The Sin Question

Psalm 32 THE SIN QUESTION

1. SIN AS SEEN BY THE SINNER (32:1-7)

A. The Pleasure We Feel When Sin Is Cleansed (32:1-2)

1. Sin Is a Defiance (32:1a) Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Transgression is “crossing over the line” and rebelling against God. David knew the Ten Commandments and that adultery, murder, and deceit were forbidden

2. Sin Is a Defect (32:1b) whose sin is covered. Sin means “to miss the mark” and not live up to the standards God has set

3. Sin Is a Distortion (32:2a) Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, Iniquity means “twisted” and describes what happens to the inner character of the sinner

4. Sin Is a Deception (32:2b) and in whose spirit there is no guile. Guile means “deception.” David tried to cover his sins and pretend nothing had happened, but the Lord chastened him until he confessed he had sinned

B. The Penalty We Face When Sin Is Concealed (32:3-4)

David had once been:

1. A Healthy Man (32:3) When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

2. A Happy Man (32:4a) For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me:

3. A Hearty Man (32:4b) my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah

C. The Pardon We Find When Sin Is Confessed (32:5) I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

D. The Path We Follow When Sin Is Conquered (32:6-7)

1. The Power of Prayer (32:6a) For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found:

2. The Power of Position (32:6b-7a) surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. 7 Thou art my hiding place;

3. The Power of Peace (32:7b) thou shalt preserve me from trouble;

4. The Power of Praise (32:7c) thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

2. SIN AS SEEN BY THE SAVIOUR (32:8-11) We need to be:

A. Guided (32:8) I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

B. Governed (32:9) Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

C. Guarded (32:10) Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

D. Gladdened (32:11) Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.