Dealing with Sin

I found handwritten notes by Granddaddy today. Boy, do I need to practice this concept of complete confession and NO SELF-PUNISHMENT! I can't seem to apply that in my own life. I can't see how anything or anyone could possibly punish me as much as I punish myself. A huge personality flaw that I have, but praise God his word sets me free if I would just Let Go and Let God!

Dealing with Sin

1 John 1:5-10

We deal with Sin in our lives by:

1. Denying it - renaming it

2. Excusing it

3. Blaming others - people, past, things...

4. Ignoring it

5. Personal self-atonement (feel we must atone for it)

God's Forgiveness - 1 John 1:9

Confession - it comes when we drop our excuses, blame of others, no longer deny it, but accept it - become responsible for it. However, it can be risky - may be rejected when we confess to others.

We must be accepted by grace - men often reject when we confess to them. But...God has taken risk out of confession.

When God forgives...

It is...forgiven and forgotten
Bring to the cross - His atonement means no self-atonement or self-punishment. Then..
you are liberated to experience joy!

In Christ
we have forgiveness
we can forgive others
we must - in Christ - forgive others because He has forgiven us!
we are united in Christ because of forgiveness!

Confession is painful, but forgiveness is free!