Emmanuel Presbyterian Church

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church
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Browse and listen through our library of Sunday Sermons recorded at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in New York City.

  1. Oct 4

    Beholding Glory Through Suffering

    Audio Recording Beholding Glory Through Suffering Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 (ESV)7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. Sermon Outline1. Suffering is real 2 Corinthians 1:8–9  [8] For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. [9] Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. 2 Corinthians 4:8  We are afflicted in every way…perplexed… persecuted…struck down 2 Corinthians 4:16  … our outer self is wasting away… 2. Suffering is not wasted 2 Corinthians 4:7  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:6  …the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Corinthians 4:7  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:10-12  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. [11] For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. [12] So death is at work in us, but life in you. 3. Suffering is not final 2 Corinthians 4:14  knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. Revelation 21:4 God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. 2 Corinthians 4:17  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison 2 Corinthians 4:16  So we do not lose heart. Prayer of ConfessionGracious God, while there is so much that is good and beautiful in our world, the reality of brokenness and suffering weighs on us.  We confess that when we are afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, or struck down, we cling to the things that are seen rather than the things that are unseen and eternal.  Forgive us for trusting more in our own power and strength than in the surpassing power that belongs to you.  Renew us by your grace.  Help us to carry the life of Jesus in our frail and broken lives.  And by your Spirit, strengthen us to hold fast to the promise that you who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us into his presence.  Give us grace to not lose heart.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What connected with you from the sermon or the passage? What stands out to you about how honestly Paul describes his suffering in this passage? Why do you think it can be hard for Christians to be honest and to admit when we’re struggling and when life is hard? In verses 10-12, Paul connects his suffering with the death and life of Jesus. What do you think it means for the Christian life to follow this pattern of death giving way to life? How might God be inviting you to see his power at work through weakness and suffering rather than only waiting for it to disappear? Paul calls his suffering a “light momentary affliction” compared with an “eternal weight of glory.” How does the resurrection change the way we understand present suffering? Paul says “we do not lose heart,” not simply “you should not lose heart.” What might it look like for our church to encourage one another in times of suffering? When have you experienced the gift of Christian community in difficult times? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

  2. Sep 27

    The Glory of Christ

    Audio Recording The Glory of Christ Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (ESV)1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Sermon OutlineAt the heart of Christianity is God opening the eyes of people to see the glory of Christ (v4). 1. We are meant to reflect God’s glory v6 “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’…” v4 “…Christ, who is the image of God” 2. We have been prohibited from seeing God’s glory v3 “…even if our gospel is veiled” v4  “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers” 3. God shines the glory of Christ into our hearts v6  “God… has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” v5 “what we proclaim is not ourselves… your servants for Jesus’ sake” Prayer of ConfessionOur great and glorious God: you have made the world to flourish but we have made a ruin of it.  We have been mistaken thinking we could have life apart from you and like fools we have turned from you.  We have not reflected the honorable characteristics in you, like truth, wisdom, justice, and goodness.  Instead we are guilty of sin, having said and done things which dishonor you, and which we regret.  We cannot escape our own twisted thoughts.  If you were not merciful, we would be without hope.  Forgive us.  We marvel how unlike us you are, and we thank you for the grace to show us your glory in the face of Jesus Christ.  We pray for more light in our lives, and for the gracious working of your Spirit to help us to see and to transform us into the image and likeness of Christ.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What makes the gospel message “good news”?  What is so good?  What do you think are the most attractive aspects of Christianity? Why is there an emphasis in the New Testament on “seeing” or “looking to” Christ?  How do we fix our eyes on Jesus? What does it mean that humans are made in God’s image?  What are some of the implications of this? What does it mean that Jesus “is” the image of God?  If the gospel message is so good and attractive, why do people reject it?  What is the Bible’s explanation?  How do you experience the “god of this world” coming between you and God?  How do you feel you are kept from seeing the glory of Christ? How does the Holy Spirit open our eyes so that we see the glory of Christ?  How does God bring light into our lives? What can you do when you are not able to see the glory of Christ?  What does it mean to live by faith and not by sight? How can the glory of Christ help you become a more authentic person?  Where do you struggle with superficiality, hiding, trying to impress people, etc.?  How can you experience more joy in living so that your life helps people see the glory of Christ?

