Exodus 9:27
The sermon explores different types of confessions, highlighting the importance of sincerity and humility in acknowledging our sins.
Chuck Smith discusses the theme of confession of sin, illustrating various types of confessions from the Bible, including the terror-driven confession of Pharaoh, the insincere confession of Saul, and the double-mindedness of Balaam. He emphasizes the difference between genuine repentance and mere acknowledgment of wrongdoing, highlighting the dangers of superficial confessions that lack true transformation. The sermon culminates in the blessed confession of the Prodigal Son, showcasing the hope and restoration that comes from sincere repentance.
Text
"CONFESSION OF SIN"
I. HARDENED SINNER IN TERROR "I HAVE SINNED."
A. Why the confession?
1. Thunder & hail, fire running along ground.
2. How many similar confessions elicited from calamity.
a. Storm.
b. War.
c. Earthquake.
d. Bed of sickness.
3. Men on parole committing crime.
II. DOUBLE MINDED MAN "I HAVE SINNED" BALAAM - Num. 22:34.
A. Though he confessed to angel of Lord, The went right on - no turning back.
1. On hill overlooking Israel.
"How shall I curse those whom God has not cursed?"
"I shall see Him but not yet: I shall behold Him but not
nigh - Let me die the death of the righteous."
a. Hope for such a man, as he comes down from hill.
b. As he comes down from hill.
2. No man can serve two masters. Serve three or four.
a. No man can serve two masters.
3. Balaam tried.
4. King Rufus painted God on one side of shield & devil on other motto:
"Ready for both, catch who can."
a. People same meet minister - pious.
III. I SAM. 15:24. SAUL "THE INSINCERE CONFESSION."
A. To Samuel "I have sinned" did not mean it for he gave a lying excuse. "I feared
the people."
1. He never feared anyone to do his own will.
2. Saul extremely vacillating.
a. With David.
b. One day with prophets, later with witches.
c. India rubber consciences, easily impressed but soon returned
to original position.
IV. THE DOUBTFUL CONFESSION - ACHAN, "I HAVE SINNED" JOSHUA 7:20.
A. Guilty of taking loot from Jericho.
1. Some think Achan was saved (made full confession).
2. Matthew Henry & others disagree.
a. Who knows?
b. Doubtful confessions.
c. Death-bed confessions.
1. Dr. kept record of 1000 people who when thought they
were dying confessed Christ, Later when well only 3
served Christ & lives changed.
V. CONFESSION OF DESPAIR - JUDAS, MATT, 27:4
A. Remorse of conscience.
VI. CONFESSION OF A SAINT, JOB 7:20, Ps. 51, I John 1:9
"If we confess our sins."
VII. THE BLESSED CONFESSION. Luke 15:18 THE PRODIGAL.
A. Picture the scene.
Sermon Outline
- HARDENED SINNER IN TERROR points: - Why the confession?
- DOUBLE MINDED MAN points: - Though he confessed to angel of Lord, The went right on - no turning back.
- THE INSINCERE CONFESSION points: - Saul's confession in I SAM. 15:24.
- THE DOUBTFUL CONFESSION points: - Achan's confession in JOSHUA 7:20.
- CONFESSION OF DESPAIR points: - Judas' confession in MATT, 27:4.
- CONFESSION OF A SAINT points: - Job's confession in JOB 7:20, Ps. 51, I John 1:9.
- THE BLESSED CONFESSION points: - The Prodigal's confession in Luke 15:18.
Key Quotes
“Thunder & hail, fire running along ground.” — Chuck Smith
“How shall I curse those whom God has not cursed?” — Chuck Smith
“If we confess our sins.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must be willing to acknowledge and take responsibility for our sins, even in the face of calamity.
- Serving two masters is impossible, and we must choose to follow God alone.
- A sincere confession comes from a genuine heart, while an insincere confession is a lie or an excuse.