“YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT!”
Psalm 32:1-5
INTRODUCTION
On June 13, 1966, the Supreme Court of the United States decided the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona. The scope and breadth of this case changed the landscape of the criminal justice and procedure process forever. The primary question before the Court was whether an individual’s statements obtained while in police custody and subsequent interrogation were admissible against them in a criminal trial or proceeding without first apprising them of their rights to remain silent and have an attorney present. In other words, did the Fifth and Sixth Amendments of the Constitution protect individuals from self-incriminating themselves and to have legal counsel once they were arrested? By a narrow 5-4 majority, a divided Court held any statements obtained by law enforcement when placed under police custody were inadmissible as evidence unless the individual had been first notified of their Fifth and Sixth Amendments rights against self-incrimination and to have an attorney, respectively. From this case emerged what has become widely known as Miranda warnings.
Once an individual is placed under arrest, every law enforcement officer must state:
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense.”
While individuals are free to keep their Miranda rights, today’s sermon presentation focuses on the blessings associated with voluntarily waiving and relinquishing your rights! David realized the side effects of remaining silent could be physically, emotionally, and spiritually fatal! Yes, “You Have the Right to Remain Silent! And there are times in life when you should remain silent! But, this sermon focuses on why God wants and expects us to waive our rights, break our silence, and “‘fess up!” It’s time to Make Room for Repentance and Forgiveness!
CALAMITY!
- Silence causes DIS-EASE! 3
- Silence makes God tone-deaf to our prayers! Psalm 66:18
- Unconfessed sin poisons your prosperity! Proverbs 28:13
- Sin separates us from God! Isaiah 59:2
COUNSELOR!
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- Jesus Christ is our “Faultless Finder!” Jude 24-25
- Jesus Christ is our Advocate! 1 John 2:1-2
- Jesus Christ is our Intercessor! Romans 8:34
- Jesus Christ is our High Priest! Hebrews 7:26-28
COSTS!
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- Following Jesus pays your retainer fee! Luke 9:23
- The Blood of Jesus paid all our legal fees! Colossians 1:20-21
- We have atonement through Jesus’ Blood! Leviticus 17:11
- Avoid cheap grace! Romans 6:1-2
CONFESSION!
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- God does not confess for us! 1 John 1:9-10
- God “Men in Black’s” your sins! Psalm 103:12
- Confession secures our salvation! Romans 10:9-10
- We receive God’s forgiveness! 5
CONCLUSION
All praises and thanks are due to God because He does not use or hold our confessions against us! In fact, if God were to treat us like some of the people we know and consistently and constantly remind us of all our transgressions, iniquities, and sins, then the Cross was for naught and we would still be lost! Though David made many mistakes, Acts 13:22 declares him to be “a man after My own heart . . . ” David realized remaining silent would only work against him and his deliverance. What unconfessed sins are causing calamity in your walk with Christ? You have the right to remain silent or confess your sins and be forgiven and set free! It’s your choice!
If you would like the PDF Version of the sermon notes, click HERE.
If you would like the Word Version of the sermon notes, click HERE.
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