This psalm shows us the key to a joyful Christian life.
We are sinners from birth, it is in our DNA and leads to destruction and despair.
But there is a path to joy — and that is true and regular repentance.
Tim Keller has at least six sermons on this important psalm, but I’m choosing one he gave later in life, when his congregation was more grounded in Scripture, as at least the regular participators on this blog are. He delves into the signs of genuine repentance, the key to daily victory.
Last week my granddaughters Sadie and Claire were baptized at my home with 20 family members witnessing, her Pastor Grandfather presiding, and my daughter Sally and her husband doing the “dunking.” The picture of dying to self by going under that water and rising to live for Him is such a picture of what our daily life should be. I love the joy when one comes out of the water, which is a picture of how true repentance leads to true joy.
In all of his sermons, Keller stresses genuine repentance that leads to joy.
I think of the joy I felt as a new Christian when I knew I’d been truly forgiven. How we need Him to “restore the joy of our salvation” and that can only come through true repentance.
In another sermon on Psalm 51 from Keller, he says, “If you are not filled with joy after repentance, you have not truly repented.”
Below: Sermon Link (Video and Audio) and transcript
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/reality-forgive-us-our-debts/
I do encourage you to listen or watch for he was such a gifted speaker, and then the transcript is a great reminder of what he said:
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from above? Share a time you truly repented and experienced God’s joy.
2. Share a “God Hunt” from this week.
Monday: The Text
Uriah was one of David’s mighty men who risked his life for him.
3. Read 11 Samuel 11-12 and share anything that stands out and explain why.
4, Read 1 Kings 15:5. Thoughts?
5. Read Psalm 51:1-5
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
A. In verse 1 David uses these 3 words to describe the Lord’s love that He longs to have “blot out his transgressions. Take each of them and define them:
1) Mercy
2) Unfailing love
3) Compassion
B. In verses 2-3, he uses 3 words to describe sin. Take each and define. (The Blue Letter Bible online is one good resource.)
1) Transgressions
2) Iniquity
3) Sin
In another sermon, it was eye-opening to me that transgressions, also translated trespasses, is when you know something is wrong (No Trespassing!) but do it anyway. David, in his heart, must have known this wrong but justified it somehow. This has made me think — I know overeating is wrong, I know manipulative comments are wrong, so when I do it anyhow it is the worst kind of sin — rebellion, which is as witchcraft in God’s eyes!
6. What do you think David says “against you and you only have I sinned”?
7. What does it mean that we are sinful from birth?
Tuesday: One Thing You Must Stop Doing
What if I told you that there was a process and no matter how much you blew up your life, if you used this process, there would be a way to come out the other side, to get through it, or no matter how broken your life is, if you used this process, there was a way for you to come out whole. Would you be interested? You say, “Of course I’d be interested.” Well, here it is. It’s what the Bible calls repentance. (Tim Keller)
David’s life was destroyed, but he came through. Karla Faye Tucker, high on cocaine, brutally murdered two people who were sleeping with an axe. Yet Christ transformed her. She “stole” a Bible in prison, began reading in a corner where no one would see her, and soon was weeping, on her knees, realizing how she hurt people yet sensing God’s forgiveness and love. If you haven’t read her story, do!
8. Read this section (after listening) and share what stands out and why.
9. What one thing must we stop doing?
10. Give an example from your life of when you knew in your heart something was wrong but you justified it so you could do it.
11. What was the point of the St. Augustine story?
Wednesday: The First Thing You Must Start Doing
12. What is the first thing you must stop doing according to Keller?
13. How does Psalm 51:4 illustrate this?
14. Think of a sin you truly repented of against another of against God or both. A full confession should take full responsibility without blaming another, and I think, should list the harm you brought with your sin, and a request for forgiveness. This may be hard, but try to do it as you did in the past or in the present.
15. What else stood out from this section and why?
Thursday: The Second Thing You Must Start Doing
16. Give examples of doubling in Scripture that show great emotion, as in Psalm 51:4 and other places.
17. Full renunciation. How does Keller explain the “against You and You only” since David also sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah?
18. What is always the sin beneath the sin?
19. What did Augustine come to see?
20. What was the point of Keller’s story of marital counseling?
Friday: The Power to Do It
21. What two things did Derek Kidner say we need to understand to have the power to truly repent?
22. Think of an idol that besets you. It isn’t enough to stop it, what must you trust about God? Give a specific example.
23. What does “chesed” mean to you? Why will we never be cast out of God’s presence?
24. What else stood out from this section and why?
Saturday:
25. What is your take-a-way and why?
144 comments
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from above? Share a time you truly repented and experienced God’s joy. – oh what a blessing to see your granddaughters be baptized. That had to be a special day for all of you. To repent, truly repent, will bring joy to your soul. I love this. The feeling of being freed up from guilt and shame, to know that the enemy cannot use your sins against you anymore is so life altering to me. I want to always know that I can go to the Lord and lay my burdens and sins at his feet and ask him to forgive and help me to be free from those chains. Such joy definitely can come from repentance.
2. Share a “God Hunt” from this week. – God has worked and continues to work in my grandson Logan. The change in his appearance and attitude was such a joy to see. Even today, his mom texted me and asked what we had eaten while he was here, that she saw such a change in him and could see he was so much happier she wanted to cook the things we did. Thank you Lord for your covering over Logan. Please continue to hold on to him and keep the devil away from him. He has no claim to him. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Wonderful about Logan!
Julie, rejoicing with you over the change in Logan. Praise God!
Prayers Logan continues to do well and as you prayed is protected from any enemy attack. In Jesus name.
Praise the Lord!
Praise God for his answer to prayers for Logan.
Thank you Julie for sharing about Logan…God is good!
Julie, meant to tell you last week…love the new picture!
Oh, Julie! This is huge! Praising God with you for Logan! May God continue to work in his life.
So glad to hear this Julie!
This is golden, Julie: To repent, truly repent, will bring joy to your soul. I love this. The feeling of being freed up from guilt and shame, to know that the enemy cannot use your sins against you anymore is so life altering to me.
1. What stands out to you from above? Share a time you truly repented and experienced God’s joy. I can’t think of a specific. I can sometimes choose to believe a lie about God or a lie about myself. So when I repent of those thoughts and choose truth, I am filled with an awareness of His love and tenderness.
2. Share a “God Hunt” from this week. This has been a week that I’ve struggled more than some with uncertainty about my future. This morning sermon was on Sabbath rest It touched me that He ended the sermon by referring to Psalm 23. I love how God wove the timing of the Psalm 23 study with the mention in the sermon. Then we sang a song called Good Plans. Many of the words were from Psalm 23. The recurring phrase was used He has good plans for me. A song that I needed to hear and feel and allow me free to worship.
Judy, my husband and I received some not-so-welcome news and like you, God used our study on Psalm 23 to remind me that God is our Good Shepherd and He will guide our way with love and grace.
Bing, these happenings really point to Him as our good Shepherd and how He goes before us. Prayers for strength wisdom and peace as you navigate the unwelcome news
Judy, wonderful God hunt. So thankful for the comfort and presence of the Good Shepherd in your life.
Judy I love this. It amazes me how God always ties it all together and makes us see even clearer just how much he loves us.
Thank you for sharing this, Judy. God is so present in our lives and I know He knows our future! I needed this encouragement this week!
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from above? Share a time you truly repented and experienced God’s joy.
I love the picture of your grandchildren with their grandfather and mother. What a blessing to all of you who were there. The waters look serene and lovely. You can see the joy in all of their faces!
I will share what has been most relatively recent:
On our way to the Philippines, Ruth and I had a spat navigating the international airports especially when we encountered a glitz in their internet system for entry. She was very short with me, and I was with her as well. I knew we were both tired and feeling icky in the heat, but I started thinking of not-so-good words to say to her once we got to our hotel room. But God convicted me of my impatience and my negative thoughts toward my daughter. I repented of them and asked God to help me try again. I apologized to her and she to me and we both clarified our opinions. I was amazed by how truly listening to one another helped improve our communication.
We were able to enjoy our 17-day trip with more patience and joy and help one another deal with the challenges of being in one hotel room and being in a “foreign” land where every day could have been very stressful if it were not for that one conversation. God can only be the author of true joy.
2. Share a “God Hunt” from this week.
My husband and I and our daughter, Ruth Ann attended the wedding of his nephew yesterday late afternoon. I was very touched by the message of the pastor who officiated their wedding. The verses and admonitions he had were very clear biblically without sounding judgmental or critical in any way of any of the marriages or relationships of people who were in attendance. I am thankful for this opportunity for all of us to hear the marriage vow and what the Bible has to say about biblical marriage.
Bing,
I love this story of your growing healthier relationship with Ruth due to real repentance!
Bing, you made me think of tonight, when my son and I got into a spat. We were driving a long distance in a car. I thought I should say I’m sorry, but my pride didn’t allow me to speak. Ugh. He had his headphones on and he thought I said, “I love you.” All of the sudden he said, “I love you too, but I’m still mad at you.” I didn’t fess up that I hadn’t said it first, but it did help us to carry on. Interesting how God works in our lives….
Sounds like the Lord helped you out of that one, Laura.
Yep! Haha! Maybe my God hunt for the week actually 😉
Love that Laura. The Shepherd going before you. Glad you had time at the beach.
Wow! Oh, I love this, Laura!! God is SO GOOD! 🙂 That Is a Great God Hunt!
