Regrets, Repentance, And Restoration Of A Believer

Bible Passage: Psalms 51:1-17

I. The psalmist, who ones enjoyed a vibrant relationship with God, informs that his relationship with God has been in a state of deep hurt for a period of time

II. According to him, the hurt was caused by his deliberate actions that dishonor God

III. He describes his deliberate actions with different word-pictures

1. Transgression (verse 1)
2. Iniquity (verse 2)
3. Sin (verse 3)

IV. Though the psalmist had everything materially to make him be happy, his past (un-repented) behavior continue to haunt him, which had caused damage to his relationship with God

1. Absence of joy and happiness (verse 8, 4b,4c)
2. Crushed bones (verse 8)
3. Guilt (verse 10)
4. Lack of joy of the Holy Spirit (verse 11)
5. Lack of authentic worship (verse 14-15)

V. The psalmist decided to get right with God

VI. He knew God’s standard in His relationship with believers

1. Does not delight in sacrifice (verse 16)
2. Desires a broken spirit and contrite heart (verse 17)

VII. The psalmist desires to put an end to his guilt by confessing his sins and praying for restoration

1. Confession
a. For I am aware of my rebellious acts; I am forever conscious of my sin (verse 3 & 5)
b. Against you, you only, have I sinned (verse 4)
c. Have done what is evil in your sight (Verse 4)
2. Prayer for restoration (many word pictures)
a. Have mercy, steadfast love, and compassion (verse 1)
b. Wash (verse 2); Cleanse (verse 7)
c. Create (verse 10); Restore (verse 12); Deliver (verse 14)
d. Open my lips for worship (verse 15)
3. Confidence in God’s restoration (verse 17 O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject)

VIII. Theology of Psalms 51

1. A genuine believer cannot remain in a state of guilt and stay away from God (cf. 1 John 3:6, 9;
2. God restores a repentant believer to a complete relationship with Him (cf. 1 John 1:9:
3. Christian life is not a life without sin, but it is a life with a culture of confession and repentance (1 John 1:8-19)
4. A Christian stand before God, not because he/she is sinless or righteous, but because God has appointed an Advocate (Paraclete), who intercedes for us perpetually (1 John 2:1-2)
5. A Christian does not need to be in denial, but he/she needs to be vulnerable before God (1 John 1:5-7)
6. A Christian does not merit justification and sanctification; both are the work of the Triune God
7. But a Christian need to be constantly exposed to the Truth

Take Away

1. You need not hide yourself from God because of what you did in the past
2. Confess (admit) your deliberate dishonorable behaviors that displeased God and receive restoration from Him