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“I Have Sinned”. “I have sinned”. Words we have all heard and probably said ourselves To become a Christian, we admit we are a sinner – Acts 8:22, 1 John 1:9 “I have sinned” found 19 times in Bible, on numerous occasions and in various ways Let us notice some times it is used. Pharaoh.
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“I have sinned” • Words we have all heard and probably said ourselves • To become a Christian, we admit we are a sinner – Acts 8:22, 1 John 1:9 • “I have sinned” found 19 times in Bible, on numerous occasions and in various ways • Let us notice some times it is used
Pharaoh • Exodus 9:27, 10:16 • Twice, after plagues of hail and locust • As soon as plague ended, he reverted to former attitude • Are there some who confess sins to get immediate relief? Maybe even make promises • True repentance remains faithful – Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 10:38-39
Balaam • Numbers 22:22ff, 22:34 • Following this, Balaam sought a way around the Lord’s willNumbers 25, 31:16 • Balaam’s sin mentioned – 2 Peter 2:15, Jude 11, Revelation 2:14 • Do some today seek a way around their “repentance”? Matthew 7:21-23
Achan • Joshua 7:20 • After Jericho fell, Achan took items that belonged to the LORD. When they attacked Ai, 36 were killed • Achan’s sin affected the people. Lot’s are cast and Achan is exposed • He confessed AFTER he was caught • But there were still consequences
Achan • Joshua 7:20 • Many today confess, after they are caught, and facing consequences. Some are seeking a “soft landing” • One day, we will stand in judgment – Hebrews 9:27, Matthew 25:46 – late confession will be too late
Achan • NOTE: It IS possible to be genuinely repentant, but there may be doubt and the expectation that you “prove yourself” • 2 Corinthians 7:11, will we clear ourselves? • ALSO, we ought to give the benefit of the doubt when possible – Luke 17:4, etc.
King Saul • Saul began as a humble king, but soon he lost that • When commanded to destroy the Amalekites, the people did not totally obey • When Saul was confronted, he “confessed” 1 Samuel 15:24, 30BUT, he made excuses • 1 Samuel 26:21, another occasion, backs off momentarily
King Saul • Another “after the fact” confession, and with excuses and superficial confession (based on actions) • True repentance does not make excuses. When one says, “I have sinned, BUT…”, is it genuine? • God does not accept excuses – Genesis 3:11-13, Romans 1:20, John 15:22 • 1 John 1:8-10, are we lying?
Judas • Matt. 26:14-16, Judas agrees to betray Jesus • Later he regrets it and seeks to return the money, 27:3-4 • After this, he goes out and hangs himself • Repentance, but he dealt with it in the wrong way. Did not forgive himself
Judas • We may know we have sinned and genuinely admit it. But how do we taker care of it? • When we repent, do we accept God’s forgiveness and move forward - Acts 8:22, 1 John 1:9cf. Paul 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
King David • David’s sin with Bathsheba and its fallout • 2 Samuel 12, Nathan confronts David. • 2 Samuel 12:13, “I have sinned” • Genuine repentance – no excuses, “against the LORD, real remorse – Psalms 51, 6, 38, 32, 41:4, etc
King David • Later in life, he numbers the people – 2 Samuel 24:10,17 He is remorseful and confesses his sins, ready to accept consequences • This is genuine confession and accepting responsibility
The Prodigal Son • Luke 15:18, 21 • After he “came to himself”, he took action. He confesses to his father • This is a parable about God and His forgiveness. We simply need to come to Him and He will welcome us back (1 John 1:9) with rejoicing (cf. Luke 15:7, 10, 32)