David’s adultery with Bathsheba leads to a rebuke from the prophet Nathan. David, this ‘man after God’s own heart,’suddenly finds his life crashing down because of his sin. We can learn from David’s prayer of repentance how we also might turn to God in prayer when we sin.
Key Passages: 2 Samuel 12:15-23; Psalm 51
Sermon OutlinE
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. “(Psalm 51; 1-2)
Prayer of repentance depends on the nature and character of God (Psalm 51:1)
- He is a merciful God whose love never fails (Psalm 107:8; 90:14; 51:1)
- He is a compassionate God (Psalm 86:15; 103:4, 8, Exodus 34:6)
- He has made a way through Jesus to approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Prayer of repentance includes asking for forgiveness and cleansing (Psalm 51:1-2, 7-9; 1 John 1:8-9)
- God alone can forgive sins
- God can cleanse us from the stain of sin, and the guilt of sin (make us whiter than snow)
Prayer of repentance includes acknowledging that we are sinners (Psalm 51:3-5; Romans 3:23)
- We have sinned and what we did is evil (unacceptable, against the rules.)
- We accept that God is holy, pure and just (Psalm 51: 2, 6, 7, 11)
- Sin is first and foremost against God.
Prayer of repentance seeks renewal and restoration (Psalm 51: 6-12)
- We need to power of God “to go and sin no more”
- The Holy Spirit is the one who can create in us a clean heart (Ezekiel 36:25-27)
- The Holy Spirit restores our relationship with God, and the joy of salvation
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This week in our series, “Great Prayers of the Bible”, we look at Psalm 51, where David prays this powerful prayer on repentance, after the prophet Nathan rebukes him for committing adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband Uriah. Ask God to speak to you through His Word, and then read that passage aloud. (If you want further context, you could also read 2 Samuel 12: 1-14.)
- David starts the psalm by pleading to the character and nature of God in verse 1. Why do you think this is important in repentance?
- Verses 1-3 of Psalm 51 suggest that the prayer of repentance includes asking for forgiveness and confessing. Why do we need to confess our sins if God already knows about it?
- David mentions in verse 4 that God is the one that he sinned against. Why did he say this when we know he also sinned against several other people including Bathsheba and Uriah?
- How often do you confess sin to God? Read 1 John 1: 8-9.
- David asked to be cleansed and washed by God using hyssop. This is a foreshadowing of what Christ will do for us by cleansing us with his blood. Read Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 1:7.
- Read verses 7-9. Why do you think that David is asking that God should create in him a clean heart? Is this possible? Read Ezekiel 36: 25-27.
- Some say that repentance and confession are one of the same coin. Confession is more words and repentance is putting confession into action. Do you agree? Read Luke 19:1-8. How does Zacchaeus put his confession into action?
- What do you need to confess and repent of today? Take some time to pray to God and ask Him to forgive, cleanse and renew you.
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you are on your own, write it down and pray about it. If you are in a small group, take time to discuss this with one another before praying together.
DIG DEEPER
- You can also access the “30 Days of Prayer” daily devotional in June at Pastor Matt’s blog.
- Memorize Psalm 51: 1-2.