Bing, your God Hunt was a real encouragement to me…thanks for sharing how God worked in your heart.
Love you repentance story Bing and so glad your trip was a good one.
Oh, Bing! This touched my heart! It is so easy to have our words misunderstood!! This happens to me often, as I am not sometimes very good at explaining myself….not to mention my rabbit trails! What a good reminder of my need to listen well, be patient and THINK before I respond.
1. What stands out to you from above? Share a time you truly repented and experienced God’s joy.
How sweet it is that Sadie and Claire were baptized!
For many years I have struggled with an addiction. I prayed, asking God to remove it from me. I asked for forgiveness, and apologized for being so stupid. I remember the joy I felt when I knew it was removed! I’m not perfect, and I fall back sometimes, but God. I am better than I was.
2. Share a “God Hunt” from this week.
I was able to just sit at the beach and be relaxed. Watching and listening to the waves, enjoying the kids playing all around me, and just not thinking about the day to day hardness of life was a blessing for sure.
So glad you had a time of relaxation at the beach and were able to enjoy His creation.
What a well deserved rest for sure.
So happy that you were able to have this time of peace and joy, away from the world of care, dear Laura.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from above? Share a time you truly repented and experienced God’s joy.
—The joy surrounding seeing your granddaughters baptized. The joy for you, joy for their grandfather, the joy for their parents and the joy in their very own faces. And the joy for Jesus in having them publicly declare their faith in Him to save them from their sin and raise them in new life through him.
—When I repented of doubting God’s love for me and fully understood how deeply loved that I am by Him I felt a deep sense of joy resting in that wonderful truth.
2. Share a “God Hunt” from this week.
—The other night my husband was gone for a meeting and my oldest daughter stopped over at my request to pick up something. She ended up staying and visiting at length. It was an unplanned conversation but she again shared some struggles from her upbringing in church and the hurt she experienced there. Because of some hurtful things she had shared a couple of years ago with my husband and I we had felt like we were living under her disapproval and it hampered our relationship. But our conversation the other night was helpful and we were able to affirm each other in our relationship. God is at work growing both of us and I thank Him for that.
Wow, that is progress Bev! I’m happy you had the conversation.
Bev, so good God opened the door for more conversation with your daughter. Will pray for His continued healing.
Oh Bev, what great progress and peace this must be bringing to all of you.
Love your growing relationship with your daughter. Such healing. Words are powerful and God is the Great Healer of bodies, minds and relationships. Thank you for sharing this, Bev.
Great progress, Bev. I remember how hurt you were by her words about this in the past, so glad for some clarification.
Thank you for sharing Bev, its an encouragement that even though our children can experience some hurts in the church, God can still bring healing.
Uriah was one of David’s mighty men who risked his life for him.
3. Read 11 Samuel 11-12 and share anything that stands out and explain why.
I’m assuming you mean 2 Samuel 11:11-12?
David is trying to manipulate the situation. He sinned and now he is trying to get out of it. He doesn’t want to admit or face the fact that he did wrong.
4, Read 1 Kings 15:5. Thoughts?
David was chosen by God and God loved him. David wasn’t perfect. David did wrong, and God loved him anyway. Wow.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from above?
Enjoyed the pictures of your granddaughters baptism…so special!
Share a time you truly repented and experienced God’s joy.
Recently the Lord has revealed an ugly sin in my life that I’ve been justifying and it wasn’t til I repented, asked for forgiveness both from God and the person I hurt that I felt peace.
2. Share a “God Hunt” from this week.
This quote from Tim Keller helped me stop justifying my recent sin and repent…
“Let me be the first to admit my fault, and to repent quickly, without grudging, without excuses, without bitterness, knowing that repentance is a path through grief to greater joy.”
Thank You Lord.
Love your post Sharon. What peace we can receive with repentance.
Beautiful God hunt, Sharon! Amen to loving this great Keller quote! Truth!
Monday: The Text
Uriah was one of David’s mighty men who risked his life for him.
3. Read 11 Samuel 11-12 and share anything that stands out and explain why.
What has always stood out to me in this story is found in the first verse of chapter 11…”In the spring of the year, (when kings normally go out to war), David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, (David stayed behind) in Jerusalem.” David wasn’t doing what kings normally do and he stayed behind and by doing so gave an opening to sin. He was being lazy and selfish. I know this to be true in my life when I want to do what I want to rather than being about the Lord’s business, being in His will. The other thing is how David then tried to cover up his sins…manipulate circumstances to his advantage but it backfired…again, so true in my life.
4, Read 1 Kings 15:5. Thoughts?
Wow! It’s heartbreaking but yet through his repentant heart God forgave him. God still loved him. Romans 8:1,2 “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”
Great insight in your answer to #3. I missed that completely.
Amen to Julie! Thank you, Sharon! This is me, too!: I know this to be true in my life when I want to do what I want to rather than being about the Lord’s business, being in His will. The other thing is how David then tried to cover up his sins…manipulate circumstances to his advantage but it backfired…again, so true in my life.
Monday: The Text
3. Read 11 Samuel 11-12 and share anything that stands out and explain why. – David had no regard for others, being King he thought he could do whatever he wanted to do and not have to worry. He was deceitful, killing a man that was obedient and fighting for David. He took what was not his to take and used Bathsheba for his own pleasure. He didn’t even think what he had done was wrong when Nathan approached him on God’s behalf. He was ready to have more die because of their selfishness when all along it was him who sinned. But God stepped in and showed David grace and mercy. God saw into the heart of David and saw his true and deep repentance for what he had done. Reading these chapters again brings me hope. They help me to see that though we mess up and mess up bad, God will still be with us. Our consequences will still have to be dealt with, but God will never leave us. He will show is love, grace and mercy with His discipline due to our own actions. We are free to choose what we do, how we act, and what we say, but God wants us to choose life through him and free from any unnecessary hard consequences.
4, Read 1 Kings 15:5. Thoughts? – David learned a hard lessen in obeying and following God. God could have easily taken him out, but instead he made the consequence of his actions one that he would never forget. So much so, that David followed God in a whole different way. One that honored God and not himself.
5. Read Psalm 51:1-5
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight;so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
A. In verse 1 David uses these 3 words to describe the Lord’s love that He longs to have “blot out his transgressions. Take each of them and define them:
1) Mercy – This is from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion. God is so full of mercy. I wonder if he looks at us and shakes his head and thinks, oh my again. I know I wonder that about him for me and my stubbornness.
2) Unfailing love – Unconditional love by God even when we have sinned. His love never ends. It’s a continuous love by Him as we walk and mature in His ways.
3) Compassion – From Merrimack-Webster Dictionary: sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it. God is so compassionate. He knows what we are feeling, he created our emotions and put His own son through a life that only led to a terrible death. If any one knows hurt and pain, it would be God. He lifts us up when we are hurting and carries our burdens with him. He gives us what we need to live a life of peace, but also allows us our actions and will walk with us when we stray and bring us back to him.
B. In verses 2-3, he uses 3 words to describe sin. Take each and define. (The Blue Letter Bible online is one good resource.)
1) Transgressions – Our wrong doings against laws set in place which lead to sins.
2) Iniquity – My bad actions, attitudes and thoughts. Anything I do that goes against what God’s Word says.
3) Sin – Wrong doing against what you know in your heart is against God’s Word. Affects other people and not just yourself.
In another sermon, it was eye-opening to me that transgressions, also translated trespasses, is when you know something is wrong (No Trespassing!) but do it anyway. David, in his heart, must have known this wrong but justified it somehow. This has made me think — I know overeating is wrong, I know manipulative comments are wrong, so when I do it anyhow it is the worst kind of sin — rebellion, which is as witchcraft in God’s eyes! – Oh this is good. Such a great simpler example and word picture.
6. What do you think David says “against you and you only have I sinned”? – I think David deep down knew what he was doing was wrong, but he used his power to override his mind to think it was ok. It was against God and His laws set in place that David disregarded. What comes to mind with this is that others don’t really care if you sin or not, but God does and it hurts Him deeply when we take Him and His Word lightly.
7. What does it mean that we are sinful from birth? – Because of the sinful world we are born into we ourselves are sinners. We have to choose who we follow and how we will live our lives. God lets us have choices, but he gives us every chance in the world to live a life that pleases and honors him. We just need to see that and grab it.
Interesting how Webster defines compassion and include a desire to alleviate that pain
1. What stands out to you from above? What joy it must have been for you to witness the baptism of your granddaughters. A thing that most of us pray for since before they’re born. Share a time you truly repented and experienced God’s joy. When I was having difficulties with some of my co-workers. I started treating them with disdain, distancing myself from them, lots of passive/aggressive behavior. When I began to be convicted that this is the exact opposite of how God wants me to react and respond. I repented and although the damage was done in some of these relationships , I experienced joy just knowing that I was pleasing Him.
2. Share a “God Hunt” from this week. I have been reminded of God’s blessings this week, camping with family, celebrating birthdays and spending time with my newest granddaughter.
Monday-continued…
5. Read Psalm 51:1-5
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight;so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
A. In verse 1 David uses these 3 words to describe the Lord’s love that He longs to have “blot out his transgressions. Take each of them and define them:
1) Mercy – Not getting what one deserves. To bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior (Strongs). Denotes God’s loving assistance to the pitiful (David Guzik commentary).
