WEBVTT 00:00:00.740 --> 00:00:09.500 Let's turn back to the second passage we read, the book of Psalms, Psalm 51, reading again at verse 3. 00:00:09.500 --> 00:00:17.760 ! For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. 00:00:17.760 --> 00:00:21.500 We'll look at four things. 00:00:22.539 --> 00:00:28.480 Firstly, sin's terrible power and consequences. 00:00:28.480 --> 00:00:34.259 Secondly, God's judgment against sin. 00:00:35.439 --> 00:00:45.460 Thirdly, the greater power of God's grace in repentance and confession and forgiveness. 00:00:47.240 --> 00:00:54.400 And four and lastly, how do you deal with your sin? 00:00:54.399 --> 00:01:01.579 Let's look first of all then at sin's terrible power and consequences. 00:01:01.579 --> 00:01:20.140 The two passages we read shed a lot of light on the deep, dark nature of sin, its terrible power, and its consequences in the lives of individuals and in the lives of believers. 00:01:20.140 --> 00:01:29.700 The title of the psalm, a psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him after he had gone into Bathsheba. 00:01:30.359 --> 00:01:34.400 The title describes what the psalm is about. 00:01:35.719 --> 00:01:42.099 And the passage we read in 2 Samuel, of course, describes to us the detail of that narrative. 00:01:42.099 --> 00:02:12.079 King David's sin. 00:02:12.099 --> 00:02:13.699 Much more. 00:02:14.439 --> 00:02:18.699 Psalm 51 is one of the great penitential psalms. 00:02:19.379 --> 00:02:21.780 One of the great penitential psalms. 00:02:22.099 --> 00:02:23.159 What does that mean? 00:02:23.159 --> 00:02:33.620 It means psalms that express a very personal and intense grief for their own sinnership and for their own sin. 00:02:33.620 --> 00:02:43.700 Psalms 6 and 32 and 38 and 51 and 102, 130 and 143. 00:02:44.099 --> 00:02:55.319 A pattern of grief and crying out to God in that grief for mercy and for forgiveness for sin. 00:02:55.319 --> 00:03:02.639 But this is a prayer of faith, as are all of these penitential psalms. 00:03:02.919 --> 00:03:04.359 A prayer of faith. 00:03:05.299 --> 00:03:08.879 Faith and repentance towards God. 00:03:08.879 --> 00:03:16.979 The exercise of faith in confession of sin and the blessed forgiveness that follows. 00:03:16.979 --> 00:03:25.879 It seems that the psalm in the early church was prayed at the conclusion of morning services. 00:03:25.879 --> 00:03:29.680 And what a great practice that is. 00:03:30.479 --> 00:03:38.460 To read this psalm at the conclusion of morning services. 00:03:38.460 --> 00:03:48.860 This psalm, as the other psalms are, I'm sure, precious to every true Christian. 00:03:49.800 --> 00:03:54.080 You will have read and you will have prayed this psalm. 00:03:54.080 --> 00:04:01.500 If you're a born again Christian, how many times have you prayed, 00:04:02.260 --> 00:04:07.360 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me? 00:04:07.740 --> 00:04:13.640 How many times have you gone and fallen on your knees and said what David said here, 00:04:13.880 --> 00:04:18.000 Have mercy, O God, according to your steadfast love? 00:04:19.000 --> 00:04:21.379 How often have you pleaded to the cross? 00:04:21.379 --> 00:04:24.639 How often have you pleaded to the blood of Christ? 00:04:26.279 --> 00:04:27.000 You must. 00:04:27.259 --> 00:04:31.019 It must be part of your Christian experience. 00:04:32.079 --> 00:04:34.159 Psalm 38, interestingly. 00:04:36.139 --> 00:04:38.180 The title of it is a memorial. 00:04:39.800 --> 00:04:40.600 A memorial. 00:04:40.879 --> 00:04:44.939 And in a sense, all of these penitential psalms are a memorial. 00:04:44.939 --> 00:04:51.560 They are a reminder to us about our sinnership and about our sin. 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:55.319 And remember that simple rule. 00:04:55.839 --> 00:04:57.339 But perhaps it's not so simple. 