lot but if you really want to know more about jesus you've got to get into the old testament now you can't just live there and dwell there because jesus christ eventually was born and and and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory he's the glory of the only be begotten. [00:15:33]

The true god hears the voice of the enslaved the true god knows that there are people that are sinners and there are righteous that's exactly what pharaoh is doing here he as the leader of the people this is like a a shadow of of of god in dealing with with mankind he realizes that there are are sinners he's acknowledging that he's realized because he's a sinner that he can't help them that if you want help you got to do something on yourself because i am like you i too am a sinner. [00:16:38]

There needs to be a change of heart there needs to be a commitment or all or what all that you're doing is you're you're just it's just lip surface i mean that's and god sees through all of that here's another thing that he said he said "i and my people are wicked." he doesn't just throw himself under the chariot wheels see i wrote not bus ha i wrote that right here chariot wheels i thought that was a lot funnier than what you guys laughed at come on kid there you go thank you man he's he he he he drags everybody along with him i am a sinner and we are all sinner that's stunning to me it is he confessed that the moral state of the entire nation was corrupt from the throne to the streets from the pallet palace to the peasant they were all guilty but he did nothing about it. [00:23:16]

He would rather be destroyed as a god than live as a man under god he would rather die a false god than rather live under the submission submission of the one true god uh ain't nothing's nothing's worth it is that valuable really that you gain the whole world and lose your own soul one stephen wright a comedian said "you can't have everything where would you put it?" that's that's really good you can't have where would you put it i got everything okay. [00:35:15]

They did not like to retain retain means to keep to hold on to they had knowledge of god but they didn't value it they treated divine truth like trash unwanted unworthy of any mental space up in their head being filled with all unrighteousness verse 29 fornication wickedness covetousness maliciousness full of envy murder debate deceit malignity um whisperers so here's my here's i wrote four bullet points one how did they get filled two who did the filling three where was this stuff these things these products being sold or given away is there a store that has these things on a shelf and yes there is it's called the world it's called the world everything that paul was writing here to the church at rome in chapter one all of this stuff is is blatant right in front of us today if you want to go fill your life with that evil wickedness all you got to do is walk out that street and you you go fill your own life up with it. [00:36:57]

Don't you find it interesting that they are without understanding only after they evicted god in verse 28 see they had understanding in verse 28 but once they kicked him out now no longer they have understanding am i right i'm right it's right there it's right here verse 31 3128 32 who knowing the judgment of god that they which commit such things are worthy of death not only do the same but have pleasure in them that do them why you just have to ask yourself why why would someone push away the truth why would they trade what they know is real for something hollow something made up in something mansized. [00:39:10]

They had knowledge but no reverence pharaoh acknowledged that he was a sinner he acknowledged that god was righteous but he had no re no reverence for the god of moses and aaron in romans they they they they had truth but no transformation they knew him but they didn't want to know more about him they they they reduced him in their minds to something that they could define control ignore or replace they they treated the creator like the creation they treated the almighty like a force a concept a myth they knew him as god but they acted like he wasn't god. [00:40:19]

If all you're trying to do is preserve yourself and you're not you're not thinking about others and you're not thinking about god and what you're going to do is you're going to turn everything in on yourself it's all going to be about me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me you know my my etc that's not what god is wanting god is wanting us to to to love each other he's wanting us to love your neighbor as you love yourself and and it's it's a sad tale this pharaoh is a sad tale yes we we we read it a lot of times where you know he's he's the enemy and this and that but i the what i really want you to take home tonight is that he was just so close he was right there i mean talking with moses and aaron he admitted he was a sinner he admitted that god was righteous and he didn't go take that extra step what good is it going to be bapt be repent and be baptized in jesus name if you no longer seek the spirit of god. [00:44:44]

What good is it if you're going to come up here and get baptized in jesus name and never come back to church again which we've all seen tons and tons of time get baptized and the next thing you know they're gone you know what i'd say bring forth fruits meek of repentance once you bring that then i then you can be baptized but if you just come in and say you know you want to be baptized uh no no we did there's zero scripture for that well you got the ethiopian unic yeah we sitting there reading the word of god and a man comes up to him says "understand what thou readest how can i unless somebody tells me about it?" so he expounds to him jesus christ and then he said "here's water what do hinder me from being baptized?" [00:45:41]

Listen we don't need to be like that we don't want to be like pharaoh we want to be meek we want to be lowly we want to be humble and ask the lord to help us every day we want to acknowledge that he is great that he is king that he is sovereign that he is the almighty and then when when you want acknowledge that when that's the first thing that you do when you wake up in the morning you just glorify him and just magnify him and thank him for all that he's done don't say "bless my day." don't say any of that just say "god today i'm going to bless you all day long i'm going to find time to exalt your name i'm going to tell somebody about how good you are." [00:46:48]

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