August 1, 2021

Forgiveness and Restoration

Preacher:
Passage: Psalm 51:1-19
Service Type:

Introduction

How did David feel after committing adultery?

He was one who had walked with God
He was a leader of Israel
He penned many psalms

He tried to cover up his sin – explanation

He decided that Urriah must die – he committed adultery and murder
How did he feel – this man after God’s own heart?

Sin though pleasurable – always has consequences

Ps 38 and Ps 32
It hurts others
It grieves God

David does not lose sight of the mercy of God

He is convicted through Nathan the prophet
David confessed his sin and God forgave him
Ps 51 – His prayer of repentance
His repentance is linked with faith
He prays with confidence that God will forgive him
It is a model prayer for us

David’s Sincerity

He does not blame others

We often try to shift the blame to others, circumstances or justify our sin
v1/2 – notice the personal pronouns – “upon me”, “my transgressions”, “my iniquity”, “my sin”
We must confess our own sin before God
He recognises his sin is principally against God

God is willing to restore

David’s Brokenness

Ps 38:1-3

It seems to have affected his constitution – he is no longer strong, vigorous or healthy

Ps 38:4-7

This is not something he can snap put of
A positive mental attitude will not deal with his sin

Ps 38:7-10

He is deeply troubled

Ps 32:3-5

Though he suffered, God forgave him
v1-2 – David speaks of the wonderful forgiveness of sins – joy and blessing

Expressed in Ps 51:17

God loves a penatant child

David’s Confidence

His confidence in the love of God

He remembers God’s faithfulness towards him and Israel
He remembers God’s love and mercy
v1

David did not have the full Bible – but could remember God’s forgiveness of Abraham, Lot, Aaron – examples

He knew the word of God and there was favour for the repentant sinner
In God there is mercy to cover all sin

David’s Cleansing

v1 – He wants complete cleansing – not even the smallest stain

Example of playing sports

v7 – Hyssop was used when a leper was pronounced clean

He could be whiter than snow

v10 – He asks for cleansing

Quote from Song ‘There is a fountain filled with blood’

He recognised the source of sin – v5 – not just his conversation or the actions

Something deep within
Something that he needs a deep cleansing

v16 – He knew that God did not just require sacrifice but a broken spirit and a contrite heart

We must knot just stop but come to Christ for cleansing

His one desire is to be restored, he wants to know fellowship again – v8

God restores the one who has fallen
v11 – He desires to be near God
We can grieve the Holy Spirit – David does not want to be cast from God’s presence

v14 – He wants to be delivered from the his guilt so that he can then sing God’s praise
Our sin can affect others

Remember the sin of Achan, Annais and Saphira

Sobering, but it should cause our eyes to rise up to God
Closing Remarks