When we confess sin, we often use generic wording. We may say something like, “I am sorry I got upset with you,” or “I am sorry for what happened over the last couple of days or weeks.”
In the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, we see something different. Nehemiah led the Israelites, who were enslaved people in Babylon and Persia, back to the city of Jerusalem. They were rebuilding the city by fixing the walls and gates.
This was a time of physical and spiritual renewal for them. They were reestablishing their relationship with God and making a covenant with Him again.
Confession was a part of rebuilding their spiritual culture. The people spent time confessing their past sins. To move forward, they needed to know what sin they had committed so they would not repeat it.
After reading the Old Testament Law by Moses (Mosaic Law), the people were broken and began confessing. Their confession was not general and bland but specific. They named their sins.
In chapter nine, verse 16, they said, “We were stiff-necked and did not obey your commandments.” In verse 18, they said they “committed great blasphemies.” In verse 26, they said, “We rebelled against you and cast your law behind our backs.” Then, in verse 30, they admitted that God sent Holy Spirit-filled prophets to His people, and they did not listen to them.
Naming sin is essential to confession for several reasons. First, when we name our sins, we know exactly what we confess. Second, when we name sin, we admit guilt for that specific sin. Third, naming sin is hard to do and creates a desire to avoid the particular sin again.
Specifically, naming your sin is good practice in confessing to God and others. Parents should encourage their children to name sin so that they know exactly what they did wrong. Instead of having a child say to another child, “I am sorry,” we should have them say what they are specifically sorry for.
In any relationship, whether a marriage or friendship, naming sin helps clarify what each person is sorry for among the two parties. Then, when there is clarity in confession, there can be clarity in forgiveness.
Think About It
Do you practice naming sin?
Can you see how being specific about confessing sin helps clarify a situation?
Who can you practice naming sin with now to help build your relationship with them?
Thanks for taking time to read this Maddening Theology post. If you enjoyed this content you can find Pastor Tim’s sermons at www.cornerstoneforestcity.org. You can also join us at 520 Marion St. Browndale, PA 18421 on Sundays at 10 AM. To make following the blog easier you can also register. You can also join us on Facebook at Cornerstone Forest City. Also, don’t forget to download our APP on iTunes or Googleplay.