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The “Trail Guide” devotional is used by our adult leaders of grade school groups in Quest as a way to prepare their hearts and minds for the topics we will be covering with the children on the weekend.  We have made them available here to help our parents of grade-schoolers engage with their children around the topics we are discussing and also for anyone else that might be blessed by following along.

SPOTTER, LESSON 2: God is Faithful to Forgive

Ben Franklin is quoted as saying, “Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.”  I think the same thing could be said about sin.  If we attempt to hide sin, to cover it up, to “regard” it in our hearts, it is only a matter of time before it will begin to stink up the place.  Numbers 32:23 tells us that we can be sure that our “sin will be discovered. It will be brought out into the open.”  In Hebrews 4:13 we are reminded that “Nothing God created is hidden from Him. His eyes see everything. He will hold us accountable for everything we do.”

So how does sin begin to stink?  King David, the subject of our case study, gives us detailed insight into the very real physical effects of un-confessed sin in the life of a believer.  When I kept silent,
 my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
 For day and night your hand was heavy on me;
 my strength was sapped
 as in the heat of summer. (Psalm 32:3-4)

Only when David, after being confronted by Nathan, recognizes his sin for what it is and despises it as God does, does he find forgiveness.  Then I admitted my sin to you.
   I didn’t cover up the wrong I had done.
I said, “I will admit my lawless acts to the Lord.”
   And you forgave the guilt of my sin.   (Psalm 32:5)

Belonging to Christ involves a change of mind, the adoption of a new worldview in which sin is seen through the eyes of God for what it is.  Confession begins with seeing and hating our sin.  Don’t let sin be a guest in your house.

“Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.”  -Ben Franklin

MEDITATING ON THE WORD:
Psalm 32:3-5, 38:18, 139:23-24
Numbers 32:23
Proverbs 28:13