1/26/22 6th gr. Axis Guide Sheet: Confession and Forgiveness

 

I don’t understand why we need to confess if we’re already forgiven…?

Topic intro

o   In confession we confront our own sin, and the forgiveness we receive comes from Jesus Christ.

Key verse

1 John 1:9 If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Discussion starters:

-          Share about a time you were caught doing something wrong…

 

-          Do you think it is easier to ask for permission to do something, or forgiveness (after you’ve already done it).

 

-          How can you forgive when there is no acknowledgement of wrongdoing, when someone doesn’t seem to care if they are forgiven?

-          How do you show someone you’re sorry for something you’ve done?

-          When you have been hurt, what are some meaningful ways someone can apologize to you?

-          What are some actions/sins that might seem like they don’t have any consequences? Are thoughts different from actions?

-          If God knows everything, isn’t confession a waste of time? Why don’t we just keep the bad stuff to ourselves & not have to feel bad sharing it?

-          Why is it tempting to hide our sins, even from ourselves?

 

Bible talk:

-          Have a volunteer read 1 John 1:5-10

o   Where might you have heard the words in verses 8-9 before?

o   Why do you think confessing our sins is important?

o   How might confessing our sins change us?

o   We can’t possibly know every single sin when we make confession. Do you think this matters?

o   Talk about some of the differences between confessing to someone else, directly to God, or silently in a group like we do in worship?

-          Other readings to explore & discuss

o   Psalm 145:8-13

o   Psalm 51:10-13, 16-18

 

Activity Ideas

-         Watch the movie Invictus, the true story of Nelson Mandela and the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Watch for and talk about issues of sin, confession, and forgiveness you see.

-          Make it visual – Write down sins, hurts, etc and then rip up, burn, throw these away. Write things down on a rock and throw it in a lake (if you can find open water J).

-          Make it personal – Have you been holding on to a hurt (either one inflicted by you, or one done to you). What would it take to confront that issue in hopes of finding reconciliation and healing. It’s hard to do!