Breakthrough In
Forgiveness
January 13
Think About It

What is something you got blamed for when you
were a kid?

Maybe you were guilty and maybe you
weren’t. Think about how either situation
made you feel.
Today we look at a situation where David had
sinned terribly and ended up finding
forgiveness.

Listen for words which
have to do with sin
Psalm 32:1-2 (NIV) Blessed is he whose
transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are
covered. [2] Blessed is the man whose sin the
Lord does not count against him and in whose
spirit is no deceit.
Forgiveness Results in Joy

What “sin” words do you find in this passage?
Note the meanings of each.
Transgression
 defiant rebellion against God’s standard
 Sin
 missing the mark, not meeting God’s standard
 Deceit/iniquity
 the twisted inner character of the sinner

Forgiveness Results in Joy

Why do people initially feel it is fun to get away
with doing wrong?

Why do you think that ultimately wrong brings
such weight upon a person?
Forgiveness Results in Joy

What are the words and phrases used in the
passage to talk about forgiveness? Note the
meanings.
Forgiven
 a lifting up and taking away the barrier
 Covered
 covered from God’s sight permanently
 Not count against
 God declares us “not guilty”

Forgiveness Results in Joy

David rejoiced because God covered his sin.
What is the difference between our trying to
cover up sin and God covering it?
When I try to cover/hide my sin
When God covers my sin
Forgiveness Results in Joy
Consider how forgiveness like a debt being
erased?
Note that David begins the psalm with praise
and thanksgiving to God … not by dwelling on
his sin.
 Why is focusing on God more important than
continually recalling our sins?

Listen for the decision David made
that changed his condition completely.
Psalm 32:3-7 (NIV) 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 sapped as in the heat of
summer. Selah [5] Then I acknowledged my sin
to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said,
"I will confess my
Listen for the decision David made
that changed his condition completely.
transgressions to the Lord"-- and you forgave the
guilt of my sin. Selah [6] Therefore let everyone
who is godly pray to you while you may be
found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they
will not reach him. [7] You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble and surround
me with songs of deliverance.
Forgiveness Comes Through
Confession

What does David say happened to him when he
was keeping silent about his sin?

What words and phrases does David use to
describe how he finally dealt with his sin?
Forgiveness Comes Through
Confession

Confession means to agree with God that
what you have done is sin …
you refuse to rename wrong as right
 you call it what it is … hurtful actions against God
and people
 you begin to trust God rather than your own
perception of right and wrong


Why is it important that David (and we) blame
no one else for personal sin?
Forgiveness Comes Through
Confession
David says, “let everyone who is godly pray to you while
you may be found” How could God not be
“found?”
 What about forgiving ourselves? How can not
forgiving myself affect my spiritual growth?
 How much better to experience what David
says …

you are my hiding place
 you will protect me from trouble, surround me
with songs of deliverance

Listen for how God helps those
who are forgiven.
Psalm 32:8-11 (NIV) I will instruct you and teach
you in the way you should go; I will counsel you
and watch over you. [9] Do not be like the
horse or the mule, which have no understanding
Listen for how God helps those
who are forgiven.
but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they
will not come to you. [10] Many are the woes of
the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him. [11]
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Forgiveness Leads to Trust and
Obedience



According to these verses, what help from God
can be expected by the forgiven person?
In what ways does God offer instruction and
counsel?
In what ways can a horse or mule be stubborn?
Forgiveness Leads to Trust and
Obedience


We are told not to be stubborn in this way.
Why does God not want to have to lead us
forcefully?
What are the positive results of willing
submission, trust, and obedience?
Application



Ask God to alert you to issues in your life where
you need to confess to Him
Meditate this week on the results of confession
Forgiveness calls for both trust and obedience
Breakthrough In
Forgiveness
January 13