Christ, the Instrument of Forgiveness

Sermon 8 in Series

Psalm 32

[1] Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
[2] Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

[3] For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
[4] For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

[5] I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

[6] Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
[7] You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

[8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
[9] Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.

[10] Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
[11] Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What is the significance of being “blessed”? How do we distort this in our day? What things do you tend to prize above being “blessed”?
2.  How do Paul’s comments in Romans 4 help us understand how we can become blessed? How does this point us to the gospel and remind us of the Reformation?
3.  How does David describe his situation in vv.3-4 as long as he remains “silent”? Have you ever noticed or experienced a connection between spiritual conflict and physical chaos? What does God’s conviction mean?
4.  What irony does the confession of v.5 suggest? Why is it important to maintain a posture of humility before the Lord?
5.  Do you have a culture of confession in your life, your home, your GC? If not, how does this Psalm encourage or convict you to grow in this area?
6.  How do vv.8-9 speak of the connection between confession and repentance? Why is this crucial?

References:  Psalm 51; Psalm 1:1; Numbers 6:22-27; Exodus 33:17-23; Genesis 15:6; Romans 3:23-25,  4:1-8; Hebrews 9:22, 10:4; 1 John 1:5-10; Psalm 11:4; Genesis 7:16; Psalm 1:6