00:04:57.920 --> 00:04:58.980 Because we forget. 00:05:01.959 --> 00:05:04.459 We're not sinners because we sin. 00:05:04.800 --> 00:05:08.680 We sin because we are sinners. 00:05:09.220 --> 00:05:10.879 It's a matter of the heart. 00:05:10.879 --> 00:05:14.159 It's what we are by nature. 00:05:15.480 --> 00:05:17.899 It's what we are by nature. 00:05:18.519 --> 00:05:20.860 And God has declared it so. 00:05:21.500 --> 00:05:23.560 God has declared it so. 00:05:23.779 --> 00:05:25.459 Listen to what God says. 00:05:26.319 --> 00:05:29.199 Romans 5 and verse 12. 00:05:29.199 --> 00:05:33.639 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:35.519 and death through sin, 00:05:36.019 --> 00:05:39.000 and so death spread to all men, 00:05:39.079 --> 00:05:41.159 because all sinned. 00:05:41.899 --> 00:05:43.459 For all sinned. 00:05:43.459 --> 00:05:45.620 And these remarkable verses. 00:05:46.439 --> 00:05:49.459 In Romans 3 at verse 23. 00:05:50.719 --> 00:05:52.699 We read these words. 00:05:52.699 --> 00:06:02.240 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 00:06:02.939 --> 00:06:04.139 What is sin? 00:06:05.519 --> 00:06:09.800 Many of you, most of you, would have learned the catechism. 00:06:10.399 --> 00:06:12.019 What is sin? 00:06:13.019 --> 00:06:18.399 The larger catechism expands on the shorter catechism's explanation. 00:06:18.399 --> 00:06:26.659 Sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of any law of God 00:06:26.659 --> 00:06:30.399 given as a rule to the reasonable creature. 00:06:32.799 --> 00:06:35.279 One commentator wrote this. 00:06:35.779 --> 00:06:37.099 God is light. 00:06:37.819 --> 00:06:39.239 Sin is darkness. 00:06:40.399 --> 00:06:41.659 God is life. 00:06:42.479 --> 00:06:43.439 Sin is death. 00:06:44.620 --> 00:06:45.919 God is heaven. 00:06:46.560 --> 00:06:47.699 Sin is hell. 00:06:48.399 --> 00:06:50.779 God is beauty. 00:06:51.319 --> 00:06:53.159 Sin is deformity. 00:06:53.819 --> 00:06:55.479 It cast angels out of heaven. 00:06:56.199 --> 00:06:57.599 Adam out of paradise. 00:06:58.879 --> 00:07:01.620 It laid the first cornerstone in hell. 00:07:02.120 --> 00:07:06.679 And brought in all the curses and crosses and miseries. 00:07:07.719 --> 00:07:10.859 It makes men and women godless. 00:07:11.519 --> 00:07:14.939 Christless, hopeless, and heavenless. 00:07:15.939 --> 00:07:17.139 That's what sin is. 00:07:17.139 --> 00:07:23.000 And it's a reality for every single person in here tonight. 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:27.519 Whether you're a Christian or a non-Christian. 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:39.339 salvation in the Bible demanded, demanded the incarnation of the Son of God 00:07:39.339 --> 00:07:44.560 as an atoning sacrifice for sins. 00:07:44.939 --> 00:07:46.319 Nothing else would do. 00:07:47.319 --> 00:07:50.180 It demanded the incarnation of the Son of God. 00:07:50.180 --> 00:07:53.480 And that remarkable declaration. 00:07:53.480 --> 00:07:57.199 You shall call his name Jesus. 00:07:57.199 --> 00:08:01.740 For he shall save his people from their sins. 00:08:01.879 --> 00:08:04.280 And without Jesus as your Savior. 00:08:04.780 --> 00:08:06.139 And if you die in your sin. 00:08:07.579 --> 00:08:10.759 The consequences are a lost eternity. 00:08:10.759 --> 00:08:14.939 And the pains of hell forever. 00:08:16.620 --> 00:08:21.039 In this psalm, David reminds us of the doctrine of original sin. 00:08:22.060 --> 00:08:26.480 He reminds us at verse 5 of the doctrine of original sin. 00:08:26.480 --> 00:08:28.800 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity. 00:08:28.800 --> 00:08:32.600 And in sin did my mother conceive me. 00:08:33.220 --> 00:08:39.920 All mankind born guilty and corrupted and polluted because of Adam's sin. 00:08:40.860 --> 00:08:46.019 As the covenant head and representative of the human race. 00:08:46.019 --> 00:08:56.100 Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones said that the problem of life is sin. 00:08:57.120 --> 00:09:02.079 Sin and its guilt and its power and its pollution. 