by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, C, TOPICS
CURSES
DEFINITION: Curses are powerful forces that operate in the spiritual realm. A curse–also sometimes referred to as a jinx, hex, or execration–is any expressed wish that some sort of adversity or misfortune will befall a person. It can also be a command for evil powers to attach themselves to a certain place or object.
FACTS ABOUT CURSES:
Curses are not primitive superstitions. Curses are mentioned over 200 times in Scripture. People in the western world are not as aware of the power of curses as people in nations where witchcraft, Wicca, and Shamanism are common–but they are strong spiritual forces that cannot be ignored.
Both blessings and curses are invisible forces of spiritual power which are transmitted by words (Proverbs 18:21). You can speak positive words of blessing over someone, or negative words of curses that cause despair, discouragement, and destruction in a person’s life.
The first instance of blessing and curses is found in Genesis. God blessed mankind (Genesis 1:28). In Genesis 3, due to the entrance of sin into the world, the first curses result. Curses are always linked in some way to a violation of God’s Word–either by the person themselves or by a person who is putting a curse on someone.
Curses have causes. The Bible says “…the curse causeless shall not come” (Proverbs 26:2), meaning there is always a root cause behind a curse. Curses can result from witchcraft and the occult, of course, but they also arise from:
-Having false gods: Exodus 20:3- 4; Deuteronomy 27: 15.
-Disrespect for parents: Deuteronomy 27:16.
-Treachery against a neighbor: Deuteronomy 27: 17.
-Committing injustices: Deuteronomy 27: 18-19.
-Sexual sins: Deuteronomy 27: 20-23.
-Lying: Deuteronomy 27: 25.
-Stealing: Zechariah 5:1-4.
-Robbing God: Malachi 3: 9.
-Perverting the gospel: Galatians 1:8- 9.
-Depending on the flesh instead of God: Jeremiah 17:5.
-Acts of racial discrimination: Genesis 12:3, Genesis 28:3 and 14.
Self-imposed curses result when you make declarations like: “I’ll never be any good. I am so stupid. God doesn’t love me. I hate myself. I will never forgive myself. No one cares. I am better off dead. ” You are actually putting a curse on yourself by your own words.
Curses imposed by others–authority figures in your life, your spouse, your parents, etc.–include statements such as “You are no good, you are useless, you are stupid, you are a failure, you will never achieve anything, you are ugly.” Curses can also be imposed by those engaged in witchcraft and from maintaining relationships with those engaged in such satanic practices..
Generational curses are negative spiritual traits passed down from a previous generation. These are sinful spiritual strongholds that have controlled the attitudes and actions of your ancestors. In the natural world it is possible to have a propensity towards certain physical conditions–cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc.–due to heredity. The same is true in the spiritual world. For example, if your ancestors were involved in the occult, you may have a predisposition to dabble in it also and/or you may be affected by it. Chronic sickness can be a generational curse passed down from your ancestors, as well as a tendency to use addictive substances. Children often repeat the sins of their parents. Through your sin, you can erect spiritual strongholds that will be passed on as generational curses to your children and succeeding generations. You can also pass on spiritual blessings. Just as curses can be passed to a succeeding generation, so can blessings (Deuteronomy 5:8-10 and Psalm 103:17).
Curses can be broken through the blood of Jesus. Galatians 3:13 confirms that: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Jesus not only redeemed you from sin when He died at Calvary, but He also redeemed you from every curse.
DEALING WITH CURSES:
Recognize the signs of a curse operating in your life. Your life may seem to get increasingly harder. You may experience constant hardships, frustration, poverty, or be unproductive in your labors. You may live in continual defeat or experience chronic mental, emotional, or physical problems. Barrenness and being accident-prone are also signs of a curse.
Recognize that you have the power to choose either blessings or curses. God told Israel: “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse–the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). You do not have to be a victim of curses.
Go to the root cause of curses. The Bible says “…the curse causeless shall not come” (Proverbs 26:2), meaning there is always a root cause behind a curse. Curses can result from witchcraft and the occult, of course, but you can also operate under a curse because of your own words and sins. See the causes of curses in the previous section. Cut the root and you will kill the fruit!
