Psalm 130 describes guilt, points to God’s forgiveness, and then shows the hope that comes as a result of living guilt-free. If we call ourselves children of God, we are able to walk through your guilt confidently and at the same time receive the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. This freedom marks our journey with God!
SERMON OUTLINE
“Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.” (Psalm 130:2)
The Mercy of Prayer (vss 1-2)
- The depths of life
- The open-eared mercy of God
The Mercy of Forgiveness (vss 3-4)
- Standing forgiven
- Reverently forgiven
The Mercy of Waiting (vss 5-6)
- Fully engaged waiting
- Fully engaged watching
The Mercy of Real Hope (vss 7-8)
- Unfailing love of the Lord
- Sure redemption in the Lord
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When have you seen or experienced God’s care and mercy in your life or the life of another?
- This weekend we continue our “Ascend” series by studying Psalm 130. Begin your study by waiting on the Lord. Take 30 seconds to quiet yourself, then ask God to speak to you during this time. Next, read Psalm 130 aloud.
- Psalm 130 is one of the seven penitential psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143). It begins in the depths and climbs into the place of assurance. What is the psalmist’s situation in verses 1-2 and how does that lend itself to calling to God?
- Verses 3-4 open into an unexpected territory. What is the psalmist focusing on in the distress and why is this relevant to approaching God?
- When have you felt the oppressive power of unforgiven sin in your life? How does God in Jesus Christ address this?
- The next two verses (vss 5-6) turn toward an imaging of waiting. The watchmen looked for the coming of the dawn as the end of their duties. How does this compare to our longing for God? How might you become a ‘watchman’ for the Lord?
- The final two verses (vss 7-8) exhort the hearers, and the entire people of God, to move forward with hope. How does this compare to the opening of the psalm? What is the key to this upward, positive movement?
- What is one thing that 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.