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Psalm 051:01-19 Confessing Our Sins
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(The Art of Confessing our Sins)
Text: Psalms 51:1-19
Introduction
1. Do you remember the joy and the relief you experienced when you were baptized?
a. Knowing that your sins had been washed away by the blood of Christ?
b. Knowing that you then stood before God holy and without blame?
— Wouldn’t it be great to experience that same joy and relief, time and again?
2. There is no reason why you cannot!
a. Even though you may have sinned terribly after your baptism
b. For God has made provision whereby we can enjoy the continual cleansing of the blood of Christ!
3. Not by being baptized again and again…
a. But by confessing our sins to God – cf. 1 John 1:9
b. For God who is faithful and just has promised to forgive our sins!
— Just as we were raised from the grave of baptism cleansed by the blood of Jesus, so we can rise from our prayers knowing that we have been cleansed from all unrighteousness!
4. The key is to confess our sins…
a. But how does one do that effectively?
b. Are there some things to keep in mind as we confess our sins?
5. In Psalms 51, we have what David wrote after he was guilty of adultery with Bathsheba…
a. He provides an example of how one should confess their sins to God
b. He provides what I like to call “The Art Of Confessing Our Sins”
[How should one go about confessing their sins to God? From the example of David, a good place to begin is…]
Body
I. APPEAL TO GOD’S MERCY AND LOVE (Psalms 51:1-2)
A. NOTE THE BASIS OF DAVID’S PLEA FOR FORGIVENESS…
1. “according to Your lovingkindness”
2. “according to the multitude of Your tender mercies”
— David sought forgiveness based upon God’s lovingkindness and tender mercies
B. THE PARDON WE SEEK SHOULD HAVE AS ITS BASIS…
1. Not in the merit or worthiness of man
2. But in the goodness and grace of God!
C. AS WE SEEK “WASHING” AND “CLEANSING” FROM OUR SINS…
1. Don’t base our appeal on our past accomplishments
a. E.g., how much we have done for the Lord
b. E.g., how long we have been a member of His church
2. But upon the goodness and mercy of God!
a. Appeal to His mercy and grace!
b. Knowing that He is slow to anger and abounding in mercy! – cf. Psalm 103:8-10
— Remember the parable of the Pharisee and the publican! – Luke 18:9-14
[As we seek forgiveness, we must of course…]
II. ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SINS TO GOD (Psalms 51:3-4)
A. NOTE HOW DAVID ACKNOWLEDGED HIS SIN…
1. He did not try to hide it: “my sin is ever before me”
2. He admitted that it was a sin against God Himself: “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight”
a. While it is true he had sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, his own wife…
b. …David knew that it was ultimately against God Himself!
3. He accepted the condemnation of God against him
a. That God was both “just” and blameless” in judging him
b. As God did when He sent Nathan to condemn him
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. Appreciate that this is key to receiving God’s grace – cf. 1 John 1:9
2. Acknowledge the sin; while we may at times simply confess tobe sinners, it never hurts to actually mention the sin for which we seek forgiveness
3. Understand that all sin is ultimately a sin against God Himself!
4. Don’t fault God (His Word or His messengers) when we are exposed and condemned for our sins!
— As we confess our sins, there is more that we should bear in mind. From David we learn that we should also…
III. UNDERSTAND WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE GOD WANTS US (Psalms 51:5-6)
A. UNTIL FORGIVEN, ONE IS DEEP IN SIN…
1. Using hyperbole so common in poetic language, David describes the depravity in which he finds himself
2. He is not trying to escape responsibility by saying he was born that way; only that he knows he is utterly sinful
B. BUT GOD DESIRES MUCH MORE…
1. David knew that God wanted:
a. “truth in the inward parts”
b. “wisdom in the hidden parts”
— Again, figurative hyperbole illustrating that truth and wisdom are to be as pervasive as sin had been!