2) Unfailing love – Lovingkindness, faithfulness. Points to the continuing operation of this mercy (David Guzik).
3) Compassion – Tender love. Teaches that God feels for our infirmities (Boice).
B. In verses 2-3, he uses 3 words to describe sin. Take each and define. (The Blue Letter Bible online is one good resource.)
1) Transgressions – Rebellion. Crossing a boundary
2) Iniquity – A depraved action or perversion.
3) Sin – Falling short or missing the mark.
6. What do you think David says “against you and you only have I sinned”?
I’ve already listened to Keller’s sermon and found the answer to this interesting.
7. What does it mean that we are sinful from birth?
We’re born with a sin nature.
Great definitions GUBA child! (Growing Up Born Again)
😊. That book is so spot on it’s scary!
3. Read 11 Samuel 11-12 and share anything that stands out and explain why. I think what has been pointed out to me in sermons in the spring at the time kings go off to war..David remained in Jerusalem. Why? For whatever reason David didn’t go and the trouble that ensued after that. Other thing is the nobility of Uriah compared to David and that David had Uriah unknowingly carry his own death sentence. Why. David is referred to as a man after God’s own heart. What grace the Father gives us.
4, Read 1 Kings 15:5. Thoughts? One serious slip up can wreak lots of heartache and wreckage. David didn’t go into hiding or shame from God or didn’t continue in rebellious ways. He repented and got right and stayed right with God.
5. Read Psalm 51:1-5 A. In verse 1 David uses these 3 words to describe the Lord’s love that He longs to have “blot out his transgressions. Take each of them and define them:
1) Mercy David didn’t get what he could have received which was death for the adultery.
2) Unfailing love never ending unstoppable love
3) Compassion God saw through the lens of understanding human frailty and didn’t condemn David or remove him from power.
B. In verses 2-3, he uses 3 words to describe sin. Take each and define. (The Blue Letter Bible online is one good resource.)
1) transgressions rebellion, sin, a revolt, trespass
2) Iniquity perversity, depravity, evil, sin
3) Sin an offense and it’s penalty
In another sermon, it was eye-opening to me that transgressions, also translated trespasses, is when you know something is wrong (No Trespassing!) but do it anyway. David, in his heart, must have known this wrong but justified it somehow. This has made me think — I know overeating is wrong, I know manipulative comments are wrong, so when I do it anyhow it is the worst kind of sin — rebellion, which is as witchcraft in God’s eyes!
6. What do you think David says “against you and you only have I sinned”? Always found this a little confusing when you think of the whole circumstance, but I guess it’s that God had set the commandments and David as king should have obeyed them.
7. What does it mean that we are sinful from birth? I have a sin “me” first nature from the time I was birthed.
Keller’s interpretation of against you and you only is helpful — I’ll be interested in what you think, Judy.
Monday: The Text
Uriah was one of David’s mighty men who risked his life for him.
3. Read 11 Samuel 11-12 and share anything that stands out and explain why.
—Dee, You ask a hard question as to what stands out when there are 2 full chapters of significant events to read about. A lot stands out! 😊
One thing I had never tuned into was that Uriah wasn’t the only soldier who died in the battle against the Ammonites. Several other Israelite soldiers died as well. That made David guilty of more than one murder and in his sinful state of mind he sounded heartless. His attitude seemed to be “Oh well, men are just going to die in battles.”
I have observed over the years that power has a very corrupting influence on men in particular and it is a rare man who can remain faithful and true when he attains to a great measure of it. What David did was truly an abuse of power.
4, Read 1 Kings 15:5. Thoughts?
—David was teachable. That is an incredibly important characteristic for anyone who will change and grow. It requires humility and admitting their need which influences their choices. David adjusted his life after his confession and reconciliation with God. Obedience to God became his practice for the rest of his life.
5. Read Psalm 51:1-5
1 Have mercy on me, O God,according to your unfailing love;according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.5 Surely I was sinful at birth,sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
A. In verse 1 David uses these 3 words to describe the Lord’s love that He longs to have “blot out his transgressions. Take each of them and define them:
1) Mercy
—mercy is compassion and forgiveness shown to someone in need of it.
2) Unfailing love
—love that just never ever will stop or go away.
3) Compassion
—a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
B. In verses 2-3, he uses 3 words to describe sin. Take each and define. (The Blue Letter Bible online is one good resource.)
1) Transgressions
—an act, process, or instance of transgressing: such as
infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty
A breach.
2) Iniquity
—Gross immorality or injustice; wickedness.
A grossly immoral act; a sin.
Similar word – Unrighteousness
3) Sin
—Sin is a riddle, a mystery, a reality that eludes definition and comprehension. Perhaps we most often think of sin as wrongdoing or transgression of God’s law. Sin includes a failure to do what is right. But sin also offends people; it is violence and lovelessness toward other people, and ultimately, rebellion against God. Further, the Bible teaches that sin involves a condition in which the heart is corrupted and inclined toward evil. The concept of sin is complex, and the terminology large and varied.
From Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology.
6. What do you think David says “against you and you only have I sinned”?
—Because in the end of things that’s always true of sin.
The heart of sin is pride and rebellion against God and his perfect ways.
7. What does it mean that we are sinful from birth?
—We are born with a fleshly sinful nature. We are all fleshly descendants of Adam and Eve who sinned and it has passed down to all of mankind since then. That is why Jesus had to become flesh in the form of a man to be the perfect atonement for our inherited sin.
“Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people” (Romans 5:12).
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:12-14 ESV
Great notes. Not sure why you had to wait to be approved for a few comments — mystery — maybe you were on a difference device. Sorry for the wait.
Monday 2 Samuel 11,12
3. what stands out and why: I actually started with chapter 10 which set the stage for all this warfare. I marveled anew at the conniving of David trying to cover up his adultery. Uriah, being a man of honor, refused to partake of any luxuries when David called him back to Jerusalem. Even after drinking heavily, his sense of integrity kept him from visiting his wife. I was struck by the complicity of Joab in the murder of Uriah. I hadn’t really focused on that before. Joab must have known it was wrong, but he “followed orders,” and more men than Uriah died. David’s comment, 11:25, “…the sword devours one as well as another..” No remorse at all, he thought he was safe.
4. 1 K 15:5 God looked at David’s entire life, not just his adultery and murder (of which her repented). In our human nature, I think we are prone to focus on a person’s sinful actions that can eclipse anything else.
5. Psalm 51:1-5
A. mercy – judgement granting what is NOT deserved, usually a pardon Unfailing love – Love that is not hindered or stopped by any action compassion – Sharing/entering in to the feelings or circumstances of someone else.
B. transgression – rebellion iniquity – guilt sin – condition/guilt of sin
6. “against you and you only..” It was David’s rebellion against God that led to all of his actions. That was the root cause.
7. “sinful from birth” We are ALL born with a sinful nature; we cannot escape that, because we are human, the descendants of sinful Adam and Eve.
I agree, Cheryl. He certainly did connive. What amazes me is how he could justify it in his own eyes until Nathan came.
I sensed this too, but oh what hope it brings to me. To know that all my messes can be forgiven by God when I deeply repent.
Monday: The Text
Uriah was one of David’s mighty men who risked his life for him.
3. Read 11 Samuel 11-12 and share anything that stands out and explain why.
—Dee, You ask a hard question as to what stands out when there are 2 full chapters of significant events to read about. A lot stands out! 😊
One thing I had never tuned into was that Uriah wasn’t the only soldier who died in the battle against the Ammonites. Several other Israelite soldiers died as well. That made David guilty of more than one murder and in his sinful state of mind he sounded heartless. His attitude seemed to be “Oh well, men are just going to die in battles.”
I have observed over the years that power has a very corrupting influence on men in particular and it is a rare man who can remain faithful and true when he attains to a great measure of it. What David did was truly an abuse of power.
4, Read 1 Kings 15:5. Thoughts?
—David was teachable. That is an incredibly important characteristic for anyone who will change and grow. It requires humility and admitting their need which influences their choices. David adjusted his life after his confession and reconciliation with God. Obedience to God became his practice for the rest of his life.
5. Read Psalm 51:1-5
1 Have mercy on me, O God,according to your unfailing love;according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.5 Surely I was sinful at birth,sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
A. In verse 1 David uses these 3 words to describe the Lord’s love that He longs to have “blot out his transgressions. Take each of them and define them:
1) Mercy
—mercy is compassion and forgiveness shown to someone in need of it.
2) Unfailing love
—love that just never ever will stop or go away.
3) Compassion
—a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
B. In verses 2-3, he uses 3 words to describe sin. Take each and define. (The Blue Letter Bible online is one good resource.)
1) Transgressions
—an act, process, or instance of transgressing: such as
infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty
A breach.
2) Iniquity
—Gross immorality or injustice; wickedness.
A grossly immoral act; a sin.
Similar word – Unrighteousness
3) Sin
—Sin is a riddle, a mystery, a reality that eludes definition and comprehension. Perhaps we most often think of sin as wrongdoing or transgression of God’s law. Sin includes a failure to do what is right. But sin also offends people; it is violence and lovelessness toward other people, and ultimately, rebellion against God. Further, the Bible teaches that sin involves a condition in which the heart is corrupted and inclined toward evil. The concept of sin is complex, and the terminology large and varied.
From Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology.
6. What do you think David says “against you and you only have I sinned”?
—Because in the end of things that’s always true of sin.
