Is Unconfessed Sin Hindering Your Prayers?

Sadly there are those who are using the principle that our sins are covered in the blood as born again believers to excuse sin in believers.

I deal with it all the time, that sin is not dealt with in the gatherings because God has covered their sin in His blood. How odd it seems to me since Christ did not die that terrible death and rise from the dead to make sin guilt free.

Christ died to give those who have Christ living in them able to resist, to turn from sin and grow in holiness.

Those who want to justify their sin using the grace of God are sinning by doing so.

Romans 6:1-2 "1 What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?…"

An authentic born again believer hates sin, they are deeply convicted if they commit it and ask to be cleansed of it.

1 John 1:9 was written to believers. Remember the words "IF WE CONFESS." These are the words Christians like to omit when talking about forgiveness.

"9 IF WE CONFESS our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

God disciplines those whom He loves because He cannot have fellowship with His children who are in sin.

Hebrews 12:5-7…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?…

God will not hear the prayers of those who are sinning, even as born again believers.

Isaiah 1:14-16 "…14 I hate your New Moons and your appointed feasts; they have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. 16 Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!…"

1 Peter 3:7
"7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so THAT YOUR PRAYERS NOT BE HINDERED."

1 Peter 4:7
"7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR PRAYERS."

1 Peter 3:7
"7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered."

Matthew 18:15-16 " 15“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16“But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17“If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."

We confront people about their sin to help them resolve a relationship and cleanse themselves of it by confessing to God and others.

Sin is growing in the church because those who say they are Christians are refusing to confess their sin. Rather they defend it, even willing to break fellowship with those who adhere to the rule of discipline set by Chris in His Word.

Since the onset of psychology taught in the university all over the country the word "sin" has become a bad word. The idea that people only do bad things because they are hurting has been solidified in the minds of most people.

We do not automatically do bad things because we have been hurt. Lots of people who have been hurt do not hurt others. Hurting others is a choice coming from a wicked heart. Excuse making for bad behavior causes that bad behavior to grow. This is where we are in our culture today. Sin has been ignored thus creating a culture that embraces it as good.

If your prayers do not seem to be answered its possible you are living in unconfessed sin.

James 5:15-16 "…15 And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail."