STUDY GUIDE – Coming Clean

Icebreaker: Do you struggle saying these words to another person: “I am guilty” “I did it” “I have sinned?”

Sermon Title: Holy Habits – “Coming Clean” – I John 1:9, James 5:16, Galatians 6:1-2

Group Discussion:

Read Psalm 32:5, 1 John 2:1, Acts 3:19, & Luke 13:3 – True revival can begin with confession of sin and repentance. For a follower of Jesus, “revival” means a spiritual awakening that renews our faith and ignites a deeper commitment to living out the Lord’s purpose for our lives. How can confession and repentance lead to spiritual renewal? Why do you think confession and repentance are essential for a disciple of Jesus?

Read I John 1:8-10 – Regularly confess your sins to God. Why is it important to regularly confess our sins to God? In what ways does this ongoing act of confession help us maintain a close relationship with the Lord? Discuss factors that may hinder this practice while also considering strategies to develop this holy habit.

Read James 5:16 – Prayerfully confess your sins to fellow believers. Why do you think God calls us to share our struggles with fellow believers? Honestly share the hesitations we might experience regarding this practice; for example, what are some common fears that might keep us from confessing to others. Discuss practical ways we can establish a safe and supportive relationship where we can experience mutual trust?

Read Galatians 6:1-2 – Carefully help others with their sin burdens. What does it look like to carefully and compassionately help others with their sin struggles? Discuss practical ways we can support others with humility, compassion, and biblical truth rather than critical judgment. Also, what are some respectful ways we can encourage confession, repentance, and spiritual growth to help others overcome their sinful behavior?

Spiritual Discipline: See our resources for this series at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources including the resource titled: “Bible Reading Plans: A List of Suggestions”

Action Steps: We are as sick as our secrets. Trust God with your secrets; trust a believer with your secrets; be trustworthy with other’s secrets. (1) Regular Confession: Set aside time daily to confess your sins to God and repent, trusting in His forgiveness (1 John 1:9), (2) Accountability & Prayer: Find a trusted believer to share struggles with and pray for one another (James 5:16), (3) Support Others: Gently help others with their burdens while compassionately holding them accountable in love and biblical truth (Galatians 6:1-2).