The heart of sin is pride and rebellion against God and his perfect ways.
7. What does it mean that we are sinful from birth?
—We are born with a fleshly sinful nature. We are all fleshly descendants of Adam and Eve who sinned and it has passed down to all of mankind since then. That is why Jesus had to become flesh in the form of a man to be the perfect atonement for our inherited sin.
“Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people” (Romans 5:12).
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:12-14 ESV
Tuesday: One Thing You Must Stop Doing
What if I told you that there was a process and no matter how much you blew up your life, if you used this process, there would be a way to come out the other side, to get through it, or no matter how broken your life is, if you used this process, there was a way for you to come out whole. Would you be interested? You say, “Of course I’d be interested.” Well, here it is. It’s what the Bible calls repentance. (Tim Keller)
8. Read this section (after listening) and share what stands out and why.
9. What one thing must we stop doing?
10. Give an example from your life of when you knew in your heart something was wrong but you justified it so you could do it.
11. What was the point of the St. Augustine story?
I am posting here to see if I was able to change my avatar. I know it has been at least 5 years. Julie, Since you changed your picture every time I see it you look a great deal like a sweet friend of mine and it always makes me smile. 😊
Ok looks like it worked. 😊
Yes, it did work…love the new picture!
Love your new picture, Bev.
Very nice!
Bev, I love this picture of you. It took me quite a while to figure out how to change my picture. But this is the most recent of me now. Don’t know how old the other one was. YIKES!
Love your new picture, Bev!!
5A. In verse 1 David uses these 3 words to describe the Lord’s love that He longs to have “blot out his transgressions. Take each of them and define them:
1) Mercy – (from Merriam-Webster) compassion or forbearance (see FORBEARANCE sense 1) shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power, also: lenient or compassionate treatment begged for mercy
2) Unfailing love – inexhaustible love
3) Compassion – sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it
B. In verses 2-3, he uses 3 words to describe sin. Take each and define. (The Blue Letter Bible online is one good resource.)
I couldn’t figure out how to use the BLB to find definitions…
1) Transgressions – (Merriam- Webster) infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty
2) Iniquity – (Merriam- Webster) gross injustice : WICKEDNESS
3) Sin – (Merriam- Webster) an offense against religious or moral law
In another sermon, it was eye-opening to me that transgressions, also translated trespasses, is when you know something is wrong (No Trespassing!) but do it anyway. David, in his heart, must have known this wrong but justified it somehow. This has made me think — I know overeating is wrong, I know manipulative comments are wrong, so when I do it anyhow it is the worst kind of sin — rebellion, which is as witchcraft in God’s eyes!
6. What do you think David says “against you and you only have I sinned”?
Maybe because God holds the “standard” for us and He expects us to meet that standard? David failed when he broke one of the Ten Commandments by having Uriah killed.
7. What does it mean that we are sinful from birth?
Just being born into this world means we have no chance to be perfect because only God is perfection. We are born sinners.
3. Read 11 Samuel 11-12 and share anything that stands out and explain why. The integrity that Uriah had was incredible. Most people (even military personnel) wouldn’t turn down the chance for some R & R.
4, Read 1 Kings 15:5. Thoughts? There was no mention of his sin with Bathsheba, unless it was considered part of the “…matter of Uriah the Hittite.” This was the one sin that David committed that was premeditated, totally for David’s benefit and Uriah paid the price. I’m sure that it wasn’t the only sin that David committed, but it was the one in which he turned away from God.
5. Read Psalm 51:1-5
A. In verse 1 David uses these 3 words to describe the Lord’s love that He longs to have “blot out his transgressions”. Take each of them and define them:
1) Mercy – Not getting the punishment that we deserve.
2) Unfailing love – A love that will never waiver no matter what a person does.
3) Compassion – Sympathy, understanding, pity.
B. In verses 2-3, he uses 3 words to describe sin. Take each and define. (The Blue Letter Bible online is one good resource.)
1) Transgressions – A violation of a law, principle, or duty
2) Iniquity – Unrighteousness, wickedness
3) Sin – Wrongdoing, rebellion against God
6. What do you think David says “against you and you only have I sinned”? All sin is ultimately a rebellion against God
7. What does it mean that we are sinful from birth? We are all born with sin nature. It’s universal and unavoidable.
Tuesday: One Thing You Must Stop Doing
8. Read this section (after listening) and share what stands out and why. – Well this section is very convicting. I have things in my life that I know are wrong, but I can’t seem to change. WOW. This is true. I ask over and over why Lord. I need to really see deep down that what I’m doing wrong, even if it’s a very small thing, it’s still wrong, it’s still a sin and I’m hurting God each time. Deep down repentance is my only hope to free me from these sins.
9. What one thing must we stop doing? – We need to stop being in denial that we would do anything wrong.
10. Give an example from your life of when you knew in your heart something was wrong but you justified it so you could do it. – Before I married my now husband, I justified that it was ok for him to spend the night because we were older. Though in another breath I was saying it was wrong for people to live together, but we weren’t doing that so what was the harm. Well, my oldest son got sick while spending the night at a friends and came home early and confronted me about it and brought out exactly what I was saying to him was wrong and he said how are you any better. That convicted me deep down and we stopped. It was a hard lessen to hear your son pointing out your sin and making me aware that what I was doing was no better than people living together.
11. What was the point of the St. Augustine story? – He did it because he wanted to. There was no other reason other than it was forbidden and he knew that. It makes me see how strong the pull of the enemy can be and we don’t even realize it until after we’ve done something wrong. Like we have blinders on and someone has taken over our body. We can have a hard time admitting that the thrill or ‘excitement’ of doing something we know we shouldn’t brings a power in a sense to us that feels good, until we get caught and are confronted with what we did.
Tuesday: One Thing You Must Stop Doing
8. Read this section (after listening) and share what stands out and why.
What he read from Augustine really hit home with me. When we lived in Southern California back in the 60’s (I was about 10) when there used to be acres of orange groves, a friend and I rode our bikes to a grove and decided to steal some oranges…it was a rush to see if we could get away with it. Like Augustine not liking pears I was never crazy about oranges because peeling them was such a pain and there were so many oranges they’d never be missed. While we were picking the oranges the owner of the grove spotted us and started chasing and yelling at us. We threw the oranges down, got on our bikes and rode as fast as we could and he continued to run after us. I got to my house, jumped off my bike and ran into the house and told my Mom “the farmer man” is after me…hoping she’d think he was a bad guy😔. The owner noticed my bike in the front yard (I should have parked it in the back yard😏) and knocked on the front door. It turned out the owner (“farmer man”) went to the same church my parents attended and needless to say my Mom was horrified and embarrassed. She made me apologize to the man and tell him I would never do it again. Yes, there was a spanking that followed but even worse was my Mom’s words…”I never thought you would do such a thing as we taught you better.” I do want to say that the “farmer man” came to me at church and said he’d forgiven me and gave me a hug…that loving gesture brought me to repentance. A hard but valuable lesson.
9. What one thing must we stop doing?
We need to understand that being born with a sin nature, sinful from birth, that we need to stop denying what we’re capable of. We’re capable of a lot worse than we can admit…great cruelty, dishonesty, etc.
10. Give an example from your life of when you knew in your heart something was wrong but you justified it so you could do it.
I can be a sarcastic person and I use it to justify being cruel at times and in my mind I think I’m being nice because of the delivery…ugh!
11. What was the point of the St. Augustine story?
The capacity of what’s in someone’s heart if watered properly can become murder, no matter who you are. David saw a family resemblance between the common sins of his youth and murder.
That’s quite a story of young Sharon! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, Sharon! Truly a valuable lesson! Thank you for sharing this! What I can view as a prank, can truly be sin. This also shows the importance of godly parenting!!!
Wow! Sharon! What a story about the oranges! I grew up in Orlando and remember the rows and rows of orange trees. I never lived near the groves though. I’m so happy the farmer forgave you like that, by hugging you ♥️.
1. What stands out to you from above? Share a time you truly repented and experienced God’s joy. What stands out to me is that the fruit of repentance is joy. I will openly admit, that its hard for me to feel joy after repentance, I am not afraid to repent but I usually carry guilt and burden afterwards. Which I do hear myself, today even I repented for talking to much about something I should have stayed silent about and confidential, so I repented to both God and the person. I just end up feeling awful.
2. Share a “God Hunt” from this week. I felt so blessed when a prayer I was praying for my daughter was answered, and the Lord brought more Christian community into her life. I felt seen and heard by God.
Monday.
Uriah was one of David’s mighty men who risked his life for him.
3. Read 11 Samuel 11-12 and share anything that stands out and explain why. Man so much stands out, the callousness and how easy it seemed for David to take what he wanted, to try and cover it up, and then have Uriah killed, his statement to the messenger is telling ‘‘Do not let this matter displease you, for the sword devours now one and now another.’. Yikes like Phillip Keller talked about the perverseness of us as sheep. The other thing that stands out to me, both in the past and today, is that David’s repentance did not erase the earthly consequences of His sin. The sword never leaving his house, his son’s betrayal. Its heavy stuff.
4, Read 1 Kings 15:5. Thoughts? The consequences of his sin didn’t change God’s covenantal promises to David. Hhhmmm love that. God is faithful even when we are not.
