A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 6: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Commun i t y : The “Corporate” Di sc i p l i nes 245

3. The need for repentance (forsaking the sin) as well as acknowledgment

a. Confession and forsaking obtains mercy, Prov. 28.13 – Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

b. Acknowledging means admitting your responsibility and involvement in the act, Ps. 32.5 – 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. Selah .

c. Process

(1) Acknowledging the wrong

(2) Turning one’s back on the wrong

(3) Making no provision for the flesh

(4) Restoring whatever we can

4. The freedom of release: the covenant faithfulness of God, Ps. 86.5 – For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

a. Not based on emotion or performance

b. Not anchored in self-flogging or “penance”

c. We restore and do restitution because we have been forgiven, not in order to be forgiven: Zacchaeus, Luke 19.1-10.