Text: Psalm 51 Jim Smuts
Subject: Forgiveness
Theme: Divine Forgiveness "Learning The Hard Way"
Introduction: Someone once said, "Forgiveness is like the violet sending forth its pure fragrance on the heel of the boot of the one who crushed it."
Explanation: David’s sin with Bathsheba
I.The Lesson of Confession vs.1-4
1.Mercy
(illus. Henry Ward Beecher "God pardons like a mother, who kisses the offense into everlasting forgiveness.)
2.Continual Awareness
(illus. p. 141 Stories For A Faithful Heart)
3.Application
II.The Lesson of Self-Discovery vs. 5,6
1.Sin Nature
(illus. Me biting Daniel)
2.Application
(Mozart’s Requiem "Remember merciful Jesu, that I am the cause of your journey.")
III.The Lesson of Sacrifice vs. 7-9
1.Hyssop (Leper)
2.Washing
(illus. Brother and baths)
3.Application
IV.The Lesson of Restoration vs. 10-14
1.Create
2.Heart
3.Spirit
4.Application
Conclusion: Therefore, we can all experience divine forgiveness by following the lessons of Psalm 51. (Hymn 2136 Out of the Depths)