Introductory Thoughts
The believer’s relationship with God is twofold consisting of a positional relationship and one of practice. Positionally, the believer enjoys Christ’s imputed righteousness (Romans 4:6-8). In this position, the believer has been forgiven of all trespasses (past, present, and future) (Colossians 2:13). John confirmed this truth as he wrote to believers saying that their sins were already forgiven (1 John 2:12). Because of God's complete forgiveness, sins can never and will never affect a man’s position in Christ. However, man must also consider his practice (his daily walk before the Lord).The sins that cannot harm a man’s position in Christ can adversely hinder his fellowship with the Lord. Though all our sins are forgiven, we still should daily confess our sins to the Lord in order to keep our fellowship right (1 John 1:9).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): How do you feel when you disobey your dad and mom? No matter how you act, you remain their child. David knew he was a child of God, yet when he did wrong, his joy departed (Psalm 51:12). What did David need to do? He needed to confess his failures (Psalm 51:3) and sincerely mean it (Psalm 38:17-18) to regain that closeness.
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(For everyone): When did you last confess your sins to the Lord and seek His forgiveness for those sins? Why is this so very important?
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Have you trusted Christ as your Saviour? Have you sought His forgiveness for your sins? What does this do for your position in Christ? How have you also worked to insure that your practice matches your position?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank the Lord for His wonderful forgiveness.
- Confess your daily sins to the Lord to insure good fellowship.
Song
I STAND, BUT NOT AT ONCE I DID
