The picture of sin and forgiveness in Psalm 32 points us to the work of Christ in bearing the burden of our sin on the cross.
Scripture: Psalm 32
Sermon Notes:
- The Psalms provide particular nourishment for the soul.
- Psalm 32 speaks of sin, repentance, and forgiveness in the life of the believer.
- To transgress is to leave the path of righteousness and blessing that God is leading us on. Transgression leads to death and destruction.
- To sin is to miss the mark, to fail to reflect God’s character, to fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
- Iniquity refers to our own twisted, crooked moral character.
- Forgiveness is the lifting of the burden of guilt because of sin and wiping away any record of our sin.
- This picture of sin and forgiveness points us to the work of Christ who bore the burden of our sin on the cross (Isaiah 53:5-6).
- The blessing of forgiveness is only for those who repent.
- When he tried to hide his sin, David groaned with guilt and weariness.
- The Lord’s discipline makes us uncomfortable if we are living in unrepentant sin.
- God’s discipline is a reminder of God’s care for us. He disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:8-11).
- The terror is not God’s discipline, but the removal of His discipline, allowing us to march unrestrained to sorrow, death, and destruction.
- We must confess to God our transgressions specifically, honestly, and sincerely in order to receive forgiveness.
- Confessing sins privately to God can be a way of continuing in our sins; confessing our sins to a brother or sister in the church is vital to acknowledging and turning away from our sin.
- The power of sin is broken when we confess our sins one to another.
- Jesus gave the ministry of confession and forgiveness in John 20:21-23.
- Unconfessed sin will harden your heart and sear your conscience. The longer you delay the harder your heart will become.
- Repent today to escape judgment and to receive God’s assurance of His presence and salvation.
- There are divine shouts of joy when sinners repent.
- When we repent, God will guide us in the path of righteousness.
- The path of obedience is a new direction in our lives as we follow God's Word willingly and freely, not grudgingly.
- God’s steadfast love surrounds us in the way of obedience as we trust in the Lord.
- Repentance and obedience bring joy overflowing, as we walk with the Lord.
Application Questions:
- What are the benefits of reading the Psalms for the life of the believer?
- What are the necessary preconditions to receive forgiveness?
- How will we know when God is disciplining us?
- What are the attitudes and components of confession of our sin?
- What happens if we do not confess our sins?
- Do we have specific sins we need to confess today?
- What is the fruit of living in repentance and obedience?