Acknowledge your sin. Acknowledge your sin and take personal responsibility for any sinful practices in which you are engaged. Confess and repent of these sins (Ezekiel 18:20). Freeing yourself from the results of your own sinful behavior is the first step in breaking curses. For example, if you are participating in a cult, a curse may be on you because of your participation. Idolatry opens the door to spiritual curses, as does sexual immorality and deliberate disobedience to God and His Word.
Identify generational curses. If you are struggling with issues passed down from your parents–and if your siblings also struggle in these areas–you most likely are living under a generational curse. (See “Generational Curses” in this database.)
Break every curse in the name of Jesus. A stronghold is an area in your life where the enemy has established control. It may be a hold he has over your attitudes, behaviors, emotions, or your finances. The Bible declares that you have power over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). Claim the power of the blood of Jesus and take authority over Satan in every area of your life. Pray a prayer of deliverance, binding the power of Satan and breaking every curse or generational curse operating in your life. Here is a sample prayer: “In the name of Jesus, I confess my sins and break any curses operating in my life. The strongholds of curses have no hold over my life. In the name of Jesus, and by the power of His blood, I declare that every curse is broken over my life. I am no longer in bondage and I declare myself to be free from all curses.”
Put on the spiritual armor of God. Study Ephesians 6:10-21 and the topic of “Spiritual Warfare” in this database. The armor of God will protect you against curses.
Refuse to engage in curse-causing behavior. Things like rebellion, negative emotions, witchcraft, the occult, addictive substances, and sexual sins all can result in spiritual curses in your life.
Destroy objects associated with the occult–things associated with idolatry, witchcraft, books, charms, tarot cards, games, etc. Break relationships with people involved in the occult or witchcraft.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT CURSES:
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand [ generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments. (Deuteronomy 5:8-10)
See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse–the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known. (Deuteronomy 11:26-18)
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children–with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. (Psalm 103:17-18)
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.(Proverbs 18:21)
…the curse causeless shall not come. (Proverbs 26:2)
In those days people will no longer say, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes–his own teeth will be set on edge. (Jeremiah 31:29-30)
You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the fathers’ sins into the laps of their children after them. O great and powerful God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; you reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve. (Jeremiah 32:18-19)
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” (Galatians 3:13)
(See also “Generational Curses” in this database.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, C, TOPICS
CULTS AND FALSE DOCTRINES
DEFINITION: A cult is any group whose beliefs differ from the basic tenets of God’s Word and whose members do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of God. False doctrine is any teaching or belief that cannot be documented by the written Word of God.
FACTS ABOUT CULTS AND FALSE DOCTRINES:
There are many false religions and cults. You must follow the truth of God’s Word, not the so-called revelations of man.
Cults often emerge from claims of personal revelation. Such revelations, if not in harmony with the Word of God, should be rejected (Galatians 1:8-9).
Cults often incorporate partial truths in their doctrines. For example, they may talk about the love of God and love for one another, yet deny the reality of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for sin.
Cults always present other ways to God. There are “many ways to God”, they claim. But the Bible says: “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ”the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12)
Common characteristics of cults and false doctrines include:
-Dictatorial Leadership: Cults cluster around domineering personalities who have absolute authority and are accountable to no one.
-Exclusive: Cults adopt the attitude that they are the only group with divine truth.
They exclude from fellowship others who disagree with them.
-Legalistic: Cults usually have strict rules of belief and behavior which have no Scriptural basis.
-Defensive: Cult members are usually led to believe that society, organized religion,and/or governments are against them.
-Oppressive: Cult members are usually manipulated, controlled, and oppressed by the leadership.
-Secretive: Many things about the cult are kept secret from outsiders.
-Higher Revelation: Cults often claim “higher revelation” from God, a source of authority beyond the Scriptures
-Anti-church: Cults vigorously oppose organized churches and their pastors.
-Anti-family: Cults sometimes want their members to break ties with family who are not members.
-Salvation by works. They emphasize what you do rather than the fact that all has been done by Christ to secure your salvation.
DEALING WITH CULTS AND FALSE DOCTRINES:
Ask God to forgive you if you have been involved with a cult or false doctrine.
Renounce any involvement with cults and false doctrines. Leave the cult. Leave the fellowship of those teaching false doctrines. Break all ties!