  3. Sep 20

    Spiritual Transformation

    Audio Recording Spiritual Transformation Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God 2 Corinthians 3:4-18 (ESV)4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory. 12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. Sermon OutlineWhen those seeking God get a glimpse of God’s glory, their lives are transformed as they behold it.  We need: 1. A way to navigate growth (vv4-6) v4 “confidence” vv5-6 “not that we are sufficient… God… has made us sufficient” v4 “confidence… through Christ toward God” 2. The humility to look outside ourselves (vv7-11) v7 “ministry of death”, “stone”; v9 “condemnation”; v11 “brought to an end” vv7-8 “if… will not… even more glory?”; v9 “far exceed it in glory”; v10 “because of the glory that surpasses it”; v11 “how much more…” 3. The gracious working of God’s Spirit to transform us (vv12-18) v6 “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” v16 “when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed” v17 “where the Spirit of the Lord is…”, v18 “… are being transformed… this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” Prayer of ConfessionMerciful God, we confess that we have put our confidence in ourselves rather than in Christ. We have trusted in our own strength, wisdom, goodness, and ability to change, forgetting that our sufficiency comes from you. We have allowed the cares and desires of this world to veil your glory from us, so that we have been slow to see, slow to believe, and slow to delight in Christ. Forgive us for seeking glory for ourselves instead of beholding the glory of your Son. Thank you that in Christ the veil is removed, that your Spirit gives freedom, and that you are patiently transforming us into the likeness of Christ. Turn our eyes again to Jesus, that as we behold his glory, we might be changed by your grace and increasingly reflect his glory in the way we live.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What happens when you compare yourself with others?  What good comes from it?  What problems come from it? How is confidence different from arrogance?  How is humility different from low self esteem? How do we attain secure confidence through faith in God?  How does relocating the center from in us into Christ bring true security as well as a truer sense of self?  Why is it valuable to see that the people who had God’s presence, commands, and were witness to his remarkable deeds, still failed?  Do you imagine if you were present in the days of Moses that you would have performed better?  How does the impossibility of achieving/earning God’s favor impact you?  How are you discouraged?  How are you being led to see something of greater value? What makes the glory of Christ surpass all other glory?  What are we meant to see when we look to Christ? How does God’s grace and generosity promote deep change in us? How can your imagination be stirred to consider the wonder of glory when it is too magnificent to grasp?  Do you recognize a longing in you for it, even if you can’t see it or don’t fully understand it? Jesus calls us to seek God – what does that mean?  Why is our transformation a work of God’s Spirit?  What role do we play in our own path of growth?

  4. Sep 13

    Behold the Glory of God

    Audio Recording Behold the Glory of God Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God 2 Corinthians 3:4-18 (ESV)4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory. 12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. Sermon OutlineAs a church, we are beginning a season of seeking God to gain insight on how lives are transformed by beholding God’s Glory. 1. Glory v18 “beholding the glory of the Lord” 2. Veil v18 “with unveiled face” 3. Transformed Images v18 “are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” v14 “the same veil remains unlifted…through Christ it is taken away” v18 “Beholding” v12 “since we have such a hope, we are very bold” Prayer of ConfessionOur glorious, radiant God: we bow before you, aware that the kingdom, power and glory are yours.  We admit our lack of understanding, our unbelief, our disinterest.  We admit our sin that prohibits us from seeing, acknowledging and experiencing your glory.  We have looked to created thing to satisfy us.  We have given our devotion and energies to people, things and ideas that have ensnared us.  We have not walked the path of grace and truth that you have set before us.  Forgive every sinful thought, word and deed.  We thank you for Jesus, who has come near to make you known, has opened the way, and who calls us to follow him in the paths of life.  Transform us by the work of your Spirit; show us Jesus so that we may behold your glory.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What does glory mean?  What do you think of? How would you describe glory? Do you ever experience glory (or have you ever)?  Describe the experience. Why do you think God wants us to behold His glory? What makes beholding God’s glory so difficult? How have you tried to behold God’s glory?  What has worked?  What hasn’t? What happens to us when we behold something or someone else, in the place of God? What did Jesus do that makes it possible for us to behold God’s glory? How is looking to Christ a central part of the Christian method of transformation?  How does one “fix their eyes” on Jesus? How are other aspects of the Christian life (ethics/behavior, spiritual disciplines, theology, etc.) integrated with beholding God’s glory?  What happens if we pursue them apart from looking to Christ?  What role does Sunday worship with God’s people play in a lifestyle of seeking God and beholding His glory?  Why is it important?  How can you make the most of each worship service towards this goal?

