Go! And Confess - 1 John 1:9 Series

Go! And Confess - 1 John 1:9

Introduction:

1 John 1:9 (NLT) says, "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."

Confession is a fundamental part of our relationship with God. It is an act of humility, repentance, and trust. Today, we will explore what it means to confess, why it matters, and how it leads us into a deeper walk with Christ.

I. The Call to Confession

Understanding 1 John 1:9

The Greek word for "confess" is homologeo, which means "to say the same thing as." Confession is agreeing with God about our sin—acknowledging it without excuse.

John assures us that if we confess, God is faithful (pistos) and just (dikaios). His forgiveness is not based on our merit but on His character.

Cleansing (katharizo) refers to purification, making us clean before God.

Proverbs 28:13 (NLT) — "People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy."

Covering sin leads to spiritual stagnation, while confession brings mercy and restoration.

Confession is not about informing God; He already knows. It is about restoring our fellowship with Him and experiencing His mercy.

A child spills juice on the carpet and tries to hide it under a rug. The stain remains until it is cleaned. Our sin, when hidden, still affects us. But when confessed, God cleanses us completely.

II. The Power of Forgiveness

Understanding God's Forgiveness

Psalm 103:12 (NLT) — "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west."

God’s forgiveness is complete. He does not hold our past against us.

Supporting Verse: Micah 7:18-19 (NLT) — "Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love."

God delights in forgiveness. He is not reluctant; He is eager to forgive.

Many believers struggle with guilt even after confessing. True faith accepts God's promise of forgiveness. We must let go of past sins and walk in freedom.

A prisoner who has been pardoned but refuses to leave the cell. God’s forgiveness sets us free—we must walk in it.

III. The Role of Repentance

Confession and Repentance

Acts 3:19 (NLT) — "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away."

Repentance (metanoia) means a change of mind and direction. True confession leads to transformed living.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT) — "For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death."

There is a difference between regret and repentance. Godly sorrow leads to a changed life.

We must not just confess and return to sin. Confession should be paired with genuine repentance.

A driver who realises they are going the wrong way doesn’t just acknowledge it; they turn around.

IV. Walking in the Light

Living a Life of Transparency Before God

1 John 1:7 (NLT) — "But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin."

Walking in the light means living in openness before God and others.

James 5:16 (NLT) — "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."

There is healing in confession—not just with God but with trusted believers.

Accountability with fellow believers strengthens our walk with Christ. We are called to live in honesty and integrity.

A cracked foundation left unattended will lead to the collapse of a house. Confession repairs the cracks in our spiritual life.

Conclusion: A Call to Confession and Renewal

Confession restores fellowship with God.

God’s forgiveness is complete and liberating.

True confession leads to repentance and transformation.

Walking in the light means living a life of integrity before God and others.

Call to Action:

Take time to confess before God.

Accept His forgiveness and let go of guilt.

Commit to repentance and a changed life.

Be accountable to fellow believers.

Invitation to Salvation:

If you have never placed your faith in Jesus, today is the day. Confess your need for Him, believe in His sacrifice, and accept His forgiveness. Romans 10:9 (NLT) says, "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

May the Lord bless and guide you as you walk in the light of His forgiveness and grace. Amen.