Psalms Lesson 3

Intro: What did you get from the study last week?

Importance and usefulness of bible Journaling.

The Poem that was the reverse Psalm 23. was very interesting and I think how many people feel.

1. The Backstory

Back story from 2 Samuel 11-12.

There was a year between this event (his sin), and his confrontation.

Is it hard to see him as a “Man after God’s own heart?”

Psalm 51:1–15 CSB

Be gracious to me, God, according to your faithful love; according to your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion. Completely wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me. Against you—you alone—I have sinned and done this evil in your sight. So you are right when you pass sentence; you are blameless when you judge. Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. Surely you desire integrity in the inner self, and you teach me wisdom deep within. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Turn your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt. God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit. Then I will teach the rebellious your ways, and sinners will return to you. Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God— God of my salvation— and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

How does this factor into him being called “A man after God’s own heart?”

The Parallel between this story and the Prodigal son.

2. The Climax

Psalm 51:16–17 CSB

You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it; you are not pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.

This is what real repentance looks like.

Staying in quiet brokenness before God first, rather than going and celebrating.

It is not going through the motions, it is genuine brokenness and repentance before the Lord.

We find God in a place of lowliness and repentance.

Isaiah 57:15 CSB

For the High and Exalted One, who lives forever, whose name is holy, says this: “I live in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the oppressed.

Continued parallel between this story and the prodigal son.

3. The Conclusion

Psalm 51:18–19 CSB

In your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Based upon this, what responsibility do we each have to our churches when we sin?

We should publically repent and rectify the wrongs that have been done.

David prays that for the prospering of the nation he leads. A nation that suffered because of his sin.

When we sin and hurt others, real repentance leads to seeking to fix that which has been broken because of our sin.