  5. Sep 6

    Integrity and Deception

    Audio Recording Integrity and Deception Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 20:17; 28:18 (ESV)20:17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,    but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel. 28:18 Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,    but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall. Sermon OutlineIt is wise to live with integrity and to gain understanding about why we are lured by deception and what the real consequences are. 1.  Lured by deception Proverbs 20:17  “Bread gained by deceit…” 2.  Impact of short-term thinking Proverbs 20:17  “…is sweet to a man but afterwards his mouth with be full of gravel” 3.  Waking in integrity 28:18  “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered…” Prayer of ConfessionOur wise and loving God: we turn to you for help, admitting our lack of integrity.  We are guilty of seeking to get what we want in ways that are wrong.  We have been deceptive, and we have been deceived.  We have suffered the consequences of various sins, and we have raged, blamed and rationalized rather than admitting our wrong and making things right.  The turmoil and tensions within us are more than we can bear.  Forgive us.  We thank you that you offer grace through Jesus and we receive it by faith.  Renew us by the power of your Spirit so that we enter this week with undivided hearts, eager to walk with you, ready to do what is right, and trusting you to lead us in what is good and honorable.  Amen. Questions for Reflection When are you tempted to compromise to get what you truly want?  What kinds of compromises are tempting enough for you to consider? Why is Jesus’ teaching to “let your yes be yes” and to speak the truth plainly so difficult?  What is hard about consistently speaking truthfully? What impact does lying have on relationships?  Why can it be intensely satisfying to get what you want, especially if you have compromised and used corrupt means to attain it?  Can that kind of satisfaction last? What outcomes can one typically expect from deceitful patterns and habits (lying, manipulating, exaggerating, gaslighting, etc.)?  What impact do these patterns have on the person doing them?  What kind of person do they become? Is it true that people who live with integrity, who aim to be honest and straightforward, are disadvantaged?  If acting with integrity doesn’t always work, what incentives are there to still act with integrity?  How should you maintain integrity when it is not working (in unjust situations, for example)? What does the person who has confidence that the Lord will deliver His faithful gain from that understanding?  How does that add wisdom and perspective?  How does it motivate integrity? How are Christians meant to understand that Jesus walked with integrity but wasn’t delivered?  Why did things turn out that way?  What does it tell us about God, and how the gospel works? What is one area of your life where you lack integrity?  What can you do to make different choices in that area this week?  How can the gospel of grace encourage, strengthen and guide you as you seek to make progress in that area?

  6. Aug 30

    Justice

    Audio Recording Justice Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 21:3; 28:5; 14:31; 21:13; 14:20-21 (ESV)21:3 To do righteousness and justice    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 28:5 Evil men do not understand justice,    but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. 14:31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,    but he who is generous to the needy honors him. 2:13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor    will himself call out and not be answered. 14:20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,    but the rich has many friends.21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,    but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. Sermon Outline1. The centrality of justice Proverbs 21:3  To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Proverbs 28:5  Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely. 2. The reality of injustice Proverbs 14:31  Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him Proverbs 21:13  Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. Proverbs 14:20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends. Proverbs 14:21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. 3. The God of justice Proverbs 14:21  Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner Proverbs 14:31  Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker Proverbs 21:13  Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. Prayer of ConfessionOur Heavenly Father, you are the God of justice. You always do what is right and good. But we confess that we fail to do righteousness and justice. We fail to love our neighbors. We close our ears to the cry of the poor. We favor those who bring us benefit. We choose to protect our own advantage. Forgive us. We deserve your just judgment, not your mercy. But in your kindness, you sent Jesus, who disadvantaged himself for our good. Jesus received the judgment we deserved and gave us the mercy we did not deserve. May this gift of the gospel change our hearts and lives, that we would do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen. Questions for Reflection What connected with you from the sermon or the passage? What are some ways Christians today can be faithful in reading the Bible, prayer, and going to church, but still neglect righteousness and justice in everyday life? Reflect on Proverbs 28:5. What connection does this verse make between seeking the Lord and understanding justice?  Why do the two belong together? Consider the idea that the wicked “advantage themselves by disadvantaging others.” Where do you see this dynamic in your life? Reflect on Proverbs 21:13. What’s the difference between actively harming someone and passively ignoring someone’s suffering? Why do you think the Bible takes both seriously? How does Jesus reverse the patterns of injustice in these passages? How does the cross of Christ demonstrate both God’s justice and his mercy? How does the mercy of Jesus compel us to pursue justice? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