A. In verse 1 David uses these 3 words to describe the Lord’s love that He longs to have “blot out his transgressions. Take each of them and define them:
1) Mercy: A verb, to be gracious, show favour, pity
2) Unfailing love: (Hesed) noun, goodness, kindness, faithfulness
3) Compassion: womb and compassion (compassion in the plural, by extension the womb ‘as cherishing the fetus’).
B. In verses 2-3, he uses 3 words to describe sin. Take each and define. (The Blue Letter Bible online is one good resource.)
1) Transgressions: ‘Rebellion’ against individuals, nations, God.
2) Iniquity: perversity, depravity
3) Sin; an offence
6. What do you think David says “against you and you only have I sinned”? I will be curious what others have to say to this. Nah. I don’t know.
7. What does it mean that we are sinful from birth? That we are born with a sinful nature.
That’s insight into how your heart works, Tammy. I’m going to ask God to show you more — why you don’t feel His joy and love after true repentance.
Tammy, I too have felt that way. I confessed and apologized to the person I had offended, but still felt guilt. A wise fellow believer told me not to focus on my feeling, but to accept the Lord’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and STAND in it. Feelings can be deceptive.
I agree with Cheryl. Feelings can be deceptive and the enemy of our souls will use our feelings against us. Good advice to stand in the truth of 1 John 1:9.
Tammy I get frustrated with myself when I hurt others after I apologize because I don’t understand why I did what I did, or sometimes, keep doing what I’m doing.
Tammy, I totally understand where you are coming from with the repentance thing. I don’t necessarily feel joy either. I feel more relieved that I did it. I wonder if I am not truly being “real” in my repentance? Or, maybe the joy comes at a time much later when you aren’t really thinking about the sin/repentance? I sinned horribly in college as an 18 year old. I feel blessed and joyful today 42 years later.
8. Read this section (after listening) and share what stands out and why. That David’s actions weren’t a freak accident. That capacity of betrayal, adultery and murder was always there. It was in his character, an extreme expression of the warped creature he had always been. I had never understood the depth of wickedness I have, but unfortunately with this pointed out I can remember that anger has caused me to act or say somethng unkindly.
9. What one thing must we stop doing? Stop denying to myself the wickedness I am capable of.
10. Give an example from your life of when you knew in your heart something was wrong but you justified it so you could do it. I worked next to a man who annoyed me. One day in frustration I unpleasantly mouthed off to him in front of a coworker My so called justification he had it coming. I didn’t apologize. The next morning I heard a sermon that spoke of WWII pilot helping a wounded enemy pilot safely home. Also that failure to do the right thing is sin. Tail between my legs I apologized to him in front of the other coworker.
What was the point of the St. Augustine story? That our rebellion and sin comes from a self asserting mindset that nobody can tell me what I can and cannot do. Sometimes we don’want something other than it is forbidden and it now becomes attractive. Then we start to desire it and sin to get it.
Read Judy’s story! What a great example of God coming to His child.
What a great example of humility and truth, Judy. What wisdom, humility and godliness you showed to your co-worker. I think these examples are life changing to others.
This is true and powerful: That our rebellion and sin comes from a self asserting mindset that nobody can tell me what I can and cannot do. Sometimes we don’t want something other than it is forbidden and it now becomes attractive. Then we start to desire it and sin to get it.
Judy, I so appreciate this story…your honesty in how you justified what you did, but then God placed a sermon to soften your heart. Your humility and obedience I know wasn’t easy, but God!❤️
Tuesday
8. Read this section (after listening) and share what stands out and why. As I started reading this section I thought, “What does this have to do with me, a mature believer, standing firm, a member of the Body of Christ, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, etc.” By the end of this passage I was humbled and astounded by my pride and presumption.
9. What one thing must we stop doing? “Stop denying what you are capable of. That’s the thing you must stop doing.”
10. Give an example from your life of when you knew in your heart something was wrong but you justified it so you could do it. When I was barely 18, saved by God’s grace just a few months, and engaged to be married. Having been raised by Christian parents (and Sunday school/church every week from birth), I had a good sense of right and wrong. Ignoring those values, and ignoring the Lord, I slept with my fiancée two times before we were wed. I justified it by saying “We’re engaged and I’ve started taking birth control pills. We’ll be married soon anyway.” That sin went unconfessed for 17 years, by which time I had hardened my heart and had an ugly root of bitterness. It was at a ladies bible conference when I came face to face with myself, and thru tears and confession/repentance my heart was softened. I’m happy to tell you we celebrated our 50th anniversary last January.
11. What was the point of the St. Augustine story? Augustine stole the pears for the pleasure of doing something forbidden. I’m reminded of Romans 1:32.
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Thanks for vulnerably sharing that story. Sin is surely not our friend.
Wednesday: The First Thing You Must Start Doing
12. What is the first thing you must start doing according to Keller?
We must have a full clean confession without excuses, no blame shifting and take full responsibility.
13. How does Psalm 51:4 illustrate this?
In the latter part of the verse he says, “I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what You say, and Your judgement against me is just.”
You don’t see David making any excuses for his sin and takes full responsibility in the fact that God’s judgement is just, He will be proved right. David also comes right out and calls it what it is…I have done evil in Your sight. Not, that I have made a mistake or so and so deserved it, or I was tired…and the list could go on.
14. Think of a sin you truly repented of against another or against God or both. A full confession should take full responsibility without blaming another, and I think, should list the harm you brought with your sin, and a request for forgiveness. This may be hard, but try to do it as you did in the past or in the present.
In taking care of my grandson I was being short and easily angered by his behavior and God brought to my attention my behavior and and how would my grandson see Christ in me with the way I was reacting. Also, I could see the hurt and anger I was stirring up in my grandson. I took him aside and apologized for being short with him and said there was no excuse for what I said and how I hurt him and asked him to please forgive me.
15. What else stood out from this section and why?
I liked Keller’s example of what happened when he didn’t pick up the whole weight of the log and compared it to not picking up the whole weight of our sin and taking full responsibility. Just as he was the cause of that log falling back on his feet, nothing else, we are the cause of our sin and we need to own it .
”Only when you take full responsibility without blame shifting, without minimizing, without relativizing in any of those ways, when you confess, does it come off.”
Great example with your grandson.
Oh, Sharon! What a wonderful grandmother you are! I had one of those big apology moments with my daughter a month ago and I felt so horrible. I was being so edgy. It was truly healing for both of us and I was in the wrong.
Tuesday: One Thing You Must Stop Doing
What if I told you that there was a process and no matter how much you blew up your life, if you used this process, there would be a way to come out the other side, to get through it, or no matter how broken your life is, if you used this process, there was a way for you to come out whole. Would you be interested? You say, “Of course I’d be interested.” Well, here it is. It’s what the Bible calls repentance. (Tim Keller)
8. Read this section (after listening) and share what stands out and why.
—The truth that I am inherently sinful and I was born that way. I have in this flesh always been a sinner. My sins are not random acts of rebellion or self serving, ways of living. As Dee said in the opening of this lesson “We are sinners from birth, it is in our DNA…”
I think it is very important to come to grips with the truth of that reality in order for me to truly understand the perfect sacrifice of Jesus and what he really accomplished on the Cross.
9. What one thing must we stop doing?
—Being in denial. I have to stop being in denial about my capacity to sin. I am capable of a lot worse sin than I can admit.
10. Give an example from your life of when you knew in your heart something was wrong but you justified it so you could do it.
—Lying to my parents as a teenager because I was afraid of the consequences that would come from my disobedience if they knew the truth of where I had been.
11. What was the point of the St. Augustine story?
—Basically deep down in the bottom of my heart there is this self assertion and need to say “Nobody tells me how to live my life.” We actually want the thing that is forbidden.
Wednesday: The First Thing You Must Start Doing
12. What is the first thing you must stop doing according to Keller? Take full responsibility for your actions (would also add, for your thoughts) when making a confession of repentance.
13. How does Psalm 51:4 illustrate this? “Against you, and you only, have I sinned..” David goes back to the root of his sin, his own choice to rebel against God. He makes no excuses for his behavior.
14. Think of a sin you truly repented of against another of against God or both. A full confession should take full responsibility without blaming another, and I think, should list the harm you brought with your sin, and a request for forgiveness. This may be hard, but try to do it as you did in the past or in the present. I go back to my previous comment about my sin at the age of 18, unmarried intimacy. I placed the blame on my fiancée, telling myself that HE seduced ME. As I poured out my heart to the Lord (17 years later) in repentance, I accepted the responsibility that I had made no objection to the sinful behavior. There was no seduction, no persuasion, I made a choice.
1. What stands out to you from above? Share a time you truly repented and experienced God’s joy.
The picture of Sadie and Claire is such a wonderful example of the Joy of the Lord! It is so lovely to see them giving their future days and choices to Jesus.
How we need Him to “restore the joy of our salvation” and that can only come through true repentance. This phrase stands out to me because of its deep truth!
This is an ongoing commitment for me daily!! I am a sinner and I have strayed from the Lord’s will in my life in not looking to His will for me first. I have repented for wanting things that were earthly and foolish; I have had my values on things of self, instead of things of Him. The realization that even subtle sins are truly sins against Him, is something that has awakened my soul as I have aged. My insecurities, my sins of worry, fear and distrusting God and thinking I knew better what I needed than He knew….(I don’t think I thought this “out loud”, but in my soul of earthly desires….) As I have grown in His love, and look back and see how He made all my mistakes stepping stones to my trusting in Him alone, as nothing else can satisfy my soul. I am so grateful for my parents, Christian friends, and most of all God’s WORD becoming “electric” in my heart. I see the difference that “iron sharpening iron” makes in my personal outlook and choices, daily. Every thought, every word, needs to be filtered through Him.
