Forgiven: God Gives Grace to the Guilty (Psalm 51:1-19)

Introduction:

If the Christian cant Lose his salvation.

What does the Christian have to lose when he sins?

Consider all of the consequences of sin in the life of a Christian.

Think about the cleaning of sin in the life of a Christian.

Psalm 51 provides a picture of a believer who has gotten his sin cleansed from God.

David has looked back at the consequences of sin in his life and written about it.

Background:

David committed a heinous sin that was multifaceted. (2 Samuel 11:1-12:15)

Adultery led to lying, manipulation, and then murder.

David is confronted by God through Nathan the prophet.

David being a believer in God was convicted and desired to restore the broken fellowship between He and God.

David’s Confession (51:1-6)

A Pig never recognizes it is dirty. Its the pigs way of life.

SIN- an inward inclination, or inherent, inner disposition inclining us to wrong acts. (Spiritual Disability)

David’s cry was a confession of guilt.

David APPEALS to God (51:1-2): “Completely wash away my guilt”

David wanted Purity and Pardon

David acknowledges his sin (51:3-6): “ I am conscious of my rebellion”

Conviction precedes forgiveness

Sin against others is a sin against God

Guilt rattles the Christiansinward sin nature

David’s Cleansing (51:7-10): David asks God for 3 things:

Remove his sin (51:7).

Hyssop was a plant used in rituals. Sign of atonement.

Restore his joy (51:8-9).

From the distress of sin to joy.

Don’t look at my sin

Renew his spirit (51:10): David wants a clean heart and a right spirit.

Only a work of God can create a clean heart.

David’s Concern (51:11-12): He pleads that the Holy Spirit not be taken from him and that He be willing to obey God.

The Holy Spirit remained because Psalm 51 is the proof

David wanted a willing heart to be obedient to God

David’s Commitments (51:13-15): If God responds to him, David promises to do 3 things:

Teach God’s ways to sinners (51:13).

David recalls his godly duty

Sing of God’s forgiveness (51:14).

Sin silences your song

Praise God (51:15).

When guilt is gone you will open your mouth to God about who he is.

David’s Confidence (51:16-19)

Recognizes God as a forgiver of sins (51:16-17): God wants broken spirits and repentant hearts.

True belief, repentance, and love glorify God.

God can fortify the city (51:18-19): God can rebuild the city so that pleasing sacrifices can be offered.

God will show favor when sin is repented for

Conclusion

In college I had one suit. I would wear that one suit to my accounting class once a week. I would immediately take it off after class. I would Startch and Iron the pants to give it a crisp outer apperance but I did not take it to the dry cleaners. Some of you are starched and ironed on the outside but you have not been washed.