  7. Aug 23

    Generosity

    Audio Recording Generosity Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 11:24-28 (ESV)24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;    another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,    and one who waters will himself be watered.26 The people curse him who holds back grain,    but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,    but evil comes to him who searches for it.28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,    but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. Sermon Outline1. The difficulty of generosity Proverbs 11:28 - Whoever trusts in his riches will fall… Proverbs 11:24 - One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:26 - The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it. 2. A renewed vision of generosity Proverbs 11:24 - One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:25 - Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:28 - Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. Proverbs 11:27 - Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, 3. The freedom to be generous 2 Corinthians 8:9 - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. Prayer of ConfessionOur Heavenly Father, every good and perfect gift comes from you. Generosity is central to your character. But we confess that we struggle to be generous. We do not give freely, but we hold tightly. We place far too much trust in our riches believing they will provide comfort and security. Forgive us. May your Spirit renew our vision for generosity. Help us to see that giving leads to flourishing for all. Remind us of the gift of Jesus’ generosity to us, that though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that we by his poverty might become rich. Amen. Questions for Reflection What connected with you from the sermon or the passage? Proverbs 11:28 warns about trusting in riches. What are some ways money and possessions can give us a sense of security, control, or independence? What fears can make us hold tightly to what we have? How do the Proverbs challenge our assumptions about generosity? If you really believed that generosity produces flourishing, how might that change the way you use your money, time, possessions, or abilities? Reflect on 2 Corinthians 8:9. What does Jesus’ becoming “poor” for our sake teach us about the character of God and his generosity towards us?   How does the gospel give us a different source of security? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

  8. Aug 16

    Repentance

    Audio Recording Repentance Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 28:13-14; 20:9; 1:23 (ESV)28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,    but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.14 Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always,    but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 20:9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;    I am clean from my sin”? 1:23 If you turn at my reproof,behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;    I will make my words known to you. Sermon Outline1. What repentance is not  Proverbs 28:13–14  [13] Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper…  [14] … but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 2. What repentance is Proverbs 28:13–14 [13] Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. [14] Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 3. What makes repentance possible Proverbs 20:9 [9] Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”? 2 Corinthians 5:21 [21] For our sake [God] made [Jesus] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in [Jesus] we might become the righteousness of God. Proverbs 1:23 [23] If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. Prayer of ConfessionOur gracious God, none of us can say that our hearts are completely pure or that we are clean from sin.  We conceal and hide instead of confessing and forsaking our sins.  We harden our hearts, we refuse correction, we fail to take responsibility.  Forgive us.  Jesus, you knew no sin and yet you took our sin and gave us your perfect record.  Because your righteousness is now ours, free us from the need to hide our sins or prove ourselves.  Give us courage to repent.  May we delight in the mercy that is already ours in Christ.  By your Spirit, humble us and lead us deeper into your wisdom.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What connected with you from the sermon or the passage? Why do you think our instinct is often to conceal something we’ve done wrong rather than admit it? How do you normally respond when you realize you may have done something wrong. Are you more likely to hide, minimize, explain, blame, become defensive, or do something else? What might it look like to respond differently? Read Proverbs 28:13 again. Why do you think the Proverb includes both confessing and forsaking? What would be missing if we did only one? Repentance involves forsaking sin, but it does not mean we will never struggle with that sin again. What does forsaking sin look like? Read Proverbs 20:9. Why is it important to recognize that none of us can make ourselves completely pure or clean from sin? Why cannot we simply “try harder” to repent? How does knowing that our standing with God is based on Christ’s righteousness rather than our own record give us greater freedom to admit when we are wrong? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

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