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Presented April 1, 2007 pm
BLESSED IS THE FORGIVEN
Psalm 32
Tonight we continue our study of the psalms noting another psalm of David. In the superscription we are told that David did write this psalm and then it is described (in the NKJV) as a contemplation. The KJV describes this last word as, “a Machil” or “Maskil” (NASU) which is a simple English spelling of the Hebrew word. The reason for this that we are not exactly sure what the intended meaning is. But it is generally understood (but not universally) that it means “a well written psalm” or “a contemplation.”
The time of its writing is unknown, but it is probably one of David’s contemplations after being forgiven by God because of his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. In fact this is one of seven psalms referred to as the “penitential psalms” that is psalms of repentance.
Tonight we notice the message of this psalm.
I. Blessed is the forgiven man (1-5)
a. The verse begins with the word, “blessed” which describes a blissful state or one with hope & joy.
b. Vs. 1 & 2 describe 4 times the forgiveness of man.
i. His transgression is forgiven – the word transgression means “a breach of relationships, civil or religious, between two parties.” (TWOT) The transgression would be sin which breaks our fellowship with God. He whose transgressions are forgiven has cause for joy.
ii. His sin is covered – the word covered means concealed or hidden. When we repent and submit to Him – God forgives us for good. He remembers our sins no more – Hebrews 10:17 (quoting Jeremiah 31:34).
iii. Iniquity is not imputed to him – the word imputed means, among other things, to be charged with. As David uses this expression he speaks of being charged with our sins. The only way we will NOT be charged with our sins is to be forgiven. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 contrasts it with reconciliation.
iv.
In his spirit is no deceit found –
deceit is a specific type of sin. But like all others it can be forgiven. He
who is upright as he stands before God has reason to be joyful.
Also, understand this – you CAN’T deceive God anyway. Hebrews 4:13 notes that.
How fruitless it must be for one to go to God asking for forgiveness with no
real intent to change! It borders on blasphemy.
c.
Obviously the forgiveness of this text is being
forgiven by God.
This verse is quoted by Paul in Romans 4:7-8 where he is dealing with faith that
leads to forgiveness – like the faith of Abraham who both believed AND obeyed
(Hebrews 11:8, James 2:21-23).
d.
He had to acknowledge his sins (3-4) .
Vs. 3 describes one who refuses to admit his sins. Are we ever guilty of that?
I think of a child who has done something wrong and is afraid or too ashamed to
tell his parents or a spouse who will not face his/her mate with a problem. It
tears you up inside because it is something you NEED to say (though you must
find the right way and time to say it).
Do we go about refusing to acknowledge our sins to God?
Maybe it is because we are ashamed and think we don’t deserve His forgiveness
(which we don’t – but His forgiveness is not based on those terms).
Maybe we are choosing to not confront sin in our lives that we know we need to
change.
Maybe we are living in rebellion are refuse to repent of our wrongdoings.
WHATEVER the case – if we have not destroyed our conscience – such things will
bother us and keep doing so UNTIL we make it right. Could it be that when Paul
speaks of the “chastening of the Lord” in Hebrews 12:5-6 includes our conscience
tearing away at us? Could it be that our sinful condition tears at us and robs
our lives of vitality?
e.
As long as David kept it within and failed to confess
it he was troubled by it.
We NEED to confess our sins to God.
We have heard the saying, “Confession is good for the soul.” While that saying
is not found in the Bible, the principle is certainly taught there.
1 John 1:9, often quoted, calls upon us to confess our trespasses to God. When
we do, He will forgive us. It is interesting to note both verses 8 & 10 which
speaks of one saying he has no sin in us.
James 5:16 tells us that we ought to confess our trespasses to one another so
that we can pray for one another. There is something to be said about openly
admitting sins that are plaguing your life. In any 12 step program, the first
step is acknowledgment that you have a problem – you HAVE to get it out in the
open.
II. The godly will praise Him (6-7)
a. Vs. 6 begins with the phrase, “for this cause” tying this verse back to the previous – that is, forgiveness.
b.
Forgiveness is the greatest blessing we enjoy as
Christians. When we truly understand and appreciate forgiveness, and seek it
and receive it we will praise God.
We will offer prayers of thanksgiving to Him – Romans 12:12 describes us as “rejoicing
in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.”
1 Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Do the blessings of God cause us to pray to Him often?
c.
And that godliness is contagious. David notes that
everyone who is godly will pray to Him.
It is a trait of the truly righteous – they PRAY. Also consider the fact that
one is blessed by God (and he knows it) He wants to be thankful. ALSO when we
see others blessed by God it leads us to pray as well.
d. Does that describe us?
e. In the rest of these verses David describes the refuge and perseverance God provides – all subjects we have addressed numerous times before.
III. The godly listen to Him (8-9)
a. These two verses can mean one of two things:
i. God is speaking and promising to instruct those who will follow Him (which He does).
ii. David, in righteousness, wants to share these thoughts with others (which he does).
b. Either way, they call for us to be willing to LISTEN! Are we willing to listen to God? Are we willing to listen to faithful men who proclaim the truth of God’s word? IF we are to receive forgiveness from our sins we HAVE TO listen to Him. Are YOU listening?
c.
Don’t be like dumb animals – especially when you have
sin in your life. Don’t live your life in such a way that you show no knowledge
or understanding. Don’t live your life so that you have to be caged or reigned
in (think of those in prison who can’t control themselves).
Proverbs 12:1 says, “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who
hates correction is stupid.” (NKJV) One modern translation describes that
last phrase as, “whoever hates correction is a dumb animal.” (God’s Word).
IV. The blessing of trusting in the Lord (10-11)
a.
The wicked face many sorrows –
They are often miserable and without any hope – Ephesians 2:12 describes them.
Their sins keep piling up.
b. But he who trusts in the Lord (by repentance)
i.
Will be surrounded by mercy – he will find comfort
from God.
Matthew 11:28-29 – Jesus said He would give you rest.
1 Peter 2:9-10 speaks of those who had not obtained mercy, but now have
ii. Will be glad and rejoice – Philippians 4:4
iii.
Will shout being upright in heart - the righteous have
reasons to praise God.
Hebrews 13:15 speaks of offering sacrifices to God with “the fruit of our lips”
Hebrews 2:12 – in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to you.
Thus we see another psalm of David. It is a psalm in which he shows his understanding of God’s mercy and forgiveness. We too need to understand that. What about you? Has God forgiven you? Have you come in contact with the blood of Jesus that will wash away your sins? If not, why not obey His gospel tonight?