Lesson 2: Confession 33
forgiveness. Pause after each sin and experience the restored
“ joy of your salvation” (Ps. 51:12).- Commit to altering your behavior to ref lect the renewed and
restored relationship you have with God. Focus on one thing
you will do to be a useful servant of God.
- Challenge members to make this exercise a regular part of their
spiritual disciplines. Say, Confession of sin is a habit that will
improve the effectiveness of every disciple. Close the session with
prayer.
Teaching Plan—Lecture and Questions
Connect with Life
- Ask, When you were growing up, did you ever have to confess for
something you had done? Did you confess before or after you got
caught? Was it easy to admit that you had broken a family treasure
or your dad’s favorite tool, or maybe that you hurt someone at school
by something you said? Anyone willing to share an experience?
Say, Confession is hard. Why? After several responses, introduce
today’s study by saying, Disciples confess their sins to God in order
to receive forgiveness and restoration.
Guide Bible Study
- Display a poster or write on a marker board the outline from
the Study Guide for Psalm 51. Highlight each point as you work
through the following instructions in steps 3–6.- A Cry for Mercy (1–2)
- Honesty is the Best Policy (3–6)
- Life on the Other Side of Guilt (7–12)
- Restored and Useful (13–19)
- Set up the study of Psalm 51 by sharing the historical events leading
up to David composing the psalm (see 2 Samuel 11–12). Refer to the