2. Share a “God Hunt” from this week:
About 18 months ago, a sweet former student from our school, died suddenly of a brain aneurism at the age of 24. I knew and adored her, but did not know her family. She was a twin and she had an older sister. I could not attend her service in person, due to my husband’s dementia, but watched the livestream and sent a note to her family. In the days after this, I also sent some messages to her mom, Kemi, over messenger on Facebook. After my husband died, Kemi wrote a beautiful message to me. We started messaging each other in short prayers, almost daily. She has been a huge encouragement to me. They had moved out of this area, to Texas, so I never met her in person. Last week she messaged me that she was coming to town and we met for coffee. It was life changing for me. We hugged each other so tightly when we met and we talked for three hours non-stop. She and her family are from Nigeria and her faith and view of God is so immense that I felt like I had visited with an angel!! It was like the curtain to heaven was pulled back for a minute and it was pure joy in my soul. Thank you Jesus!
Oh, Patti! What a special God Hunt to have met with your friend, Kemi! I am sure she was blessed by your time together. You are a Barnabas (Barnabette, my version) by heart!
Loved this Patti He made all my mistakes stepping stones to my trusting in Him alone, as nothing else can satisfy my soul. And your God hunt is amazing. I love how God puts those we need in our lives just at the right time. He’s so awesome.
Oh Patti, What a beautiful gift from God in letting you and Kemi get together and form a wonderful bond in Him. His ways are amazing. 💕
Oh Patti — how wonderful that God would give you and Kemi to one another.
Patti, such a beautiful God hunt. Isaiah 6l:3 kept coming to my mind as I read it…To those who mourn, He gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning…”. You were a comfort to one another which brought about a sweet friendship in Him.
Wow! Such a sweet story ♥️
Wednesday: The First Thing You Must Start Doing
12. What is the first thing you must stop doing according to Keller? – I think this should be what do we start doing, but we need to stop being in denial that we can’t sin. And we must start repenting. You must have a full clean confession of sin without blame shifting. We must accept our part in the wrong doing. We must take on the whole part of the sin in order to be free from it all.
13. How does Psalm 51:4 illustrate this? – It shows it by the word ‘I’. He’s not blaming anyone else but himself. His circumstance are left out. He’s making the point that he chose to do evil and sin.
14. Think of a sin you truly repented of against another of against God or both. A full confession should take full responsibility without blaming another, and I think, should list the harm you brought with your sin, and a request for forgiveness. This may be hard, but try to do it as you did in the past or in the present. – Back when I was working, I was the one that trained any new staff that came in to our department. I approached a lady who was relying heavily on another co-worker who was going to retire. I said I was concerned that she was letting this other lady do her work and help her and that she needed to understand her job and be able to handle the work load on her own. I thought I had said it in a nice way, but afterwards I could tell our relationship had been strained. I thought about it, and thought I would just leave it alone, but it kept bothering me that she was ignoring me and looked upset. I went to her and asked her if I had done something wrong and she told me that what I had said was hurtful and that I had accused her of not knowing her job. I apologized and told her that I was sorry and did not mean to upset her, that, that was not my intent at all. I told her I knew she could do the job and I wanted her to feel comfortable with the work load and not be stressed out when the other lady retired.
15. What else stood out from this section and why? – I liked his analogy of the log. I need to make sure I have the whole sin, the reason, the consequences and the outcome all together and owning it when I come completely to God and deeply repent. If I don’t have this, if I blame shift or feel sorry for myself in why I did something, my repentance is just me complaining. If I did it, I have to own it and pay the price of the consequences that come with it.
Monday: The Text
Uriah was one of David’s mighty men who risked his life for him.
1. Read 11 Samuel 11-12 and share anything that stands out and explain why.
“Oh, be careful little eyes what you see”, as one song goes. David should have been with his men, doing his responsibility as a king. A moment of weakness that led to covetousness, adultery, and murder.
4, Read 1 Kings 15:5. Thoughts?
I am always struck by this account. How David was praised for being a man after God’s heart but with one exception. We reap the consequences of our sins but are greatly loved by God and can be redeemed.
5. Read Psalm 51:1-5
A. In verse 1 David uses these 3 words to describe the Lord’s love that He longs to have “blot out his transgressions. Take each of them and define them:
1) Mercy Love undeserved
2) Unfailing love Love without limits
3) Compassion Love not only in words but in action
In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7
B. In verses 2-3, he uses 3 words to describe sin. Take each and define. (The Blue Letter Bible online is one good resource.)
1) Transgressions a going aside; overstepping
2) Iniquity lawlessness, wickedness
3) Sin lawlessness; is any lack of conformity to the character of God as is revealed in the living and written word.
6. What do you think David says “against you and you only have I sinned”?
Any sin is first a sin against God and all other relationships follow suit.
7. What does it mean that we are sinful from birth?
I am not sure if I have the words to explain it but our first Adam is the head of humanity along with Eve. He was given the responsibility to be head over his wife but allowed her to eat the fruit that God forbade them to eat. Sin entered the world after that and we “inherited” it at birth. I am a sinner at birth. Only God’s provision of a second Adam, who is Jesus, took away the penalty of all sins.
Helpful definitions!
Bing, that song…”O Be Careful Little Eyes,” brought back a flood of memories! The part of that song that always stood out to me was…”For the Father up above is looking down in love,” as I knew God saw everything but not that He would zap me if I did something wrong but because He loved me and wanted what was best for me. He didn’t want sin to come between our relationship. Thank you for the reminder of that rich little song.
Tuesday: One Thing You Must Stop Doing
What if I told you that there was a process and no matter how much you blew up your life, if you used this process, there would be a way to come out the other side, to get through it, or no matter how broken your life is, if you used this process, there was a way for you to come out whole. Would you be interested? You say, “Of course I’d be interested.” Well, here it is. It’s what the Bible calls repentance. (Tim Keller)
David’s life was destroyed, but he came through. Karla Faye Tucker, high on cocaine, brutally murdered two people who were sleeping with an axe. Yet Christ transformed her. She “stole” a Bible in prison, began reading in a corner where no one would see her, and soon was weeping, on her knees, realizing how she hurt people yet sensing God’s forgiveness and love. If you haven’t read her story, do!
. Read this section (after listening) and share what stands out and why.
9. What one thing must we stop doing?
Stop denying that I am a sinner. That I am bad and wickedness in me.
10. Give an example from your life of when you knew in your heart something was wrong but you justified it so you could do it.
When I was in nursing school, one of our teachers had us debate on the pros and cons of abortion/women’s rights. I was in the pro-abortion group. I remember debating passionately about women’s rights to their bodies even though I knew it was wrong. I was also a professing Christian then. I wanted to prove I could argue and win. Our group did win. I don’t even remember my arguments, but I knew my counselor was deeply concerned about it and called me to her office! The experience was a blur now, but I remember that sense of thrill I felt because we won. Ugh! It was according to my sinful character. I don’t know what came to me; although I realized many years later, it was the innate sin of self-rule.
11. What was the point of the St. Augustine story?
There is, in all of us, an inherent joy in doing what is forbidden. A desire to self-rule.
What a terrible question to debate! I am conflicted about a son-in-law who are argues for those he know is guilt as a pro bono defender — he says everyone deserves a fair trial, yet is that right before God I would think it would be right to recluse yourself.
This is so hard. I’ve always wondered myself how an attorney can defend those that they know without a doubt are guilty.
Funny you are talking about this! I changed my major in college from political science/pre-law to geology (2.5 years into the degree) because I didn’t think I could represent someone who I knew was lying to me….
OH, Bing! I cannot imagine. I agree with the others, I could never be an attorney.
12. What is the first thing you must stop doing according to Keller? Stop denying what I am capable of.
13. How does Psalm 51:4 illustrate this? I must recognize from birth that in a horrible set of circumstances I am capable of any sin. God is justified in judging me guilty because of my bent towards sin.
14. Think of a sin you truly repented of against another of against God or both. A full confession should take full responsibility without blaming another, and I think, should list the harm you brought with your sin, and a request for forgiveness. This may be hard, but try to do it as you did in the past or in the present. My mom was a very independent brave woman. She passed 2 months shy of her 100th birthday and all but the last 2 months lived independently. At times overseeing my Mom’s care was challenging for me and shamefully I raised my voice to her more than once. I sought counseling because of my frustration, my response to her and my shame. I asked God to forgive me because there is no excuse for getting angry with my mom. I asked forgiveness from her but she brushed it aside as unnecessary. After that God gave me a new tenderness towards her, to look at her through eyes of trying to understand her daily struggles to live and try to function on her own. 15. What else stood out from this section and why? Taking full responsibility for my sin and not trying to rationalize or defend my behavior. Sin is sin. God has given us the Holy Spirit and scripture says that when I am tempted God will provide a way of escape.
How I love your heart, Judy. Your mom knew.
Your mother was so gracious, Judy. She did not take offense at your behavior, but showed love and kindness at your repentance. How lovely of God to grant you those special moments with your mother before she went home to Him.
8. Read this section (after listening) and share what stands out and why.
It’s hard to digest that we are all born to sin. It hurts.
