September 28, 2024 -- Proverbs 23:26-29 -- The Power of Confession
/My son, give me your heart,
and let your eyes observe my ways.
27 For a prostitute is a deep pit;
an adulteress is a narrow well.
28 She lies in wait like a robber
and increases the traitors among mankind.
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
Proverbs 23:26-29 ESV
It is the repetition of the Twelve Steps that really brings home to the person trapped in addiction the gut-level need for change. At every meeting, of a sponsor mentoring one addicted, Narcotics Anonymous, or Alcoholics Anonymous, or Sex Addicts Anonymous, there is the starting confession “I admit that I am powerless over (name your sin here) and it is controlling my life”. Notice how the Proverbs teach the persuasiveness and pervasiveness of sin. A sex addict, knowing full well the cost to his life, his heart, his family, his pocketbook, and all those are not even making mention of the cost to his walk with the Living God. Despite all warnings and instruction of wisdom he still turns to a prostitute, or porn, or that one-night-stand. Such sexual encounters are chasing the wind, feeding an insatiable addiction, but the man (or woman) caught in that cycle are not even aware that the one hired for sex is actually a robber and a traitor. The pleasures one expects to gain are immediately outweighed by the painful consequences and the cost to his immortal soul.
The author of the Proverbs is asking the one trapped by his life-controlling sin to ask himself what is the source of my woe? Why am I experiencing pain? The alcoholic is red-eyed, hung over, and lonely. The one who prizes family above all else, is broken and grieved when children grow up and go their own way. Resentment and bitterness begin to invade the soul. Sin, life-controlling sin, brings consequences.
Ask yourself, what is your life-controlling sin? What is the sin you run to for comfort? What sin do you use to soothe yourself when you feel wounded? That is a life-controlling sin. Sin that has a small corner of your life will never be content with a little portion of your life, or a small corner of your pocketbook. Sin will, like a serpent, swallow you whole.
Why mention this? When someone speaks prophetically—preaching from the pulpit, or leading in family devotions applying the word of God, or speaking a caring Christian friend points out your sin know all such conviction is purposeful. Paul, inspired by the Spirit wrote: “the secrets of his [or your] heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God” I Corinthians 14:25. It is the mercy of God to expose your sins so that by confession you can end the stranglehold sin has over your life and you can find freedom in Jesus Christ. Paul knew what he was writing about. His prideful sin, boasting in his allegiance to the law and his covetousness were exposed by the Word of God. He confessed his life-controlling sin and found a freedom beyond description as he then yielded his whole life in service to Jesus.
No matter how long or short you’ve been chained by your sins, know that the Spirit of God applying the word of God will bring you to Jesus, the chain-breaker, through Whom you will find freedom. In Jesus Christ, your heart will be cleansed from all unrighteousness and you will be given new, holy, satisfying marching orders which bring you in-step with the Savior of the World, He Who alone is worthy to be the King of your heart and life. This is the Father’s gracious design: He will to leave you hopelessly entangled and helpless, but to apply the healing of heaven to you. Now, it is up to you, will you admit your need?!
Father in heaven, I admit I am powerless over my sin and it is controlling my life. Thank You for the Word of God that is penetrating through the layers of excuses, the detours of self-deception and the dark weight of my own shame so that the Light of Christ can bring true, lasting healing. Spirit of God, apply to me today, the rescue of Jesus Christ, so that in Him I will rise to newness of life. Triune God, bring me into true fellowship with other believers so that in the mighty Name of Jesus we will encourage one another in greater obedience as we live in hope-filled expectation for the return of Jesus and the day He brings us to the Father, Who declares, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Amen
https://youtu.be/ybCOOCaHp5c?si=bHDtnAPRMV7CzQkC “Rescue Story” Zach Williams
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