Key Thought : Sin hinders repentance and confession. Repentance and confession of specific sins opens the clogged channels between us and God.

[Teaching plan for The Conditions of Revival August 5, 2013]

1. Have a volunteer read Acts 5:30-32.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. Why is it so difficult to accept and acknowledge our sins and repent of them?
c. Personal Application : In what ways can or has confession been a blessing to you? Share.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: I’ve head many public prayers about God’s forgiveness for sins – but I’ve never heard one that mentioned specific sins. Do you pray for specific sins in detail, or just ask for blanket forgiveness? Is there a difference?.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read 2 Corinthians 7:9-11.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What is the difference between confession and repentance?
c. Personal Application : When can guilt be destructive? Can guilt be a healthy thing? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “What is the difference between Godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world? Can we be sorry for sin and still not be saved?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Psalm 32:1-8.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What does it mean to have a conscience without offense to God and to man?
c. Personal Application : Is there a need to confess to others whom we have wronged? Even if so, why must we be careful what we say to others? Share.
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors asks, “What about a person who believes he has been faithful to God and to others in his dealings, but in talking with others, they have contentions and complaints about his interactions with them?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Acts 26:28,29.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What influences di Paul’s words have on Agrippa that moved him from accusing Paul of being mad to almost being persuaded to be a Christian?
c. Personal Application : Have you ever been accused or felt like you were overzealous in your presentation of the gospel to others? Do we speak too much or not enough?
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149.

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