1. A Broken and Contrite Heart
Psalm 51
A Broken and Contrite Heart

2. Background & Context - David’s tumultuous rise to power.
- Instructions for the king:
“He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray.”
Deuteronomy 17:17
- 8 Wives: Michal, Ahinoam, Abigail, Maakah, Haggith, Abital, Eglath, Bathsheba.
- At least 10 concubines.

3. Psalm 51 Cry for mercy (1-2) Confession (3-6)
Cry for purification and restoration (7-12)
Vow (13-15)
True sacrifice (16-17)
Prayer for Jerusalem (18-19)

4. A Broken and Contrite Heart
Focus on the inner reality, not the outward expression.
Understand the passive nature of healing.
Understand the active nature of confession.

5. Condition of the Heart Fear: Love: 1. Distorted image of God.
1. Healthy image of God.
2. Means of acceptance.
2. Means of grace.
3. Pushes to self-reliance and self-condemnation.
3. Pushes to the cross. No condemnation.
4. Minimizes sin, manages sin, shifts blame, redirects responsibility.
4. Takes responsibility, identifies both outward action and inward disposition.
5. Fueled by guilt and shame.
5. Fueled by unconditional love.
6. Lacks power to heal or transform.
6. Healing and transformation by the Spirit.

6. Confession
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.”
1 John 4:18-19
“God’s kindness leads you to repentance . . .”
Romans 2:4

7. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
~ Jesus