00:09:03.980 --> 00:09:05.740 Where is it first mentioned in the Bible? 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:11.419 It is first mentioned in Genesis 4 and verse 7. 00:09:11.919 --> 00:09:14.679 And it's mentioned there in a very specific way. 00:09:14.679 --> 00:09:19.059 Sin is crouching at the door. 00:09:20.199 --> 00:09:22.399 Its desire is for you. 00:09:22.719 --> 00:09:25.059 But you must master it. 00:09:26.120 --> 00:09:27.719 Like a wild animal. 00:09:28.579 --> 00:09:31.479 Waiting to pounce on its victim. 00:09:32.079 --> 00:09:34.039 And to go in for the kill. 00:09:34.739 --> 00:09:36.859 Its desire is for us. 00:09:37.779 --> 00:09:38.919 Against us. 00:09:39.519 --> 00:09:40.699 Against God. 00:09:41.519 --> 00:09:43.899 So its very nature is rebellion. 00:09:44.679 --> 00:09:45.879 Rebellion. 00:09:47.159 --> 00:09:49.719 Adam and Eve discovered that. 00:09:51.239 --> 00:09:53.199 They discovered that. 00:09:55.779 --> 00:09:57.679 Abel discovered that. 00:09:58.059 --> 00:10:00.959 At the hand of his brother Cain. 00:10:01.959 --> 00:10:03.819 And so down through. 00:10:04.199 --> 00:10:07.620 These opening passages of the history of the world. 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:11.459 You see the exceeding sinfulness of sin. 00:10:11.460 --> 00:10:15.480 And you see the judgment of God in Genesis 6. 00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:19.340 That every imagination of the thoughts of the heart. 00:10:19.720 --> 00:10:21.900 Were only evil continually. 00:10:22.540 --> 00:10:23.340 What a judgment. 00:10:23.879 --> 00:10:24.660 What a judgment. 00:10:24.860 --> 00:10:25.840 And he came in judgment. 00:10:27.300 --> 00:10:28.980 He came in judgment. 00:10:29.480 --> 00:10:31.780 The consequences of sin. 00:10:32.460 --> 00:10:34.440 There were consequences for Adam and Eve. 00:10:34.440 --> 00:10:36.060 They were driven out of the garden. 00:10:38.540 --> 00:10:40.260 Separated from the communion. 00:10:40.820 --> 00:10:43.720 And personal relationship with God. 00:10:44.840 --> 00:10:45.480 Mankind. 00:10:46.580 --> 00:10:49.480 The crowning glory of God's creation. 00:10:49.480 --> 00:10:53.779 He formed the earth in the first three days. 00:10:54.180 --> 00:10:56.440 In the next three days he filled the earth. 00:10:58.000 --> 00:10:59.519 And he gave mankind. 00:11:00.180 --> 00:11:02.159 That remarkable place. 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:10.120 But sin separates mankind from God. 00:11:10.120 --> 00:11:13.659 And it still separates mankind from God. 00:11:13.980 --> 00:11:15.879 And if you're not a Christian. 00:11:17.079 --> 00:11:19.879 Sin separates from God. 00:11:21.079 --> 00:11:25.759 And that's not a very good place to be. 00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:30.100 In this psalm we have King David. 00:11:30.200 --> 00:11:31.379 A man of whom the Lord said. 00:11:31.480 --> 00:11:33.179 The Lord has sought out a man. 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:35.039 After his own heart. 00:11:35.240 --> 00:11:37.220 One of the greatest men in the Old Testament. 00:11:37.679 --> 00:11:38.039 Surely. 00:11:39.980 --> 00:11:42.080 A humble shepherd boy. 00:11:42.340 --> 00:11:45.259 But zealous for the glory of God. 00:11:46.220 --> 00:11:48.759 Zealous for the glory of God. 00:11:48.759 --> 00:11:52.659 Who is this uncircumcised Philistine? 00:11:52.659 --> 00:11:56.620 As this shepherd boy stood against Goliath. 00:11:56.980 --> 00:11:59.480 While the whole of Israel quaked in their boots. 00:11:59.719 --> 00:12:00.620 Almost literally. 