Pray for deliverance from the demonic influences involved in cults. Cults are doctrines perpetrated by devils (1 Timothy 4:1).
Reaffirm your commitment to God. Reaffirm your belief in the Trinity of God and that Jesus is the only way to God and His Word as the authoritative source of truth.
Renew your mind in the Word of God. Cults tend to “brainwash” their members, so you need to renew your mind in order to understand and receive the truth: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2). Study God’s Word–not books written by man. Compare everything you read, hear, or are taught to what the Word of God teaches.
Join a Bible-believing church. The church is the pillar and foundation of truth and will help you grow in the Lord (1 Timothy 3:15).
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT CULTS AND FALSE DOCTRINES:
I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. (Psalm 119:104)
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 16:25)
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect–if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. (Matthew 24:24-25)
It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11: 13-14)
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! (Galatians 1:8-9)
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. (2 Timothy 2:15-17)
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:13-15, NKJV)
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21)
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (2 Peter 2:1-2)
Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist–he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. (1 John 2:22-23)
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. (1 John 4:1-3)
Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. (2 John 9-11)
But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 17-21)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, C, TOPICS
CRITICISM AND A CRITICAL SPIRIT
DEFINITION: Being critical is to make and express assumptions about the moral and personal conduct of others. Having a critical spirit is to be guilty of this continuously, always criticizing and putting others down.
FACTS ABOUT CRITICISM AND A CRITICAL SPIRIT:
God is the judge. You are not to criticize others because God is the judge (Romans 14:12-13). When you take it upon yourself to judge others, you are trying to assume a function of God.
You will be judged the same way you judge others. Think about that when tempted to judge and criticize other people (Matthew 7:2).
When you criticize others, you condemn yourself. Very often, you are doing the same things you are criticizing others for–if not worse (Romans 2:1).
When you criticize your leaders, you are criticizing God. Israel criticized Moses and Aaron, but God viewed it as criticism of Himself because He had set these leaders in authority (Numbers 14:27).
DEALING WITH CRITICISM AND A CRITICAL SPIRIT:
Ask God to forgive your judgmental, critical spirit. Since Jesus said not to judge others, then it is a sin when you do.
Focus on dealing with issues in your own life. Instead of judging and criticizing others, focus on your own moral and spiritual condition (Matthew 7:1-5).
Ask God to help you guard what you say. David said, “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
View others as God sees them. God sees you and others, not as you are, but as you have the capacity to become. Look at a person’s potential, not their problems.
Do not accept criticism raised against you unless you believe it is justified. Simply tell the person, “Thank you for bringing that to my attention.” If it is something legitimate, correct it. If not, forget it. When you are praised for something, do you not lift that praise to God since every good thing done in you and through you is because of Him? Lift unjustified criticism to Him in the same way.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT CRITICISM AND A CRITICAL SPIRIT:
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:1-5)
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. (Luke 6:37)
And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. (Luke 18:7-8)
You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. (John 8:15-16)
For at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. (Romans 2:1)
So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? (Romans 2:3)
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. (Romans 14:1)
You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. (Romans 14:10)
Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. (Romans 14:12-13)
The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment. (1 Corinthians 2:15)
I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. (1 Corinthians 4:3-5)
Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you — who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:11-12)
(See also “Judging” in this database.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | C, TOPICS
COVETEOUSNESS
DEFINITION: Covetousness is a driving desire to have that which one does not possess, control, have access to, use of, or authority over.
FACTS ABOUT COVETEOUSNESS:
Covetousness is sin. The Bible declares: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17).
Covetousness results from a love of the world. The Bible warns: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17, NKJV).
Covetousness comes from your heart. Jesus said: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7:21-33, KJV).
DEALING WITH COVETEOUSNESS:
Ask God to forgive your covetousness. Covetousness is sin, and as all sin, confession and repentance is required.
Ask God to change your heart. Covetousness comes from the heart. Pray the prayer of the psalmist: “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain” (Psalm 119:36)
Ask God to help you order your priorities. Make spiritual things your desire and priority instead of coveting after carnal things: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33).
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT COVETEOUSNESS:
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. (Exodus 20:17).
