1. “I HAVE SINNED!” (Part One) These are words that if we are honest with ourselves we admit we have said.

2. Introduction Perhaps we have had to say them over and over. We are certainly not alone. The Bible is clear in saying that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Romans 3:23 We are even told that if we say we have no sin, we lie (1 John 1:8-10). 1 John 1:8-10 But when we have to utter these words, especially publicly, it is not an easy thing to do. But at times it is necessary.

3. Introduction. In the Bible (NKJV), the expression, “I have sinned” is used some 19 times. Today we want to take a few moments and notice some of these. We will also make some observations about those who used the expression. You might be surprised to consider the various attitudes that accompanied this expression. Notice those who have expressed these words.

4. Pharaoh He said it twice. In both instances, Pharaoh was dealing with the plagues from God. The first time was the 7 th plague of hail. As the land was being destroyed he called for Moses and said, “…“I have sinned this time. The Lord is righteous, and my people and I are wicked.” (Exodus 9:27) Exodus 9:27 But we read further that as soon as the hail ceased, Pharaoh again hardened his heart again. Then as the 8 th plague of locust devastated what the hail had left, Pharaoh again says, “I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you. Now therefore, please forgive my sin only this once, and entreat the Lord your God, that He may take away from me this death only.”” (Exodus 10:16-17)Exodus 10:16-17

5. Pharaoh While he admitted his sins, there is no evidence of repentance. He said what he did to get relief. His statement was superficial and his actions immediately demonstrated that. Is it possible that today there are some who only will confess their sins only to get immediate relief?

6. Pharaoh Perhaps one has been told that if they don’t repent they will be withdrawn from so they confess that what they have done is wrong. But as soon as things calm down they revert to their old sinful conduct. They know that they never truly repented or their acknowledgment was half-hearted. TRUE repentance demands that one demonstrate true godly sorrow and change of conduct (2 Corinthians 7:10-11). 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 We shall see this more as our lesson progresses.

7. Pharaoh NOTE: We realize that we cannot read one’s heart so our response to one’s confession must give the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. The scriptural teaching on confession, repentance and forgiveness demands that. (James 5:19-20, Matthew 18:22, Luke 17:4, Colossians 3:13, etc.) James 5:19-20 Matthew 18:22Luke 17:4Colossians 3:13 And that is often a challenge for us. BUT my point is that YOU know YOUR heart when you say, “I have sinned.”

8. Balaam Balaam has been hired by Balak, king of Moab to curse Israel in the wilderness. But the problem was that Balaam was a prophet of God. As a prophet he could not speak anything contrary to the Lord’s will. But he wanted to help Balak. After finally being given permission with warnings he heads out.

9. Balaam On his way to see Balak we are told the anger of the Lord was aroused because he went. The angel of the Lord was sent and stood in Balaam’s way. His donkey saw the angel when Balaam could not. He becomes angry with the donkey who eventually talks back (a miracle within itself). Then the Lord opens Balaam’s eyes and he sees the angel ready to slay him.

10. Balaam Numbers 22:34 says, “And Balaam said to the Angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know You stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases You, I will turn back.””Numbers 22:34 Balaam is told to go on but be careful what he says. Balaam obeys. BUT, we learn later that Balaam sought a way to circumvent the plain speaking of the Lord. He was responsible for immorality among the Israelites ( Numbers 25) Numbers 31:16 records that it was through the counsel of Balaam that this sin happened. Numbers 31:16

11. Balaam The New Testament reveals the attitude and actions of Balaam. 2 Peter 2:15 – it is described a s a way that loved the wages of unrighteousness; 2 Peter 2:15 Jude 11 echoes this point; Jude 11 Revelation 2:14 identifies how Balaam taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel. Revelation 2:14 The problem with Balaam saying, “I have sinned” is that he did not really want to obey God. And while he could not do what he wanted, he sought a way to get around it.

12. Balaam How many today, when confronted with sin will “repent” and “confess”, but then they proceed to find a way around that which they confessed? They look for a so-called loop hole so that they can get the result they wanted in the first place. They might even try to find a preacher that will preach what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Such an attitude is a demonstration of a lack of sincerity.

13. Achan When Israel finally entered Canaan, they were given specific instructions about the defeat of Jericho which the Lord gave them. All that was in the city was consecrated and belonged to the Lord (Joshua 6:19). Joshua 6:19 Joshua 7:1 says that Israel committed a trespass because Achan took some of the accursed items and hid them in his tent. Joshua 7:1 His sin became known when Israel was defeated by Ai, a town that was much smaller than Jericho. Lots were cast as the Lord instructed and Achan was found out.

14. Achan When Joshua demanded that he confess we read in Joshua 7:20, “And Achan answered Joshua and said, “Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I have done:” Joshua 7:20 He then explained what he stole and where it was. The items were found and Achan and his family were stoned to death and his possessions were burned. Achan’s confession came only after he got caught.

15. Achan Was he sincere? I cannot answer that! But we do know that when one confesses “after the fact” there is always room for questioning motives (and we need to be careful in so doing). If you are genuinely remorseful of sin, take care of it BEFORE you get caught and there will be no question that you are trying.

16. Achan But whether he was sincere or not, it didn’t change the consequences. When we sin we need to confess it. A part of repentance is making restitution when possible and accepting the consequences of our conduct. There are some who want a “soft landing” which hinders them from admitting their sins when they ought to.

17. Conclusion (Part One) We must notice that YOU know YOUR heart when you say, “I have sinned.” Such an attitude is a demonstration of a lack of sincerity. There are some who want a “soft landing” which hinders them from admitting their sins when they ought to. Our next lesson will see more examples of attitudes associated with the phrase “I Have Sinned”.