Confession Is The Best Medicine Series

BIG IDEA:

CONFESSION OF SIN CONVERTS THE QUICKSAND FOR SUFFERING

INTO THE CONCRETE FOR BLESSING

INTRODUCTION:

one of the 7 penitential psalms (6; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143)

I. (:1-2) FORGIVEN SINS = THE CONCRETE FOR BLESSING

(THE FIRM FOUNDATION)

A. Even the worst sinner has the potential to experience Incredible Joy

cf. the Beatitudes

B. The Nature of Sin (note different Hebrew words used)

1. Transgression; rebellion against God

2. Missing the mark; wandering from the way

Implies that an absolute standard exists

any deviation would be sin

3. Twisted nature of sin; guilt; perversion

C. The Nature of Forgiveness (note different Hebrew words used)

1. "to carry, lift up, bear" -- pictures sin as a crushing burden

2. "to cover" --

3. "to think, account, plan, impute, reckon"

II. (:3-4) UNCONFESSED SINS = THE QUICKSAND FOR SUFFERING

A. Consequences of Unconfessed Sins

1. Physical Suffering

2. Emotional Suffering

3. Spiritual Suffering

B. The Heavy Hand of God’s Chastening -- look who you are up against!

C. Given the Consequences, Why do people Fail to confess their sins and get right with God?

III. (:5) CONFESSION OF SIN = THE ONLY ANTIDOTE FOR GUILT AND JUDGMENT

A. The Process of Confession

1. Must be directed towards God (not some human priest)

2. Requires Humility

3. Requires Openness

4. Requires Agreeing with God about the nature of the offense.

5. Requires Recognition of God’s standards and their application to me

B. The Application of Forgiveness

1. God is Faithful and Just to respond to such a confession

2. Forgiveness extends to the personal guilt that had been causing such suffering

IV. (:6-7) DELIVERANCE IS POSSIBLE -- BUT MUST BE SOUGHT IMMEDIATELY

A. The Time to Seek Deliverance is NOW -- before the final flood waters of judgment

B. The Security Provided by Deliverance is Precious

V. (:8-10) DON’T BE AN IDIOT!

A. Respond to Wise Counsel -- don’t be a stubborn mule

B. Choose Blessing Rather than Suffering

VI. (:11) JUMP FOR JOY!

* * * * * * * * * *

DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:

1) Do we truly hate sin? Are we conscious of the offense sin is to a holy God?

2) Isn’t it a great thing and a wonder that sinners can be called “Blessed!?”

3) Have we experienced the tremendous burden of a guilty conscience through trying to hide our sin and cover up our wrongdoing? Were there any physical symptoms accompanying that spiritual and emotional anguish?

4) Are we taking advantage of the Lord’s offer to instruct and teach and guide us or are we being headstrong and stubborn like the “horse or mule which have no understanding?”

Download the entire Psalms commentary in pdf format

(including notes on each psalm from other commentators)

from:

http://www.bibleoutlines.com