Posted on 10/08/2024 5:39:51 AM PDT by metmom
“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2).
True confession involves a proper understanding of sin.
King David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). He was far from perfect, however. He was not an effective father (1 Kings 1:5-6), nor did he always trust God (1 Sam. 21:10—22:1). But by far his greatest failings were his horrible sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband (2 Sam. 11—12). After Nathan the prophet confronted him with his sin, David poured out his heart in confession to God. During the next three days, we will learn from that prayer (Ps. 51) some key marks of true confession.
Confession, first of all, involves a right view of sin. In Psalm 51 David summarized the biblical view of sin.
First, sin deserves judgment. In verse 1 David pleaded, “Be gracious to me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Thy compassion blot out my transgressions.” True confession must begin with an admission of guilt.
Second, sin demands cleansing. In verse 2 David asked God to cleanse him from the guilt of his sin. Since God’s “eyes are too pure to approve evil” and He cannot “look on wickedness with favor” (Hab. 1:13), only those cleansed from their sins can enter His presence. True confession acknowledges the defilement sin causes, and it pleads for God’s cleansing (1 John 1:7, 9).
Third, sin is our responsibility. Unlike Adam (Gen. 3:12) and Eve (Gen. 3:13), David accepted full responsibility for his sin. In verses 1 and 3 he referred to his sins as “my transgressions.” True confession does not blame others for sin.
Fourth, all sin is ultimately against God. David admitted that when he said to God, “Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned” (v. 4). True confession recognizes God as the supreme Lawgiver.
Fifth, sin is part of human nature. “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,” David acknowledged in verse 5, “and in sin my mother conceived me.” David accepted the biblical teaching of total depravity—that all men inherit Adam’s sin (Rom. 5:12). True confession looks inward for the cause of sin, not to external factors.
Does your confession reflect a right view of sin?
Suggestions for Prayer
Praise God that He doesn’t keep a record of your sins (Ps. 130:3-4).
For Further Study
Why is acknowledging sin important (Josh. 7:19)?
From Strength for Today by John MacArthur Copyright © 1997. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
Thanks for posting.
My favorite definition of sin is “a failure to love”
It flows logically from:
Matthew 22:36–40
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Read8ng a book by Swindoll on grace which. Basically says, paraphrased, “leave them be, ie stop staying to control other people”
The idea is that they are God’s people, allow them to make their own mistakes just .ike God allowed us to make our mistakes.
So basically getting 2 different messages, ie jo athanasius confronted David, while swindoll “seems to be saying” allow God to handle them.
I know other bbible passages talk about confronting those living in gross destructive sin (and confronting ourselves too), but how are the 2 differing concepts reconciled?
You can confront them about their sin and advise them, but cannot dictate what they do, nor force them to do it.
There are several guideposts in the NT, of which the one given by Christ is Matthew 18:15-17.
Thank you I will check that out
That’s how I beleive, but swindoll seems to be saying something a little different, but I haven’t finished the book yet, so maybe he clarifies later.
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