March 23, 2018 - - James 5:16 Powerful Confession

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

James 5:16 ESV

A day or two ago a radio preacher gave some wonderful insight to accountability--that is confessing our sins to another. First there needs to be honesty--yes, I have sinned. I am a sinner in need of the healing and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ alone. This is the start and honesty is good.

Then the next level is the "why". Ask why have you sinned? Lamentations 3:40 "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD." The point here is to ask: how am I placing myself in situations which will lead me to sin? What void am I trying to fill in my life with sin, rather than filling it with faith in God and cultivating confidence in Him?

The third step is critical--if you are seeing a pattern that leads you to sin, what steps are you taking to break this pattern and walk in obedience? I John 5:4 "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." Ask your accountability partner to help you break free from the sin that is tying you down. Offer the same help to him.

Finally--pray. At every step pray. We know that God has chosen to work through the prayers of His people. The very Spirit of God is in believers, prompting you, leading you to powerful, effective prayer. Trust the gift God has given you: prayer--intimate conversation with Him.

Sometimes God, it feels like I'd weary You with my repeated recitation of sin. But the fact is, I am wary of confessing and more likely to want to hide my sin rather than confess it. Thank You for the path of victory You give to believers--confession, examination, and repentance which leads to new obedience. In Jesus Christ I am a new creation, and I confess the old me is dead and I am rising to newness of life. Spirit of the Living God, continually work this new life into every part of my being for the glory of God. Amen.