This sermon begins our conclusion of a two-year journey through the Spiritual Disciplines, Holy Habits, and Practices of the Faith by focusing on the often-neglected practice of confession.  Using Genesis 3, it explores how sin introduced shame into human experience, fracturing relationships with God, others, and ourselves.  Like Adam and Eve hiding in the garden, we still attempt to cover our shame rather than confront it.  The sermon challenges common misunderstandings of confession—especially the belief that it is merely a Catholic practice—and grounds it firmly in Scripture as a lifelong, biblical discipline for God’s people.  Confession is presented not as a means of earning forgiveness, but as a pathway to healing, freedom, and restored relationships.  While shame tempts us to hide, confession invites humility, honesty, and community.  Through confession, God meets us with grace, replacing shame with freedom and restoring us into the life of transformation Christ offers here and now.

((Audio Only))

STUDY GUIDE

1 – Opening Reflection
When have you experienced embarrassment or shame that affected your relationship with others or with God? How did you respond?

2 – Genesis 3 and Shame
After Adam and Eve sinned, what changed in how they related to God and to one another (Genesis 3:7–10)? What does this reveal about the connection between sin and shame?

3 – Hiding vs. Healing
In what ways do people today still “hide” from God or others when dealing with sin or failure?

4 – Biblical Foundation
How do passages like 1 John 1:9 and James 5:16 shape a biblical understanding of confession?

5 – Community and Healing
Why do you think God calls us to confess not only to Him but also to trusted believers?

6 – Shame and Freedom
How does confession transform shame into freedom rather than condemnation?

7 – Pride and Humility
What role does humility play in practicing confession? What makes this difficult?

8 – Living It Out
What is one practical step you could take this week toward living more honestly before God and others?

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Genesis 3:1-13
Psalm 1:1-2
Romans 12:1-2
Proverbs 28:13
2 Samuel 12:13
1 John 1:9
James 5:16
Genesis 3:21