Posted by SPOTTER, LESSON 2: GOD IS FAITHFUL TO FORGIVE
Ben Franklin is quoted as saying, “Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.” I think the same thing could be said about sin. If we attempt to hide sin, to cover it up, to “regard” it in our hearts, it is only a matter of time before it will begin to stink up the place. Numbers 32:23 tells us that we can be sure that our, “sin will be discovered. It will be brought out into the open.” In Hebrews 4:13 we are reminded that, “Nothing God created is hidden from Him. His eyes see everything. He will hold us accountable for everything we do.”
So how does sin begin to stink? King David, the subject of our case study, gives us detailed insight into the very real physical effects of un-confessed sin in the life of a believer.
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. (Psalm 32:3-4)
Only when David, after being confronted by Nathan, recognizes his sin for what it is and despises it as God does, does he find forgiveness.
Then I admitted my sin to you. I didn’t cover up the wrong I had done. I said, “I will admit my lawless acts to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Psalm 32:5)
Belonging to Christ involves a change of mind, the adoption of a new worldview in which sin is seen through the eyes of God for what it is. Confession begins with seeing and hating our sin. Don’t let sin be a guest in your house.
BIG IDEA: Confession begins with seeing and hating your sins.
MEDITATING ON THE WORD:
Psalm 32:3-5
Psalm 38:18
Psalm 139:23-24
Numbers 32:23
Proverbs 28:13
SECTION VERSE:
But God is faithful and fair. If we admit that we have sinned, He will forgive us our sins. He will forgive every wrong thing we have done. He will make us pure. – 1 John 1:9
LESSON VERSE:
I admit that I have done wrong. I am troubled by my sin. – Psalm 38:18
PRAYER:
Thank God that He is faithful to forgive us when we choose sin instead of Him. Ask Him to forgive you today for where you have fallen short of His standard. Ask Him to help you see sin as He does.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What is your attitude toward sin?
- How do you feel when you sin?
- God says He will forgive you now matter what. How does that make you feel?
- How do you feel when confronted with sin?
LIVE IT OUT!
- Practice your memory verse (1 John 1:9).
- Read Psalm 19:12-13 and 139:23-24 as your own prayer.
- As a family adopt an RBC missionary to pray for and encourage.
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ABOUT FAMILY QUEST: At Reston Bible Church, we firmly believe that parents are a child’s first and most important spiritual leader. In order to support you that mission, we have created a parent devotional and some discussion starters to go along with each lesson your grade school age children are learning at Quest on Sundays. Our hope and prayer is that this material will help you to engage with your children around the topics they are learning on Sunday mornings, answer their questions, go deeper with them, and find real, day-to-day applications. We are honored to be able to partner with you in the critical task of sharing Christ with the next generation.
michaeljmeyers 