CONFESSION-Psalm 32

Old Testament, Psalms, Sermons

Blessedness: “1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit” (Ps 32:1-2).

  • The most serious sin is the sin which could be countered against us before God (Ps 32:2).

To be close to God is true happiness is the constant theme of Psalm 32–a penitential psalm that focuses on the blessing of forgiveness (Ps 32:1-2), the joy of reconciliation with God (Ps 32:5), and the importance of confession and repentance (Ps 32:3-4). It encourages believers to experience the freedom and joy of forgiveness, urging them to confess their sins and rely on God’s grace. It reminds us that the Lord is a refuge for the repentant and that His guidance and love bring true peace, the peace that follows when one is restored to a right relationship with God.

Outline:

  1. Sin forgiven (Ps 32:1-2). Blessed are the forgiven.
  2. Deadlock broken (Ps 32:3-5). Groaning from God’s heavy hand due to unconfessed sin (Ps 32:3-4) replaced by confession and forgiveness (Ps 32:5).
  3. The only haven (Ps 32:6-7). Prayer is the answer for everyone (Ps 32:6). God as a place of refuge and protection (Ps 32:7).
  4. The lesson to be learnt (Ps 32:8-9). I will teach you. God’s guidance and instruction.
  5. The only happiness (Ps 32:10-11). Unfailing love surrounds the trustful. Warning against unrepentance and the joy of the righteous, i.e. the joy of forgiveness.

Questions:

  1. What does “blessed” mean (Ps 32:1-2; Rom 4:6-8)?
    • How do you become blessed (Rom 4:5; Gen 15:6; Ps 103:12; Isa 43:25; Mt 1:21)?
    • How do the blessed live (Ps 1:1-2; 119:1-2)?
    • Who are the blessed (Ps 144:15)?
    • How do the blessed feel (Rom 5:1)?
    • How does God feel about the blessed (Lk 15:7)?
  2. What is the result of unconfessed sin (Ps 32:3-4)?
    • How does it affect your relationship with God and others?
    • Is David’s adultery with Bathsheba the context of this psalm (Ps 51:3-4, 8)?
    • Was David burdened by a guilty conscience (Ps 38:4)?
    • What did David do (2 Sam 12:13)?
    • What should you do (Ps 32:5-6; Prov 28:13; Isa 55:6; 1 Jn 1:9)?
    • Must you confess your sin before you can be forgiven (Jas 4:7-10)?
    • OR are you first forgiven which enables you to confess your sins (Mk 1:15; Lk 3:3; 24:47)?
  3.  What does it mean for God to be our “hiding place” (Ps 32:7; 91:1-2; Isa 32:2)?
  4. What is the relationship between God’s guidance (Ps 32:8; Jn 16:13) and human free will (Ps 32:9)?
  5.  Why should you not be wicked but trust God (Ps 32:10)? How (Prov 3:5-6)?
    • What is the relationship between forgiveness and joy (Ps 32:11)?
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