Through confession and the promise of forgiveness, we can look forward to a genuinely changed life. After reading the above passage in Scripture, explain in your own words what it means to you that Jesus is the Advocate, the Righteous One and the Atoning Sacrifice. Sin often comes packaged in ways that make it hard for us to identify. To really appreciate what confession does for us, we need to see what sin does to us. Discuss for a moment what sin is and how it affects our lives.
Confession is a means for pursuing purity.
I say that each believer should confess his sins to God when he is aware of them, while there is time to be forgiven. But if we know that the people of God are first a fellowship of sinners, we are freed to hear the unconditional call of God's love and to confess our needs openly before a brother or sister. We know we are not alone in our sin. The fear and pride that cling to us like barnacles cling to others also. We are sinners together.