Finding Yourself in the Psalms

Psalm 32

A Psalm for those thankful for God’s Forgiveness

BACKGROUND – Written after Psalm 51
Psalm 51 – David’s Confession
Psalm 32 – The Joy of Forgiveness
I. God’s Forgiveness Brings Delight. Psalm 32:1-2
A. “Blessed” happy, delight. Matthew 5:3-11

B. Literal Translation. . . “Oh, the happiness of the man whose rebellion has been forgiven, whose failure to hit the mark has been covered. How happy is the man on whose account the Lord does not put his crookedness, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” 1

C. Transgressions – Rebellion against God.
D. Sins – violation of a moral standard. Used when Moses asked Aaron “What did
these people do to you that you led them into such great sin.”
E. “Whose sins the Lord does not count against them”

This is quoted in Romans 4:7-8

F. God’s Forgiveness Brings us Joy.

1. Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

2. Luke 7:36-43. Adulterous woman would love Jesus because she was

forgiven much.

II. God’s Forgiveness Ends our Anguish. Psalm 32:3-5
A. To US and TO GOD
B. 32:5. All that is required is confession. 1 John 1:9
1. Agree with God
2. Keep short accounts with God
III. God’s Forgiveness Should Not be Forgotten. 32:6-11. “David encourages others not to delay in seeking forgiveness.”
A. David gives testimony. 32:6-7
B. Psalm 32:8. David or God?
1. David. He desired to give instruction. Psalm 51:13
2. God. God leads us and watches us with His eye.

a. Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

b. Psalm 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them
his way.

11Wiersbe, W. W. (1993). Wiersbe's expository outlines on the Old Testament (Ps 32:1). Wheaton , IL: Victor Books.

c. Psalm 27:11 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

d. Psalm 11:4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.

e. Psalm 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
IV. Principles of Forgiveness

A. It is man’s nature to fail.

B. It is God’s nature to forgive sin. Psalm 103:8
C. God’s ability to forgive is greater than your ability to fail. Micah 7:18

D. Humble yourself, or God will humble you. 1 Cor 11:31 “If we judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” 1 Cor 4:5 “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.”

E. The grace you show today may be the grace you need tomorrow.
1. Luke 6:31 “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”

2. Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

F. The best time to confess your sin is NOW.