A time of self-examination and confession
The following activity is a more in-depth examination of self, and a time of confession and prayer based on 1 John. You will need to set aside at least an hour for this activity, if not more.
Committing the Time to God
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 139:23-24
Take some time to pray, looking to God to reveal sin, convict, and bring a heart of repentance as you do this activity.
In the next few pages you will work through passages from 1 John 1-2, examining aspects of your life and walk with God. As God brings sin to mind, brings conviction, or reminds you of Scripture, it is helpful to write these things down. It is helpful to write down the sins that you want to confess very specifically. At any point, if you feel you need to stop for prayer or to go read a specific passage from Scripture, feel free to do so. While self-examination and confession of sin is difficult, we enter in resting on the promises of God that all is forgiven in Christ on the cross, He will cleanse us of all unrighteousness, and He can bring healing, transformation and new life. We confess in sorrow, and we also confess in hope, with eyes fixed on Jesus.
Walking in the Light
Read 1 John 1:5-10 slowly a couple times.
- Are there areas of your life where you are walking in darkness and lies?
- Are there any parts of your life that you are seeking to hide from others? Are there hidden sins that you don’t want to even admit to yourself?
- Bring these things into the light — confess them boldly, with no hiding, and rest in the promise of 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Obeying Our Savior’s Commands
Read 1 John 2:1-6 slowly a couple times.
- Have you been walking according to God’s Word and His commands? Are there commands you have been resisting, pushing the limits on, or ignoring?
- Have you been in God’s Word lately? How has the Holy Spirit been convicting you as you read His Word? How have you been responding to the teaching and convicting work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
- “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6). Where in my life are the character and ways of Jesus lacking?
- Take some time to pray and confess these things.
Halfway Point
You are now approximately at the halfway point of this activity. Pause for a moment and consider which of the following 3 options would be most helpful to you.
- If you are feeling good, you can continue with this activity and finish the second half.
- If you feel like a break would be helpful, take some time to do something restful or active and come back to the second half later.
- If you feel this has been enough for today, close your time in prayer and come back to the second half of the activity in the next day or two.
Loving Brothers and Sisters
Read 1 John 2:7-11 slowly a couple times.
- Where in your life is your love for others, especially brothers and sisters in Christ, seen?
- Where is love lacking in your life?
- Do you have any feelings of hate for others? For other believers?
- Are there others that you feel you need to forgive?
- Take some time to pray and confess these things.
Loving the World
Read 1 John 2:15-17 slowly a couple times.
- Bring each of these areas of sin to God and ask Him to reveal any sin in your life:
- The desires of the flesh — cravings for physical pleasure
- The desires of the eyes — cravings for everything we see
- The pride in possessions — pride in what we have, what we can do, our achievements, etc.
- Take some time to pray and confess these things.
Take it to the Cross
Take some time to meditate again on 1 John 1:9.
As you confess sin, cling to the promise and the finished work of Jesus:
“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
Follow-up this activity by working through the chapter titled Next Steps After Confession.