CALL TO CONFESSION

Isaiah 51:7, 12-13a

“Listen to me, you who know righteousness,

    the people in whose heart is my law;

fear not the reproach of man,

    nor be dismayed at their revilings.

12 “I, I am he who comforts you;

    who are you that you are afraid of man who dies,

    of the son of man who is made like grass,

13 and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker,

    who stretched out the heavens

    and laid the foundations of the earth,

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Ransoming Lord, we confess that we fail to listen to you and forget who you are. You spoke the heavens and earth into existence, creating all things, and you alone are God from everlasting to everlasting. You judge all people in righteousness and truth.

Because we forget this, we fear and worship human approval instead of you. Instead of rejoicing in your verdict of "not guilty," we are crushed by the criticism of others. When people condemn us, we focus on their harsh words instead of your comforting gospel. Even when we desire your righteousness, we forget your grace. Forgive us, Lord.

Thank you for Jesus, who loved your law perfectly in our place. He never feared human criticism, but fearlessly served others and spoke the truth in love. On the cross, he paid the price for our idolatry of human approval. He bore your wrath, suffered physical agony, and endured mocking ridicule so that we would never have to pay for our own sin.

Father, help us love your law while remembering your grace. Show us the glory of your Son, and remind us daily of the cross so our hearts overflow with gratitude. Break our addiction to human praise by persuading us of the truth that you delight in us every moment. Because we are united to Jesus, you love us as much as you love him. Let this truth fill us with deep, abiding joy. Amen. 

“Take a few moments to personally confess your sins to the Lord.”

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

“Hear these words of comfort and assurance.” 

Micah 7:18-19

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity

    and passing over transgression

    for the remnant of his inheritance?

He does not retain his anger forever,

    because he delights in steadfast love.

19 He will again have compassion on us;

    he will tread our iniquities underfoot.

You will cast all our sins

    into the depths of the sea.

APPLICATION AND REFLECTION

In light of today's message....

• What did I learn about the gospel?
• How can I apply what I learned about the gospel to my life?
• With whom can I share the gospel this week?