Description

1. Introduction: Jeffrey Johnson uses Psalm 51, written by David after his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, as a foundation to discuss repentance, forgiveness, and the nature of sin.
2. Acknowledging Our Sin: David fully acknowledges his sin against God and understands the gravity of his actions. Our sin is always before us, and it's crucial to recognize and confess it.
3. God's Character: God is merciful and loving. It is His nature to forgive, and we should approach Him with our sins because of His steadfast love.
4. Root of Sin: Sin isn't just an action; it's rooted deep within us. David recognized that he was born sinful. We all have this inherent nature.
5. Desire for Purity: David asks God to cleanse him. He wishes to be pure and free from the blemish of sin. We should desire the same purity in our lives.
6. Consequences of Sin: Sin affects our joy, our spirit, and our relationship with God. It's important to approach God with a repentant heart to restore these aspects of our lives.
7. The Necessity of Humility: Pride and self-righteousness are barriers to true repentance. Recognizing our sins and approaching God with a humble heart is the path to restoration.
8. Staying in God's Presence: David fears being cast away from God's presence. We should also fear being away from God and always seek His presence, especially when we sin.
9. Desire for Obedience: David wants the joy of God's salvation and a willing spirit to obey. We should also desire joyful obedience to God's commands.
10. Regaining Usefulness: After repentance and forgiveness, we can be useful in God's service. Our experiences, even failures, can be used to guide and help others.
11. Proper Worship: True worship comes from recognizing our unworthiness and focusing on the worthiness of Christ. Self-righteousness kills genuine worship. After recognizing our sins and experiencing God's forgiveness, we can truly worship Him with a humble heart.
12. Conclusion: Johnson emphasizes the importance of humility, recognizing our sins, and seeking God's forgiveness. Those who approach God with genuine repentance will leave forgiven, cleansed, and filled with joy.