00:12:01.100 --> 00:12:02.000 And here is this. 00:12:02.539 --> 00:12:03.000 David. 00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:04.759 The shepherd boy. 00:12:05.419 --> 00:12:08.279 Who is this uncircumcised Philistine? 00:12:08.419 --> 00:12:09.419 Who would dare. 00:12:09.939 --> 00:12:11.240 Who would dare. 00:12:15.559 --> 00:12:18.679 To blaspheme against God the way he did. 00:12:20.679 --> 00:12:22.179 But here he is. 00:12:22.659 --> 00:12:24.059 Here he is. 00:12:24.339 --> 00:12:26.419 In a sense at the height of his power. 00:12:27.399 --> 00:12:28.620 It's almost unbelievable. 00:12:28.959 --> 00:12:29.980 But it's a fact. 00:12:30.679 --> 00:12:31.779 It's a fact. 00:12:33.019 --> 00:12:35.039 But in David's experience. 00:12:35.379 --> 00:12:39.059 We see sin's terrible force and power. 00:12:40.219 --> 00:12:42.559 Sin's terrible force and power. 00:12:43.299 --> 00:12:48.879 Firstly it sweeps aside all other considerations and interests. 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:51.720 David was gripped with lust. 00:12:51.720 --> 00:12:53.940 He should have been out at the head of the battle. 00:12:54.399 --> 00:12:55.779 With his army. 00:12:56.740 --> 00:12:58.740 Instead he was gripped with lust. 00:12:59.060 --> 00:13:02.240 It's almost as if nothing mattered. 00:13:02.440 --> 00:13:05.379 And if you read 2 Samuel 11. 00:13:06.040 --> 00:13:07.840 Before that chapter we read. 00:13:07.899 --> 00:13:08.980 2 Samuel 12. 00:13:08.980 --> 00:13:17.539 You will see his reaction to Uriah's death. 00:13:17.539 --> 00:13:19.600 And to the defeat of the army. 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:21.539 It's almost as if nothing mattered. 00:13:21.899 --> 00:13:23.200 The army didn't matter. 00:13:23.600 --> 00:13:25.300 Certainly the glory of God. 00:13:25.659 --> 00:13:27.100 Was swept aside. 00:13:28.399 --> 00:13:29.500 Swept aside. 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:33.399 The honor and the glory of the Lord. 00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:35.399 Swept aside. 00:13:35.720 --> 00:13:38.600 So the power of sin sweeps aside. 00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:41.159 All other interests and considerations. 00:13:42.019 --> 00:13:44.059 The power of sin consumes. 00:13:44.059 --> 00:13:47.099 David had everything. 00:13:47.479 --> 00:13:48.279 He was the king. 00:13:49.059 --> 00:13:50.779 But there was something he didn't have. 00:13:51.279 --> 00:13:52.500 That somebody else had. 00:13:52.559 --> 00:13:53.339 And he wanted it. 00:13:53.340 --> 00:13:57.620 And he was so consumed. 00:13:59.019 --> 00:14:01.780 That he arranged for the death of Uriah. 00:14:03.100 --> 00:14:03.740 Murder. 00:14:04.899 --> 00:14:06.980 For which he was himself. 00:14:08.500 --> 00:14:09.259 Guilty. 00:14:10.120 --> 00:14:11.759 Under the penalty of death. 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:13.800 Jealousy. 00:14:14.160 --> 00:14:14.840 And envy. 00:14:15.280 --> 00:14:15.879 And bitterness. 00:14:16.220 --> 00:14:17.220 Consumed him. 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:21.680 And that's what sin does. 00:14:22.180 --> 00:14:25.500 The power of sin can consume us. 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:29.920 It can consume us when we're in a rage. 00:14:29.920 --> 00:14:31.759 When our tempers flare. 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:33.220 And we're in a rage. 00:14:33.540 --> 00:14:35.399 We say and do things we should never. 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:38.139 Which we would not normally ever do. 00:14:40.960 --> 00:14:42.899 And it's almost at times as if we. 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:44.779 Block out. 00:14:45.460 --> 00:14:47.160 That voice of conscience. 00:14:47.220 --> 00:14:48.560 That speak to us. 