Sin is very abundant in the world today. Sin has now breach a level that people have become blinded and incoherent to the truth of what is good and what is bad. The topic of what is good and been a Christian has become a very controversial subject lately. Take for instance the movie The Passion of Christ; it was criticized because it was consider being anti-Semitic. This means the movie will influence Christian to form groups and riot against Jew. There has not been a police report stating that this has happen because of this movie or any other movie concerning Christ. How can we demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ through hatred? A demonstration of our faith is Love. Today it is wrong to make statements against gay marriage, but it is an abomination by the bible. Today it is wrong to speak out against abortionist for convincing the government for approving the abortion pill RU 486 (the morning after pill) which is used to take innocent life. Why is this? Because it was consider safe for aborting mothers, yet there are many reports of it not only doing its job, but killing the mother also. Today, we as Christians see the problems of the world and ask, “How can I make a change?” I am glad you ask. Matthew 7:3 states, “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” Yes, before you can help somebody else with there sin and guide them to the light of truth, you have to be living in the truth yourself. Psalms 91:1 states, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” How can you help a sinner if you are not obeying the word of GOD? I believe King David helps clarify this situation in Psalms 51.
Now, before I explain this, let me give you a little history behind King David. David in the Hebrew language stands for “Well-beloved”. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines well-beloved: Sincerely and deeply loved. This establishes the relationship between David and GOD. Remember, David is known as the man after GOD’s own heart. They could not talk about his GOD and live. He was more than willing to kill a man over GOD, just asks Goliath. David did not give him to much of a chance. Yet, through there close relationship David begin to slip into sin. And as David slip deep into sin, the peace of GOD was leaving him. When many of us get into this situation, we find it to be hard to regain that relationship GOD since the peace that you enjoy with GOD is gone. David begin about how straighten out his problems in the kingdom and his own personal problems. His solution to the problem was Psalms 51. This is when David asks GOD to make him over again.
Psalms 51 is David’s plea to GOD for forgiveness and his assistants for the current problem of ungodliness in the kingdom. David knew that he could not teach the word of GOD if his was sinning too. David went through five phases in order to get right with GOD.
Phase 1: Self-acknowledgement of Personal Sin
Psalms 51: 3-5 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Here David acknowledges his sin. He did not blame his sin on the world, like many of us do, nor blame the devil for his actions. He admitted that he was driving away by his own lust, and because of his sins and his relationship with GOD he realizes that he broke GOD’s heart. Did you know that GOD loves you so much, that it breaks his heart when you sin. Understand when you admit your sins before GOD and take responsibility for them he will bring peace back in your life.
Biblical Proof 1: Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Biblical Proof 2: Luke 23:41-43 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Biblical Proof 3: 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Phase 2: Regain a desire for truth
Psalms 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
How can the blind led the blind; can a baby led his/her- parents; or can you teach about the way, the truth, and the life if you are not living it. This is a great problem in the church today. Too many want positions in church, but not willing to learn anything about the position and the word of GOD. Many churches today want to grow and complete other activities, yet they are hinder because they do not know nor worship in truth.
Biblical Proof: John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Since there is a lack of the truth many feel entrap by church and society. This in turn takes away freedom, and makes one live in a box of lies
Biblical Proof: John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free
Phase 3: Allow GOD to cleansed you
Psalms 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Here David uses the word Purge. The American Heritage College dictionary defines Purge: To free from impurities. (2) To rid of sin or guilt. When he began to speak about this he was referring to sacrifices. Understand that hyssop was use as a fragrance in when burning sacrificial lambs. He asks GOD to burn up that sin that within him and by doing this he will be able to do the will of GOD. Remember that the word of GOD can not be carry out in a unclean vessel. Also an unclean vessel cannot understand the full blessing of GOD until it is cleans.
Biblical Proof: Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Many today say that they want to live and do the will of GOD, but it is on the condition if they can continue in their sins. Who will listen to the word of GOD that is surrounded in mess.
Phase 4: Prepare for Joy to Return
Psalms 51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Too often we say that we are blessed and highly favor, yet it is obvious that all of our joy is gone. We say “Praise GOD!!!”, but as a cliché. It is missing the joy and love of GOD. Many today live in pain and agony because the Joy of GOD is gone. Many today are literally ill because the joy of GOD is missing from their lives. How can you say I love the Lord, if you don’t know why. We don’t have to live in this pain and agony for it is temporary, but the love of GOD is forever.
Biblical Proof: Psalms 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Last Phase 5: Revive from GOD’s Forgiveness
Psalms 51: 9-13 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
You cannot praise GOD if you dead in your sin, and you will not understand the glory of GOD if you do not accept his forgiveness. David wanted to be with GOD and rejoice in him, but he was dead in sin, but the love and forgiveness revive us
Biblical Proof: Psalm 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
Thank GOD that we are giving a second chance through Christ Jesus who hung bleed and died on that old rugged cross. I thank GOD that he only stay in the grave for three day, and thank you GOD that Jesus rose early one Sunday morning with all power in his hand. And because he lives I am no longer a slave my sins, but I am free to his righteousness. Thank GOD for his love and his mercy endured forever. This is my sermon for today. Love you, GOD bless and have a bless day. :P
