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 251

3. Rediscover the biblical teaching on the priesthood of all believers, and affirm your place and station in that priesthood, 1 Pet. 2.

4. Learn from the rule of St. Alphonsus Liguori: “For a good confession three things are necessary: an examination of conscience, sorrow, and a determination to avoid sin” (Foster, Celebration of Discipline , p. 151).

a. An examination of conscience: asking God to bring to the heart and conscience anything that offends him for his cleansing and transformation, Ps. 139.23-24

b. Sorrow: godly regret over the act committed, 2 Cor. 7.10-11 – For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. [11] For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

c. A determination to avoid sin, Prov. 28.13 – Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

5. Confess your faults one to another and pray for one another in order that you may be healed, James 5.16.

a. The confession here is not only personal, but corporate .

b. The prayer is not merely a private matter, but on behalf of each other .