9. What one thing must we stop doing?
We need to admit that we are capable of awful sins. We are sinners.
10. Give an example from your life of when you knew in your heart something was wrong but you justified it so you could do it.
Probably taking off work without “permission” to go skiing 😜. I needed a vacation but I hadn’t been at my job a year (that’s when you were allowed to take vacation; after 1 year).
11. What was the point of the St. Augustine story?
It was the thrill of the event that was why he did it. He didn’t care about the pears, just the idea of doing it. People are just born sinning from the go.
12. What is the first thing you must stop doing according to Keller? Stop denying what you’re capable of. What we need to start doing is repenting.
13. How does Psalm 51:4 illustrate this? It says that against God alone have we sinned. All sin is a rebellion against God and He is right to hold us accountable.
14. Think of a sin you truly repented of against another of against God or both. A full confession should take full responsibility without blaming another, and I think, should list the harm you brought with your sin, and a request for forgiveness. This may be hard, but try to do it as you did in the past or in the present. I was in a group meeting where I used to work and one of my co-workers had a report in his hand. I asked him for some information from the report and he ignored me. After I asked a second time and got no answer, I snatched the report from his hand as he was about to set it down and made some angry comment. This embarrassed and angered him. I felt really bad for being impatient and losing my temper with him and later apologized to him and told him that I had no right to treat him like that and that I wasn’t acting like much of a Christian. He said something along the lines of “You’re right about that!’ It took some time before he was back to being friendly towards me again.
15. What else stood out from this section and why? That the seed of sin that is in all of us can turn to murder if watered properly. It is hard for me to imagine that I could ever go down that road, but it has to be only because God keeps me from going that direction.
I’ve thought about the truth of your answer to 15. I see a mean streak in one of my grandchildren — praying about talking to her.
Wednesday: The First Thing You Must Start Doing
12. What is the first thing you must stop doing according to Keller?
—You have to have a full clean confession and a heart renunciation of sin. Taking full responsibility without qualification, without excuse, without blame shifting.
13. How does Psalm 51:4 illustrate this?
—David is saying to God that he is just in his judgement of him. He is saying God is right. David is taking responsibility for his sin before God and no one else is to blame.
14. Think of a sin you truly repented of against another of against God or both. A full confession should take full responsibility without blaming another, and I think, should list the harm you brought with your sin, and a request for forgiveness. This may be hard, but try to do it as you did in the past or in the present.
—This question needs more thought on my part.
15. What else stood out from this section and why?
—He said “….there’s a kind of repentance unto life. There’s a repentance that is life changing, character forming, and freedom engendering. That is to say, it brings freedom from the past so you don’t feel tied to the past no matter what you’ve done. You’re not tied through guilt. It brings freedom in the present.”
This is a beautiful and wonderful commentary on what a full clean confession and a heart renunciation of sin does when true repentance happens. There is a deep joy in being completely right with God. And that only comes when we fully understood what Jesus did for us on the Cross. Jesus took care of my sin problem.
I loved this too, Bev — from Keller:
—He said “….there’s a kind of repentance unto life. There’s a repentance that is life changing, character forming, and freedom engendering. That is to say, it brings freedom from the past so you don’t feel tied to the past no matter what you’ve done. You’re not tied through guilt. It brings freedom in the present.”
12. What is the first thing you must start doing according to Keller?
You must have a a full, clean, confession of sin. You must not try to minimize your sin. You must not relativize your sin. You need to take it on as your own sin.
13. How does Psalm 51:4 illustrate this?
David says to God that he knows he has done wrong against Him.
“Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.”
Psalms 51:4 NLT
14. Think of a sin you truly repented of against another of against God or both. A full confession should take full responsibility without blaming another, and I think, should list the harm you brought with your sin, and a request for forgiveness. This may be hard, but try to do it as you did in the past or in the present.
Do you want an example here? Oh boy! I don’t have a lot of trouble blaming myself when it comes to this kind of stuff, to be honest. I’m not very good at positive self talk! In day to day life, with my family, I tend to be harder on these people than others. I don’t always use kind words when in discussions about “life.” It is also very difficult to say I’m sorry. Especially to my husband. I am actually going through a rough patch with our youngest son and our daughter. I don’t feel as if I have sinned against them, rather that they are sinning against us. But, I’m sure there are things I could have done better in each situation. I know a few days ago our son and I had a heated discussion about his life. I may have been a tad too “real” with him. It’s hard to watch your kids (adults) make terrible decisions and then have to live with those. I might owe him an apology for being a bit too tough 😉.
15. What else stood out from this section and why?
This section made me think of how hard it is to say you’re sorry sometimes. It’s not easy to accept responsibility for your failure at times. When I have, I feel scared, anxious, nervous, and weak. So many emotions. But, in the back of my mind, I talk myself through it because I know it’s the right thing to do. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for being right beside me as I tackle the hard parts of life.
Laura, love your heart and honesty in #15. I pray that His Word would be a lamp for your feet and light for your path, Psalm 119.105.
Thursday: The Second Thing You Must Start Doing
16. Give examples of doubling in Scripture that show great emotion, as in Psalm 51:4 and other places. Luke 10:41 Martha, Martha Luke 22:31 Simon, Simon Genesis 22:11 Abraham, Abraham
17. Full renunciation. How does Keller explain the “against You and You only” since David also sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah? David’s rebellion against God was the foundational sin that led to all his other actions.
18. What is always the sin beneath the sin? Putting oneself or someone/something in place of God upon the throne of your heart.
19. What did Augustine come to see? Self-absorption is at the heart of sin. Augustine’s example of stealing the pears, because he delighted in that, illustrated putting his desire above all else.
20. What was the point of Keller’s story of marital counseling? The main point was that the husband was not really sorry for his behavior. He was sorry for the consequences of the wife leaving, embarrassment /shame of separation and eventual divorce. The husband wasn’t concerned about his wife, but only focused on himself. Keller said “the wife dragged him” to counseling. An outside force/pressure will not effect inward change. The husband never recognized the sin in himself, so there was no true repentance.
Thursday: The Second Thing You Must Start Doing
16. Give examples of doubling in Scripture that show great emotion, as in Psalm 51:4 and other places.
In 2 Samuel 18:33 when David mourned over the death of his son Absalom. David wept and said , “O my son Absalom – my son Absalom…”
Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34 & Psalm 22:1. Jesus said while on the cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me.”
17. Full renunciation. How does Keller explain the “against You and You only” since David also sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah?
It’s Semitic hyperbole, a metaphor. David did sin against Uriah and Bathsheba but his heart is breaking because he sinned against God. That’s the actual reality.
18. What is always the sin beneath the sin?
The sin against God. When we sin we’re rejecting God, trampling on Him and being ungrateful for Him. Putting ourselves or something else in the place of God.
19. What did Augustine come to see?
That self-absorption is at the heart of sin.
20. What was the point of Keller’s story of marital counseling?
The husband was more worried about the consequences of the sin and what it was doing to him rather than worrying about the sin itself and what it was doing to his wife. He was self-absorbed.
Good answer from Sharon on 15
17. Full renunciation. How does Keller explain the “against You and You only” since David also sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah?It’s Semitic hyperbole, a metaphor. David did sin against Uriah and Bathsheba but his heart is breaking because he sinned against God. That’s the actual reality.
Thursday: The Second Thing You Must Start Doing
16. Give examples of doubling in Scripture that show great emotion, as in Psalm 51:4 and other places. – I’m not sure if this has to be the same word twice, or just a double reference…Psalm 130 verse 1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Psalm 88 verse 9 I call to you, O LORD, every day; I spread out my hands to you.
17. Full renunciation. How does Keller explain the “against You and You only” since David also sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah? – David’s whole heart was involved. By saying You and You shows passion, longing and love. Doubling the word intensifies the emotion, longing and love. It’s showing David’s heart is breaking. It’s a Semitic hyperbole, a metaphor. David knows he sinned more than just against God, but his heart is breaking because of his sin.
18. What is always the sin beneath the sin? – It is that we are putting something in place of God. When we sin, our desires, or our pleasures come before God. We are rejecting him, trampling on him and we are being ungrateful. We’ve lost our joy in our salvation. This was eye opening to me. WOW!
19. What did Augustine come to see? – He learned that self-pity looks like repentance, but it’s not, it’s self-absorption. It’s being upset with yourself and what is happening around you. You give yourself a pity-party. He realized that he needed to see that he not only broke God’s law, he broke God’s heart. Once he saw that dishonoring and grieving God was the primary sin, that is when he began to change.
20. What was the point of Keller’s story of marital counseling? – The husband realized he was wrong, but when she left the consequences of her leaving made him say he was sorry. He didn’t really mean it deep down. He didn’t change from the heart. It was an outside change of self-pity and blame shifting. He couldn’t take on the abusive behavior he was giving out, he couldn’t admit that it was him and him alone that was sinning. His love for God wasn’t more important than his abusive mouth.
From Julie:
When we sin, our desires, or our pleasures come before God. We are rejecting him, trampling on him and we are being ungrateful. We’ve lost our joy in our salvation. This was eye opening to me. WOW!
Julie, AMEN to Dee!!
8. Read this section (after listening) and share what stands out and why. How scary easy it is for us to deceive our selves in our own goodness. How we are all capable of more rebellion than we think is possible of ourselves.
