Blake Jennings

Grace Bible Church

“Knock-Out Guilt”

Nehemiah 9

Have you ever been overwhelmed by guilt? By God's grace, there is an answer to the guilt and sorrow that our sins create: confession. Biblical confession in the pattern of Nehemiah 9 includes our declaration to God of what we have done wrong, in honesty and without excuse. But it doesn't end there. Confession also includes our declaration to God of what He has done for us as our Creator, our gracious promise-maker, our faithful promise-keeper, and our compassionate promise-restorer even after we have sinned.

Context of Nehemiah

Ch 1-6 – Rebuild the Wall

Ch 8-10 – Return to Worship

Ch 8 – Encounter God’s Word

Ch 9 – Respond in Confession

Ch 10 – Respond in Consecration

Confession

Confess - “to acknowledge or admit the truth of something”

Confession Part 1: Declare what I’ve Done

– vv 16-17a (arrogant, disobedient, forgetful)

– v 18 (+ idolatrous, blasphemous)

– v 26 (+ rebellious, murderers)

– vv 33-34

– Historic and communal

– Detailed

– Without excuse

“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.”

—James 2:10

Confession Part 2: Declare what God has Done

– One and only Creator

– Gracious promise-maker

– Faithful promise-keeper

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

—Romans 8:28

– Compassionate promise-restorer

“As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

—Psalm 103:12

Our Confession

“Heavenly Father, we confess that you alone are our God and our Creator. In grace you revealed yourself to us in your scriptures to guide us in truth and to lead us to your Son, Jesus, your greatest gift. We confess that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead so that we might each experience forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Him.

We confess also, Lord, that you have graciously placed us in this free country where we can worship together through your Holy Spirit whom you’ve given to us and who gives us victory over sin. We praise you and thank you that you work all things for good to us who love you, because you first loved us.”