2. David knew that God desired to provide more than just forgiveness, He also desires:
a. Total restoration, with understanding and wisdom on our part
b. That we be equipped for faithful service
[Understanding what God wants of us helps us to appreciate what David goes on to say. Indeed, confession of sins should also mean that we…]
IV. PRAY FOR RENEWAL AND RESTORATION (Psalms 51:7-12)
A. DAVID DESIRED MORE THAN JUST FORGIVENESS OF SIN…
1. He does pray for forgiveness, using figurative language in asking God…
a. To purge him with hyssop – Psalm 51:7
b. To wash him whiter than snow – Psalm 51:7
c. To hide His face from his sins – Psalm 51:9
d. To blot out all his iniquities – Psalm 51:9
2. But he also sought for more; he desired…
a. Joy and gladness – Psalm 51:8
b. A new heart, and renewal of a steadfast spirit – Psalm 51:10
c. Continuation of God’s presence and Spirit – Psalm 51:11
— As summarized in verse 12: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit.”
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should look to God for more than just forgiveness!
2. We should also ask for:
a. A complete renewal and total restoration!
b. A return to “the joy of salvation” (that joy experienced when we first obeyed the gospel!) – Acts 8:35-39
[As we consider further David’s confession of sin, we find it proper to…]
V. RESOLVE TO OFFER GRATEFUL SERVICE (Psalms 51:13-17)
A. DAVID RESOLVES…
1. To teach other sinners and transgressors – Psalm 51:13
2. To praise God for His righteousness in delivering him from sin – Psalm 51:14-15
a. Knowing that God delights in something more than animal sacrifices – Psalm 51:16
b. A broken spirit and contrite heart is what really pleases God – Psalm 51:17; cf. Isaiah 66:1-2; 57:15
B. SUCH RESOLUTION IS IN KEEPING WITH TRUE REPENTANCE…
1. For God desires more than just forgiveness, but total restoration – cf. Psalm 51:6
2. And zealous service is indicative of true repentance, as taught in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11
C. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should look beyond obtaining forgiveness for past sin
2. We should look beyond obtaining present joy and gladness of heart
— We should be making commitments regarding future service!
[Finally, as we come to the end of David’s psalm, we find that “The Art Of Confessing Our Sins” includes that we…]
VI. PRAY FOR GOD’S PURPOSES (Psalms 51:18-19)
A. DAVID OFFERED A PRAYER REGARDING GOD’S PURPOSES…
1. That God would fulfill His purpose for Zion – Psalm 51:18
2. That God would be pleased with Israel’s sacrifices – Psalm 51:19
— Thus his confession of sin ends with a desire for that which pleases God
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should not be selfish, praying for only our needs
2. What about God’s desires? His purposes?
— As Jesus taught us in “The Lord’s Prayer”, it is important to pray for God’s will as well as our own (cf. “Thy Will be done on earth, as it is in heaven”)
Conclusion
1. I hope I have not made the practice of confessing sins sound complicated…
a. Certainly there are occasions where a simple “I have sinned…” may suffice
b. As illustrated in the prayer of the tax collector – Luke 18:13-14
2. Yet if we desire to be less self-centered in confessing our sins, we can follow David’s example:
a. Appeal to God’s mercy and lovingkindness
b. Acknowledge our sins to God
c. Understand where we are and where God wants us
d. Pray for renewal and restoration
e. Resolve to offer grateful service
f. Pray for God’s purposes
3. By praying as David did, we are to sure to experience two things:
a. Forgiveness itself
b. The joy of forgiveness
— As David expressed in Psalm 32:1-5, written after receiving forgiveness for his sins
4. The Christian who confesses his sins is the truly happy individual (“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven…”), for they have the assurance of salvation (cf. 1 John 1:9).
5. Have you confessed your sins to God today?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Barabbas – Who Is He? Mark 15:6-15
Text: Mark 15:6-15
Most of us have reflected on the final hours of Jesus again and again. There is probably little to be said that we have not heard before. I suppose that’s a danger here for all of us, isn’t it? The story can become too familiar, too common. But it’s a story we need to hear.
