Bad News Good News

Forgiveness is crucial for faith

Bad News Good News Forgiveness is crucial for faith Lack of forgiveness affects our faith and our relationships

A. The Bad News is that there is sin in everyone

Bad News Good News If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8 There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins. Eccl. 7:20

Bad News Good News for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23

A. The Bad News is that there is sin in everyone If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. Matthew 5:29-30

What damage does sin cause? 1. Guilt destroys our confidence The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

2. Sin damages our relationships What damage does sin cause?

3. Sin keeps us stuck in the past Do you replay your sins over and over again in your mind?

What damage does sin cause? 3. Guilt keeps us stuck in the past “Guilt cannot change the past just like worry cannot change the future. But it can make you miserable today.”

B.The Good News is all kinds of sins can be forgiven Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin (iniquity) the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2

B.The Good News is all kinds of sins can be forgiven Sin is described: Transgressions = disobedient Sin = missing the mark Iniquity = crooked

B.The Good News is all kinds of sins can be forgiven All kinds of sins are forgiven 1.Forgiven means to lift a heavy burden and carry it away As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

B.The Good News is all kinds of sins can be forgiven All kinds of sins are forgiven 2.Forgiven means to cover or conceal Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Psalm 32:1

B.The Good News is all kinds of sins can be forgiven All kinds of sins are forgiven 3.Forgiven means to not count against Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. Psalm 32:2

B.The Good News is all kinds of sins can be forgiven You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19

C.The Bad News is that Hiding sin can really hurt us When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Psalm 32:3

C.The Bad News is that Hiding sin can really hurt us For sighing comes to me instead of food; my groans pour out like water. Job 3:24 He who conceals his sins does not prosper. Proverbs 28:13

C.The Bad News is that Hiding sin can really hurt us 1. Hiding sin will be unhealthy

C.The Bad News is that Hiding sin can really hurt us 2. Hiding sin can be draining For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Psalm 32:4

C.The Bad News is that Hiding sin can really hurt us 2. Hiding sin can be draining God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. Hebrews 12:10

C.The Bad News is that Hiding sin can really hurt us 3. Hiding sin can result in anger and bitterness

C.The Bad News is that Hiding sin can really hurt us Only confession will bring restoration Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5

C.The Bad News is that Hiding sin can really hurt us Confession – Informing God must also involve turning away

C.The Bad News is that Hiding sin can really hurt us Confession – Informing God must also involve turning away We do not have to beg for forgiveness – God wants to forgive

D.The Good News is that God Helps us deal with sin

1. His help is in His protection Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. 7You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:6-7

D.The Good News is that God Helps us deal with sin 2. His help is in His instruction 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Psalm 32:8-9

D.The Good News is that God Helps us deal with sin 2. His help is in His instruction 10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Psalm 32:10

D.The Good News is that God Helps us deal with sin 3. His help is in His giving us joy Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! Psalm 32:11

D.The Good News is that God Helps us deal with sin 3. His help is in His giving us joy You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. Psalm 92:4

Seek God’s Forgiveness If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9