9. What one thing must we stop doing? Being I denial of our sinful nature.
10. Give an example from your life of when you knew in your heart something was wrong but you justified it so you could do it. Probably when I was younger and the Spirit would quicken me to shut my mouth about someone else’s business and then I contiuue to speak making up some garbage (in my head) on why its ok to talk about it. Praise God I have matured and this is not where I am at now. (Although I can make mistakes now, more of discernment and less of rebellion).
11. What was the point of the St. Augustine story? That we all can sin from a desire to do something forbidden. That we all are tempted by our flesh to do what we have been told not to do.
Wednesday
12. What is the first thing you must start doing according to Keller? Renounce our sin fully, take full responsibility for our sin.
13. How does Psalm 51:4 illustrate this? David clearly takes full responsibility of his wrong.
14. Think of a sin you truly repented of against another of against God or both. A full confession should take full responsibility without blaming another, and I think, should list the harm you brought with your sin, and a request for forgiveness. This may be hard, but try to do it as you did in the past or in the present. A simple one is how I can steamroll my husband in conversation, when I get angry. Irregardless of why I am angry or how my husband is behaving, I need to take responsibility for my own rudeness and poor behavior.
15. What else stood out from this section and why? Its so hard not to relativize my sin, or make excuses but this or that. Bummer.
Honesty from Tammy:
A simple one is how I can steamroll my husband in conversation, when I get angry. Irregardless of why I am angry or how my husband is behaving, I need to take responsibility for my own rudeness and poor behavior.
16. Give examples of doubling in Scripture that show great emotion, as in Psalm 51:4 and other places. Against You, You only have I sinned, David mourning over his son Absalom, Absalom,, my son, my son. Jesus My God, My God why have You forsaken me.
17. Full renunciation. How does Keller explain the “against You and You only” since David also sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah? The initial sin was against God and if he hadn’t sinned against God none of the rest would have happened,
18. What is always the sin beneath the sin? The sin is against God. We are putting something else in place of God and break the first commandment of having no other gods before Him. I can place myself or other people before God which causes sin in my life when things don’t go my way or people don’t behave in the way I think they should. It becomes about me, my wants, my needs, my thoughts and not what God has told me or what His position is on things.
19. What did Augustine come to see? Luther said we will never break the last 9 commandments if we don’t break the first one. Our sin is putting something in he place of God. The example of lying was given. I may lie to protect my reputation or for other’s approval and thus have failed to put God first..
20. What was the point of Keller’s story of marital counseling? The point for me is the need for true repentance. To be sorry because I have done wrong. The wrong I’ve done and how it affects others is what I need to repent of. My sorry should not be because I don’t like the consequences for my actions. My repentance should be how I’ve failed to honor God and obey Him and the to bring Him glory.
16. Give examples of doubling in Scripture that show great emotion, as in Psalm 51:4 and other places. Psalm 51:4 Against you, only you… 2 Samuel 18:33 O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Matthew 27:46 My God, my God why have you forsaken me?
17. Full renunciation. How does Keller explain the “against You and You only” since David also sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah? Because all sin is against God first and foremost.
18. What is always the sin beneath the sin? You’re putting something in the place of God. You are rejecting Him.
20. What was the point of Keller’s story of marital counseling? Although the husband apologized and tried to change, he wasn’t sorry for his sin rather he was sorry for the consequences of his sin. He was full of self pity from what his sin was doing to him.
Dawn, Great points! Love this truth: Because all sin is against God first and foremost.
16. Give examples of doubling in Scripture that show great emotion, as in Psalm 51:4 and other places.
“Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”
John 8:34 ESV
17. Full renunciation. How does Keller explain the “against You and You only” since David also sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah?
Sinning against God is the ultimate sin, and other sins would not come if there was no sinning against Him first. It’s like the umbrella of all sins, and the others lie underneath.
18. What is always the sin beneath the sin?
A sin against God.
19. What did Augustine come to see?
That there is a type of self – absorption; you aren’t really sorry for the sin itself, rather sorry about what happened to you because of the sin (the consequence of the sin).
20. What was the point of Keller’s story of marital counseling?
The only way to change is to actually hate the sin itself.
Laura, I hadn’t even considered double words (truly, truly) only double names. You were so right to include this verse, and there are others, too. I’ll be viewing the scriptures with a different perspective now.
Thanks for the examples in your answer! I remember Nacy Leigh (Demoss) Wolgemuth pointing out that when words are repeated in scripture, they are important.
Very succinct from Laura:
The only way to change is to actually hate the sin itself.
Laura!! Truth and to the point! Love all your answers!
Friday: The Power to Do It
21. What two things did Derek Kidner say we need to understand to have the power to truly repent?
We need to have both the humility to see our unworthiness and the confidence of God’s love.
Amen!
21. What two things did Derek Kidner say we need to understand to have the power to truly repent? David understood his complete unworthiness of God’s mercy but that God loved him anyway. I need to understand and have confidence that I am not deserving of our Holy and Almighty God’s mercy and forgiveness but in His love for me He does forgive me. Jesus has paid for my sins so God loves and accepts me.
22. Think of an idol that besets you. It isn’t enough to stop it, what must you trust about God? Give a specific example. I struggle with other people s approval Last evening 2 other women and I prayed with another woman who was struggling with an old hurt in her life, God and the Holy Spirit gave her the healing she needed in the situation, but there was that little fox in me that wanted a little credit. I know in my head and heart it was all Him, but still last night when finished there was an “I” problem in my head that wanted recognition. I must continually remind myself that these prayer times don’t work unless He leads the prayer time and speaks to the person in the way that touches their heart so that He can bring the personal healing they need. In thinking about this I need to precede these prayer times with worship to remind and enforce in me the perspectuve of all God is and that He will be doing the work.
23. What does “chesed” mean to you? Why will we never be cast out of God’s presence? Never ending love of God, It’s steadfast love that I can count on. Because of Jesus, He died on the cross for me and He is the One who withstood the separation from God’s Presence.
24. What else stood out from this section and why? The greatest act of love in history was that Jesus stayed on the cross. Why? I can forget the weight of what it cost God and Jesus to give me the gift of forgiveness of sin and freedom from guilt and shame of my sin.
Friday
22. Think of an idol that besets you. It isn’t enough to stop it, what must you trust about God? Give a specific example.
Control. This is an idol that really has a hold on me in many respects…causing me to be manipulative, impatient and wanting my outcome. What I need to trust about God is that He’s in control and He will work out things according to His will.
23. What does “chesed” mean to you? Why will we never be cast out of God’s presence?
To me “chesed” means God’s love shown for me through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ that is unconditional, undeserved and eternal.
Love your answer to 23, Sharon! I am so thankful for His Unconditional, undeserved and eternal love!
Friday: The Power to Do It
21. What two things did Derek Kidner say we need to understand to have the power to truly repent? “Only if you are absolutely humbled into the dust and you say, “I’m completely unworthy,” and at the same time are completely confident,” (of God’s love).
22. Think of an idol that besets you. It isn’t enough to stop it, what must you trust about God? Give a specific example.
23. What does “chesed” mean to you? Why will we never be cast out of God’s presence? In verse 11 David says, “Cast me not away from thy presence. and take not thy holy spirit from me.” This was a possibility for David, he had seen it happen to King Saul. I do not understand Kidner’s comment that David had complete confidence.
I am confident that I will never be cast out because of all the reasons listed in Ephesians chapter 1 and 2.
4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
24. What else stood out from this section and why? What stands out to me is that how without the indwelling Holy Spirit, David felt such sorrow and deep repentance over his sin.
22. Think of an idol that besets you. It isn’t enough to stop it, what must you trust about God? Give a specific example.
I see that I skipped right by this question, maybe subconsciously I did not want to answer it.
I can have a critical spirit about fellow believers. When they pray, I’m thinking, “Why is it always about physical health concerns and the same thing week after week? They should be praying about spiritual needs, such as peace, encouragement, strength to go thru this time. That person must not be as mature a Christian.”
Is God not God? I need recognize that I am not the Holy Spirit. He is the one guiding prayer, not me. Instead of criticizing, I need to add my prayer to others in the way the Spirit leads me.
I am thankful that as I repent of this idol (pride, control) I can trust that the Lord will forgive me and gently lead me in the right direction.
25. What is your take-a-way and why?
I have done Psalm 51 silently this week, but it is a powerful lesson. Tim Keller’s sermon is so so good and the comments from all of you have made my week!!
This was on my Elisabeth Elliot daily calendar yesterday: “How I treat other people is exactly how I treat Jesus Christ.” Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.”
21. What two things did Derek Kidner say we need to understand to have the power to truly repent?
We need to understand we are unworthy, yet confident.
22. Think of an idol that besets you. It isn’t enough to stop it, what must you trust about God? Give a specific example.
I must trust that God loves me unconditionally.
23. What does “chesed” mean to you? Why will we never be cast out of God’s presence?
Someone who doesn’t give up on me; in all my sloppiness. God gave us His only Son. He did it because He loves us, in all our messiness.
25. What is your take-a-way and why? My take away is the explanation of against You only have I sinned. The comments make sense that my sin stems from putting something else in place of God in my life. So when I sin it’s He who I sin against. I am coming away with that I need to be more attentive to my thought life. Christ has paid an incredible price for my sin and I need to be cognizant of my sin including thoughts towards others and the cost to forgive me.
Love this, Judy.