We need to reflect on it, absorb it, be touched by it.
As you read the beginning of Jesus’ Roman trial, slow down – read it as if you’ve never heard it before:
Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.
Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them.
Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”
So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!” Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?”
But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”
So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them;
(Mark 15:6-15a).
There’s a lot of irony there
- Barabbas means “son of a father,” and he had committed insurrection.
- Jesus was the “Son of God” and was accused of insurrection.
- Barabbas, who was guilty, was released.
- Jesus, who was innocent, was convicted.
I’ve often wondered why the story of Barabbas is included in the New Testament. It seems, at best, tangential to the Lord’s trial, which is the focal point.
Perhaps it was included just to show us how much some of the leaders hated Jesus.
But there’s probably a more theological reason than that.
One who was guilty was pardoned while one who was innocent died
Mark wanted to remind us again that this is the gospel.
The story of Barabbas took place in my life several years ago. I was guilty and deserved to be condemned, but God chose to release me.
In my place on the cross went an innocent man. He stepped in and took the mocking, beating, and execution that I deserved.
I am Barabbas – You are Barabbas
I wonder if the first Barabbas hung around Jerusalem long enough to stop by Calvary and see the cross where he almost hung.
I doubt it. I’d guess he got out of Jerusalem as quickly as he could.
But you and I can’t do that. We’ve been acquitted of crimes we committed, and we need to go to Calvary and see the cross that has our name on it.
This story doesn’t ever need to get old. It needs to remind us that we were pardoned.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Acts 08:14-25 God’s Second Law of Pardon
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Text: Acts 8:14-25
Introduction
1. The Scriptures reveal different instructions on how to obtain forgiveness
a. To alien sinners outside of Christ
1) Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
2) And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ (Acts 22:16)
b. To erring Christians guilty of sin
1) Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. (Acts 8:22)
2) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. The difference has been described by some as God’s Two Laws Of Pardon
a. For the alien sinner, there is God’s first law of pardon
1) Hear the gospel
2) Believe that Jesus is the Christ, who died for our sins
3) Repent of sins
4) Confess faith in Christ
5) Be baptized for the remission of sins
b. For the erring Christian, there is God’s second law of pardon
1) Repent of sins
2) Pray to God
3) Confess sins to God
3. As we evangelize, we often spend much time explaining the first law. As Christians seeking to maintain our relationship with God, we should be equally concerned with the second law. So let’s take a closer look at God’s second law of pardon
Body
I. WHAT CHRISTIANS MUST DO
A. WE MUST REPENT OF SINS
1. Note that repentance is required in both laws of pardon
2. What does it mean to repent? Literally, it means “a change of mind”
a. “signifies to change one’s mind or purpose” – Vine
b. a change of mind involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God
3. Thus it involves making a decision to stop sinning
a. Just as the alien sinner is called to do so in becoming a Christian
b. So the erring Christian must do to return to the Lord
4. Repentance is produced by “godly sorrow”
Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)
a. A sorrow for having sinned against God
Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. (Psalms 51:4)
b. As opposed to worldly sorrow for getting caught or being exposed
5. Repentance is also prompted by God’s goodness
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)
a. Awareness of God’s grace and kindness should lead us to repent
b. Frequent meditation on the Word of God will help in this regard
6. Repentance will be manifested by a remarkable change
For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. (2 Corinthians 7:11)
