Intro: The likely historical situation in David’s life – 2 Samuel 11-12.
Main Idea: Instruction to move from sin & sorrow to celebration via confession.
I. The Blessedness of Forgiveness – for sinner/saints (Psalm 32:1-2)
Here we have the beginning and end of his story, but he left out the middle of how to get from sin to forgiveness. He fills in the gaps in vv. 3-5.
II. The Sorrowful Situation of Sin & Silence (Psalm 32:3-4)
Consider the misery of walking in unconfessed sin like David did.
He provides 3 images to illustrate the pain he suffered. It’s not simply a spiritual problem, but expressed in physical symptoms. See Heb 4.13; 1 Cor 11.30; Jam 5.15-16.
III. The Realization of the Need for Confession for Absolution (Psalm 32:5)
Instead of keeping silent he acknowledged his sin to God. Instead of covering it up, he counseled himself to confess it. What God calls it, he calls it. He uses the same 3 words for sin in vv. 1-2.
How did it work out for David? God graciously forgave his sin, also He removed the guilt within. Verse 5 summarizes what’s amplified in vv. 1-2: forgives, covers, doesn’t impute it.
The Apostle Paul quotes Ps 32.1-2 in Rom 4.7-8. See 2 Cor 5.21.
Yet God only forgives those who confess their sin and “in whose spirit there is nodeceit” (v. 2).
Why’s that important here?
Then in vv. 6-7 he moves to the next step.
IV. Restoration Leads to Instruction of Others & God’s Protection (Psalm 32:6-7)
This outcome happened to me, so listen up, so that you can experience it too. Being forgiven, I now run to Yahweh as my hiding place & protection. Let the godly pray to God and find it to be so – Isaiah 55.6-7. Even in extreme situations of peril.
V. Readiness to Heed the Divine Admonition for Joyful Celebration (Psalm 32:8-11)
David quotes Yahweh’s wise Word, which he received & now passes on. Along with divine protection, God promises divine direction/guidance. His eye is on you for good (33.18; 34.15).
Verse 9 – A lesson from nature as an admonition. Delight to walk the path of understanding, don’t be a fool or stubborn mule (Prov12.15). It can go one of two ways.
Verse 10 – Many sorrows await the stubborn, the fool, the wicked.
The opposite portion awaits the one who trusts in Yahweh – His covenant love (hesed).
Verse 11 – The joyous end matches up with the blessed beginning (vv. 1-2).
Conclusion: There are many wrong ways to deal with your sin, but only one right way.
The Christian & Confession
“The Christian & Confession” – Psalm 32
Intro: The likely historical situation in David’s life – 2 Samuel 11-12.
Main Idea: Instruction to move from sin & sorrow to celebration via confession.
I. The Blessedness of Forgiveness – for sinner/saints (Psalm 32:1-2)
Here we have the beginning and end of his story, but he left out the middle of how to get from sin to forgiveness. He fills in the gaps in vv. 3-5.
II. The Sorrowful Situation of Sin & Silence (Psalm 32:3-4)
Consider the misery of walking in unconfessed sin like David did.
He provides 3 images to illustrate the pain he suffered. It’s not simply a spiritual problem, but expressed in physical symptoms. See Heb 4.13; 1 Cor 11.30; Jam 5.15-16.
III. The Realization of the Need for Confession for Absolution (Psalm 32:5)
Instead of keeping silent he acknowledged his sin to God. Instead of covering it up, he counseled himself to confess it. What God calls it, he calls it. He uses the same 3 words for sin in vv. 1-2.
How did it work out for David? God graciously forgave his sin, also He removed the guilt within. Verse 5 summarizes what’s amplified in vv. 1-2: forgives, covers, doesn’t impute it.
The Apostle Paul quotes Ps 32.1-2 in Rom 4.7-8. See 2 Cor 5.21.
Yet God only forgives those who confess their sin and “in whose spirit there is no deceit” (v. 2).
Why’s that important here?
Then in vv. 6-7 he moves to the next step.
IV. Restoration Leads to Instruction of Others & God’s Protection (Psalm 32:6-7)
This outcome happened to me, so listen up, so that you can experience it too. Being forgiven, I now run to Yahweh as my hiding place & protection. Let the godly pray to God and find it to be so – Isaiah 55.6-7. Even in extreme situations of peril.
V. Readiness to Heed the Divine Admonition for Joyful Celebration (Psalm 32:8-11)
David quotes Yahweh’s wise Word, which he received & now passes on. Along with divine protection, God promises divine direction/guidance. His eye is on you for good (33.18; 34.15).
Verse 9 – A lesson from nature as an admonition. Delight to walk the path of understanding, don’t be a fool or stubborn mule (Prov 12.15). It can go one of two ways.
Verse 10 – Many sorrows await the stubborn, the fool, the wicked.
The opposite portion awaits the one who trusts in Yahweh – His covenant love (hesed).
Verse 11 – The joyous end matches up with the blessed beginning (vv. 1-2).
Conclusion: There are many wrong ways to deal with your sin, but only one right way.
See 1 John 1.9-2.2.