1. Breakthrough In Forgiveness January 13

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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?

6. 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”

7. 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 sinWhen God covers my sin

8. 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?

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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?

12. 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?

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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!

16. 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?

17. 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?

18. 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

19. Breakthrough In Forgiveness January 13