Be Like Jesus: Confession COMMUNITY (Def) Living in meaningful relationships where spiritual formation happens together instead of alone. Big Idea Jesus doesn’t just save us from the penalty for our sin; he saves us from the power of our sin. Why community is hard Community is . – but we cannot live without it 1.Busyness 2.Transience 3.Digital distraction 4.Flakiness 5.Decreasing relational skills Why community is necessary Shame holds us in . – but Jesus brings us into the light. Genesis 2:25 (NLT) Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame. ** Only Jesus provides the power that draws us out of hiding. ** Romans 7:21–25 (NLT) I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. How it can become transformative – when… breaks the power of shame. – and reconnects us to God and one another. James 5:16 (NLT) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. What Now? NAME IT. SHARE IT. HEAL FROM IT. Continuing the Conversation 1. What makes it difficult for you to be completely honest with other people about what is really happening in your life? What are you afraid might happen if they knew? 2. The message described shame as something that causes us to hide, blame, and disconnect. Where do you see shame affecting your relationships—with God, yourself, or others? 3. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” What do you think is the difference between simply asking God for forgiveness privately and allowing a trusted believer to walk with you in confession?