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. (Psalm 119:36)
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-33)
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Mark 7:21-33, KJV)
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (1 Timothy 6:10-11, KJV)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5, KJV)
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:1-3)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17, NKJV)
(See also “Envy And Jealousy” in this database.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, C, TOPICS
CONFUSION
DEFINITION: Confusion is a lack of clarity or a misunderstanding of the truth or facts in a given situation. It is disruption in regards to time, place, people, or tasks to be accomplished.
FACTS ABOUT CONFUSION:
God is not the author of confusion. God does not cause confusion. If He does not cause it, then it is obvious that it is caused by Satan (1 Corinthians 14:33).
The causes of confusion. Evil spiritual powers may try to cause confusion. Confusion may also be caused by sin in your life, by looking to man instead of God, by lack of knowledge of the truth of God’ Word, and an inability to hear God’s voice and know His will. Your inability to hear God’s voice often arises from neglecting prayer and study of the Word. You do not stay in His presence long enough to receive His direction. Confusion also results simply because you do not ask for wisdom from God.
You never need be confused. You can ask for wisdom from God for every situation in life and you will receive it (James 3:14-17).
The Holy Spirit is your guide. If you are a born-again, Spirit-filled believer, then the Holy Spirit is resident within you. One of His purposes is to guide you into all truth so that you need never be confused.
DEALING WITH CONFUSION:
Discover the root cause of confusion. Is it simply because of miscommunication or is it due to demonic powers? Is it because you have not sought God’s will concerning the situation with which you are dealing? Deal with the root causes of the confusion.
Reject the spirit of confusion. Confusion is a spirit. Do not allow it to operate in your life. Anytime confusion starts to arise in your circumstances, stop and rebuke it immediately!
Resist the devil. Satan causes confusion, so submit yourself to God, resist Satan, and he will flee from you (James 4:7)
Ask God for wisdom. The Bible says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
Embrace and act upon the truth. Jesus said: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Reject the lies of Satan that bring confusion and embrace God’s truth.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT CONFUSION:
In thee, oh Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. (Psalm 71:1, KJV)
A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way? (Proverbs 20:24)
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7)
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130)
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. (1 Corinthians 13:9-10)
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. (Luke 12:2)
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)
If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32)
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. (1 John 5:20)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, C, TOPICS
CONFESSION
DEFINITION: Confession is acknowledging your transgressions to God and agreeing with what He says about your sin. Biblically, it is also verbally and mentally agreeing with the promises of God’s Word.
FACTS ABOUT CONFESSION:
Confession is necessary in order to receive forgiveness. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives” (1 John 1:8-10).
You are not required to confess to another person. Jesus Christ is the mediator between you and God, so you can confess directly to Him. Some people find it helpful, however, to confide in a spiritual leader to help them confess and deal with their sins. If you do this, prayerfully select someone who will keep your confidences. You should, of course, confess and ask forgiveness of anyone you have wronged.
Public confession is not necessary in order to receive forgiveness. In fact, public confessions are sometimes disruptive in a church fellowship. Confessing your faults and asking for prayer as mentioned in James 5:16 is different than confessing specific sins. For example, you might say “I need prayer for a problem with unforgiveness” rather than specifically pointing out the people in the church you are unable to forgive!
Confession is important in claiming the benefit of the promises of God. You receive salvation by confession. Other spiritual benefits such as healing, peace, deliverance, financial blessings, etc., are also received by agreeing verbally and mentally with the promises in God’s Word.
DEALING WITH CONFESSION:
Confess your sins to God in the name of Jesus. Each day, confess your known sins, and God will forgive you of them as well as those behaviors you do not recognize as sin. He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9). Confession is part of the model prayer that is to be prayed daily by believers (Matthew 6:9-13).
Do not keep confessing sins of the past. Once confessed, God forgives you. The Bible says that God takes your sins and casts them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12) and remembers them no more (Isaiah 43:25). If you bring those sins up again, God does not remember what you are talking about!
Confess the promises of God. Let the words that come out of your mouth agree with what God says in His Word regarding your healing, deliverance, peace, finances, etc.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT CONFESSION:
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord–and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Psalm 32:2-5)
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.(Psalm 103:12)
Read David’s great psalm of confession: Psalm 51.
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25)
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Matthew 6:12)
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (1 John 1:8-10)
