1. The Blessing of Forgiveness
Psalms 32:1-11

2. Peace and Joy of Forgiveness
Quoted by Paul (Romans 4:7, 8)
Have you thought about the joy of forgiveness?

3. Setting For This Psalm After David’s sin with Bathsheba
Lust
Adultery
Lying
Murder
How blessed was the relief he felt!

4. Blessedness (vv. 1, 2) Efforts to cover sin Done to relieve guilt
Really an attempt to “cover up” sin

5. Blessedness (vv. 1, 2) Examples Adam hid (Genesis 3:8)
Achan buried the spoils (Joshua 7:21)
Saul blamed the people (1 Samuel 15:24)
David tried to cover up his sin (2 Samuel 11, 12)

6. Blessedness (vv. 1, 2) Futile to try to “cover up” sin
Cannot prosper (Proverbs 28:13)
Open to God (Hebrews 4:12, 13)
Only God can “cover” sin (Psalms 85:2)

7. Relief (vv. 3, 4) Sin causes suffering
Men try to deny it (Proverbs 13:15)
Knows better (1 Timothy 4:2)

8. Relief (vv. 3, 4) Physical and psychological suffering
Now recognized by science
God’s description (Psalm 38)

9. Relief (vv. 3, 4) Result of sin
Fear of discovery of premarital and extramarital sex
Paranoia (Proverbs 28:1)
Effects of alcohol and drug abuse

10. Remedy (vv. 5-7) Confession of sin “Confession is good for the soul”
Necessary for forgiveness (James 5:16; 1 John 1:9)

11. Remedy (vv. 5-7) Prayer for forgiveness
“While God may be found” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
He is always there (2 Timothy 2:11-13)

12. Remedy (vv. 5-7) Preservation by God
Draw near with confidence (Hebrews 4:14-16; 6:18; 13:5, 6)
He will draw near to us (James 4:8)
He is our keeper (Palms 121:1-8)

13. Instruction (vv. 8-11) In the right way
Not dependent on the circumstances
Absolute (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23)

14. Instruction (vv. 8-11) Understandable Paul said so (Ephesians 3:3-5)
Not like the animals
Ability to reason

15. Instruction (vv. 8-11) Tell others of God’s mercy
A life of sin is a life of sorrow (Proverbs 13:15)
Concern for others

16. Instruction (vv. 8-11) Be glad in the Lord
Communion with God is possible after forgiveness (Psalms 24:1-6)
Need to abide with God (Psalms 15:1-5)

17. Conclusion
Do we appreciate this great blessing?
Are you forgiven?