a. Such as diligence and zeal to do right
b. Such as indignation for our sins and a desire to make right
7. So the first step for erring Christians is to repent of their sins!
B. WE MUST PRAY
1. So Peter told Simon when he sinned after having believed and was baptized
Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. (Acts 8:22)
2. Compare this to God’s first law of pardon
a. Baptism is an act of faith, in which we make an appeal
There is also an antitype which now saves us baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:21)
b. Prayer is also an act of faith, as we appeal for forgiveness
c. Yet alien sinners are commanded to repent and be baptized
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
d. While erring Christians are commanded to repent and pray
3. The difference is understandable
a. Before baptism, one is not a child of God
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:3-5)
b. After baptism, prayer is a privilege for those who are God’s children
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:6-7)
4. Praying is effective for the Christian because of our two intercessors
a. Jesus, who understands our feelings
Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:17-18)
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:24-25)
b. The Holy Spirit, who communicates our feelings
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)
5. As we pray, we must do so with humility
a. Compare the difference between the Pharisee and the publican
Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other menextortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)
b. God favors the humble and contrite in spirit
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. (Psalms 34:18)
Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the LORD. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word. (Isaiah 66:1-2)
6. Having repented, the erring Christian humbly needs to pray!
C. WE MUST CONFESS
1. So John wrote to Christians, to experience God’s forgiveness
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. Compare this to God’s first law of pardon
a. Where confession is commanded, but not confession of sins
b. Instead, confession is made concerning Jesus Christ
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)
Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37)
3. Understanding the word “confess”
a. Comes from the Greek word homologeo
b. “lit., to speak the same thing; to agree with, admit” – Vine
c. In regards to sin, it means to openly and honestly admit sin without hiding it or offering excuses for it
And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land. (Daniel 9:4-6)
4. Confession of sins should be made
a. Continuously – for John literally wrote “If we keep confessing our sins…”
b. For both known and unknown sins
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. (Psalms 19:12)
c. Always to God, sometimes to each other
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16)
5. So as the erring Christian prays, confession of sins should be made!
[Simple is God’s second law of pardon: to repent and pray, confessing our sins! To encourage us to be diligent in taking advantage of this wonderful grace, consider now…]
II. WHAT GOD WILL DO
A. GOD WILL BE FAITHFUL
1. As John promised in encouraging us to confess our sins
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. This means He will be true to His promise
3. What promise? The promise found in the prophecy of the New Covenant!
a. Found in Jeremiah, repeated in Hebrews
“Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: “BEHOLD, THE DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS THE LORD, WHEN I WILL MAKE A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH NOT ACCORDING TO THE COVENANT THAT I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS IN THE DAY WHEN I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT; BECAUSE THEY DID NOT CONTINUE IN MY COVENANT, AND I DISREGARDED THEM, SAYS THE LORD. FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS IN THEIR MIND AND WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. NONE OF THEM SHALL TEACH HIS NEIGHBOR, AND NONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, ‘KNOW THE LORD,’ FOR ALL SHALL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST OF THEM TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.” In that He says, “A NEW COVENANT,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. (Hebrews 8:7-13)
b. Thus we have the assurance of God’s response!
B. GOD WILL BE JUST
1. As John promised in encouraging us to confess our sins
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. This means He will be righteous in forgiving our sins
3. How can this be? By virtue of the cleansing blood of Jesus!
a. A cleansing alluded to earlier
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
b. So God can be both just and justifier of those who have faith in Christ
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:24-26)
c. Thus we have the basis for God’s response!
C. GOD WILL FORGIVE AND CLEANSE
1. He will “forgive us our sins”
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
a. The word ‘forgive’ describes the act of canceling a debt and the restoration of the debtor
b. No longer will the guilt of our sins be held against us!
2. He will “cleanse us from all unrighteousness” – 1 John 1:9
a. “The word ‘cleanse’ refers to making the forgiven sinner holy so that he is able to have fellowship with God”
b. The word “all” is reassuring; no sin is beyond God’s ability to forgive the penitent Christian who confesses their sin!
3. Thus we have blessedness of God’s response!
Conclusion
1. With God’s second law of pardon, the Christian who repents, prays, and confesses will
a. Experience the continual cleansing of the blood of Christ!
b. Enjoy the blessedness of knowing your sins are forgiven!
2. Why would any Christian hesitate to obey God’s second law of pardon…?
a. You can have the same joy of salvation as when you were baptized into Christ!
b. For you rise from prayer as cleansed from sin as when you arose from the watery grave!
If you want to have the same joy, the same assurance of salvation, as that new babe in Christ who comes forth to a new life, then take advantage of “God’s Second Law Of Pardon”…!
Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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