Lesson One

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Confession & Absolution Lesson One Name:________________________  Grow Deeper In God’s Word   1. The defini on of “SIN” is literally ‘missing the mark.’ We sin when we miss the mark of living a perfect and  holy life that is pleasing to God. Read Romans 3:23. Who has sinned? Who needs to confess their sins and be  forgiven by God?      2. How o en do you confess your sins to God and ask for forgiveness?      3.  Read Luke 5:17‐26. What might the people have thought was the most immediate need of the paralyzed  man?      4.  What did Jesus see as the man’s most immediate need?      5.  Do the Family Ac vity in the Parent Guide for Lesson One. In what ways are we similar to the paralyzed  man?      6. Read “What is Confession?” on page 26 in your Catechism. What are the two parts of Confession?      7. Read Ques ons/Answers #261‐268 beginning on pg. 218* in your Catechism. What sins/transgressions  should we confess to God? What sins should we confess to a neighbor/friend? What sins should we confess to  a pastor or mentor?            8. Read “The Office of the Keys” and ques ons/answers #269‐284 beginning on pg. 224* in your Catechism.  What is the Office of the Keys?        9. Who are repentant believers? 

*If you have an older publication of the catechism, refer to the back of your catechism under An Explanation of the Small Catechism in the Confession section to include these questions that are in red print. Confession & AbsoluƟon—Lesson One

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Faith Journaling Write about a  me when you asked for forgiveness. Was it hard?  Was it easy? Who were you asking forgiveness from?  Did they forgive you? 

Key Concept What happens when we acknowledge our sins and confess them before God? Before one another?        

What I Learned Today Write one or two summary sentences here about what you learned today.  Specifically think about how  confession of sins and absolu on from sins affects your life on earth.  

God’s Word to Remember Read the Bible verses listed below.  In the space below, re‐write them in your own words.     

Romans 3:23            Proverbs 28:13 

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Confession & Absolution Lesson Two Name:____________________________________  1. Look up the word “Reconcilia on” in a dic onary. Write out the defini on in your own words below. 

Grow Deeper In God’s Word   2. God loves you so much. When you sin, he desires to forgive you so that you can be reconciled to him. This is  accomplished through Confession and Absolu on. Read the following scripture about the story of King David  and see for yourself!    Read 2 Samuel 11, 2 Samuel 12:1‐13      3. What sins did King David commit?      4. Who did God send to confront David about his sin?    5. Did the Lord forgive David?      6. King David o en wrote songs, and the song he wrote about his affair with Bathsheba is listed in the Book of  Psalms. Read Psalm 51. What is the theme of this Psalm?      7.  Guilt is defined as “the awareness of having done something wrong.” Peace is defined as “inner content‐ ment.” So, why would forgiveness bring you inner contentment and freedom a er doing something wrong?        8.  Though we know we have forgiveness from God, in what way is it beneficial to receive forgiveness from  friends or family?        9.  Read 1 John 1:8‐9. What is God’s promise to us when we confess our sins?       

Confession & AbsoluƟon—Lesson Two

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Faith Journaling Who are adult Chris an in your life that you can talk to when you need advice  or help? Who is someone you would feel comfortable  confessing your sin to? List below some ques ons you  have about confession and absolu on.   

Key Concepts How are we reconciled to God? Or how is our rela onship with God made right?        Because we are reconciled to God through confession and absolu on, what does that give us? 

What I Learned Today Write one or two summary sentences here about what you learned today. Specifically think about the guilt  we feel as sinners and the peace that God provides through Jesus’ death on the cross.  

God’s Word to Remember Read the Bible verses listed. In the space below, re‐write them in your own words.     

Psalm 51:9‐10            1 John 1:9 

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Confession & Absolution Lesson Three Name:_____________________________________

Fun with the Family 1. Do the Family Ac vity in the Parent Guide for Lesson 3. Write about your experience below.

Practicing confession & absolution 2. Read Ma hew 18:15‐17. What are the steps to address someone who has sinned against you/hurt you?

3. Read Colossians 3:13. Think of how many mes God has forgiven you. What should your response be to someone who asks for forgiveness for their sinning against you?

4. Ask a parent/family member to complete this ques on with you. Each of you will confess a sin to one anoth‐ er, and ask each other for forgiveness. Give each other forgiveness, and record your experience below. How did it feel to offer forgiveness and also receive forgiveness? (If you need a template for confessing/forgiving one another, please see the other side of this worksheet)

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Confession/Forgiveness Example Person 1 says: 1) Address the person you are talking to: Mom/Dad/Sibling 2) Name your sin and Confess it Example: Yesterday I disrespected you because I did not obey you and take the trash out when you asked me to. 3) Apologize Example: I apologize for disobeying and not respec ng you. 4) Ask for Forgiveness Example: Please forgive me. Person 2 Says:  1) Acknowledge their sin and confession. Example: Thank you for being honest and confessing. 2) Offer forgiveness/absolu on. Example: I forgive you for disobeying me, and God forgives you, too. 3) Offer Assurance/Encouragement Exampe: I love you, I value you, etc.

God’s Word to Remember Read the Bible verses listed below. In the space below, re‐write them in your own words. Colossians 3:13

Gala ans 6:1‐2

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