THE INVASION OF SIN AND VICTORY THROUGH GOD
- Key Verse
- "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, . . . " (Psalm 51:3-5)
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Central Truth
We know when we sin, that it is God we have sinned against, and that He is the only one who can cleanse and forgive us.
Reflections
When David committed adultery with Bathsheba, he knew that he had wronged God and that he must, in all humility, ask for God's forgiveness.
When we sin, there is an immediate impact on our relationship with God. As believers, we know that the wrong we have committed has offended our Lord. We immediately have that gut wrenching feeling that goes deep down to the hidden parts of our souls.
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." (Psalm 51:6)
When we sin, the offense is far greater then what we realize at the moment we are committing the sin. I am always amazed how I can summarily dismiss the sin in my life and think that God won't notice. Gadzooks, denial personified! It is sin and I immediately know that it is sin. Denying my sinfulness does not make it all right. And only God can come to my rescue. We need the Lord in our lives to sustain us through the perils and consequences of our sinful actions.
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)
All that God asks is a "broken and contrite heart" (Psalm 51:17). I must have a willing spirit that will allow me to come before God and ask for forgiveness, strength and courage that sustains. This is the only acceptable sacrifice that will please God: a humble heart that looks to Him when sin invades and takes over our thoughts, words and deeds.
It is usually pride, selfishness and denial that gives sin its opportunity. Our prayers and submission to God ensure our victory over Satan and sin. When, through our faith and relationship with God through His Son, we know that God forgives us of the sins we commit, we immediately praise God, knowing that our sins have been forgiven.
"Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise." (Psalm 51:15)
Because of God's great love for us, we have been set free from sin.
Discussion Questions
1. Can you recall times that you realized that coming before God was the only way to find relief from sins you have committed?2. In what ways has God shown His mercy when you have asked for forgiveness?
3. What prevents you from experiencing God's forgiveness?
4. How can you develop an attitude of humility through a broken and contrite heart? What does that mean?
Terry Melle
May 11, 2010 06:09 AM
Joe, I know it isn't random that I'm pondering the Apostle Paul's battle with sin at the same time your Journey is posted. I experience both Pauls anguish and David's desire for a clean heart.
Chip Smith
May 11, 2010 06:31 AM
Hello Joe! You have given us a great log this morning. Thank you. This is a very important Psalm for every believer, which includes me. For like you and every believer, I "summarily dismiss the sin...and think that God won't notice." It seems like the inevitable resulting guilt would deter me, but the prayer for a clean heart and a loyal spirit is often on my lips. "Gadzooks, denial personified!" That statement made me chuckle but also stung with truth. The amount of theology packed in this Psalm, is amazing. Verse 5: "For I was born a sinner--yes, from the moment my mother conceived me." The knowledge that I have this congenital propensity to sin is the beginning of deliverance from sin. For it is God and God alone who can save me from my sinful self (verse 12). My attempts to make amends on my own do nothing to change my sinful heart (verse 16). Only when my heart is truly broken over my sin can I come before God and find forgiveness and restoration (verses 17-19). Only when I turn to Him and pray for a right heart and spirit can I rediscover the joy of my salvation (verses 7-12). Thanks again and have a great day.
Lynn P.
May 11, 2010 07:11 AM
Thank you, Joe, for sharing your keen insights. We wholeheartedly agree with your description of Gail, who always puts a bright smile on our faces! You nailed three things to avoid - pride, selfishness, denial - and three to seek - contrition, humility, willingness. Your third discussion question is so important: internalizing and living in the forgiveness that was "once, and for all". This is a meaty passage, and you gave us a lot to chew on.
Caren Flowers Hoehn
May 11, 2010 07:40 AM
Clean heart, steadfast spirit, restored joy. I love how the innermost places and hidden parts were once filled with the truths God shed light on for me, Somehow learning how to listen is always my first step. Only in His presence can I discover what's taken the place of the hidden while I'm dealing with the known! Truth and wisdom. Then we teach. Then we speak. Joy and praise result.
Tim Hawks
May 11, 2010 08:05 AM
Joe, thanks for your devotional this morning, your commitment to follow Jesus, your daily prayer life, and your leadership at HCBC. One take away I had this morning is that confession not only deals with our sin against God, it also opens up an environment of grace.
Dick Miller
May 11, 2010 11:37 AM
Joe, Good word, thanks. My sin always has residual side effects but ultimately my sin is against the Holy and Righteous God my Savior.