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:50.040 That restraining voice. 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:53.460 Any opportunity to retaliate. 00:14:53.540 --> 00:14:54.420 And to pay back. 00:14:56.519 --> 00:14:58.019 Sin consumes. 00:14:59.180 --> 00:14:59.779 Thirdly. 00:14:59.899 --> 00:15:01.399 Sin risks everything. 00:15:01.720 --> 00:15:03.620 David risked everything here. 00:15:03.940 --> 00:15:04.800 His power. 00:15:05.220 --> 00:15:06.279 His reputation. 00:15:06.899 --> 00:15:08.220 His honor before God. 00:15:08.879 --> 00:15:09.899 And before men. 00:15:11.259 --> 00:15:13.660 The whole honor of Israel. 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:14.940 And Judah. 00:15:14.940 --> 00:15:17.180 Of the United Kingdom. 00:15:17.220 --> 00:15:17.320 Him. 00:15:20.120 --> 00:15:22.139 He was a slave. 00:15:22.139 --> 00:15:23.040 To sin. 00:15:23.879 --> 00:15:25.500 He was a slave. 00:15:25.620 --> 00:15:26.100 To sin. 00:15:26.259 --> 00:15:27.879 That's what sin does. 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:29.560 Jesus himself. 00:15:29.639 --> 00:15:30.160 Tells us. 00:15:30.279 --> 00:15:30.800 In John 8. 00:15:30.860 --> 00:15:31.440 Verse 34. 00:15:32.220 --> 00:15:32.519 Truly. 00:15:32.680 --> 00:15:32.960 Truly. 00:15:33.080 --> 00:15:33.680 I say to you. 00:15:33.960 --> 00:15:35.720 Everyone who practices sin. 00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:37.019 Is a slave. 00:15:37.259 --> 00:15:38.100 To sin. 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:38.240 To sin. 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:43.460 And being a slave. 00:15:43.460 --> 00:15:44.200 To sin. 00:15:44.200 --> 00:15:44.340 To sin. 00:15:44.340 --> 00:15:44.519 Sin. 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:46.000 Is the natural state. 00:15:46.000 --> 00:15:46.820 Of mankind. 00:15:48.700 --> 00:15:50.000 Add to that. 00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:51.139 The power. 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:53.299 The terrible power. 00:15:53.299 --> 00:15:54.000 Of sin. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:55.259 In addiction. 00:15:55.259 --> 00:15:56.220 For example. 00:15:57.159 --> 00:15:58.440 Addiction to alcohol. 00:15:58.440 --> 00:15:59.580 And drugs. 00:15:59.580 --> 00:16:00.639 And pornography. 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:03.399 And many other vices. 00:16:04.759 --> 00:16:06.159 And add to that. 00:16:06.600 --> 00:16:08.460 The danger of habitual sin. 00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:11.679 Christian brother and sister. 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:15.220 The danger of habitual sin. 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:17.659 When sin becomes a habit. 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:20.419 I came across. 00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:21.299 As I was preparing. 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:22.480 Something I had. 00:16:23.299 --> 00:16:24.379 Looked at many. 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:25.620 Many years ago. 00:16:27.480 --> 00:16:28.919 The Reverend Moody Stewart. 00:16:30.659 --> 00:16:32.360 In his book on Jeremiah. 00:16:34.039 --> 00:16:36.480 When habit becomes strong. 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:39.519 Through persistent indulgence. 00:16:39.939 --> 00:16:42.480 It exercises an appalling. 00:16:43.419 --> 00:16:43.959 Tyranny. 00:16:44.459 --> 00:16:46.100 Over the hearts. 00:16:46.100 --> 00:16:47.279 And lives. 00:16:47.440 --> 00:16:48.580 Of men. 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:51.139 Of men and women. 00:16:51.139 --> 00:16:51.720 Of course. 00:16:54.259 --> 00:16:54.899 Fourthly. 00:16:55.040 --> 00:16:56.420 Sin paralyzes. 00:16:57.639 --> 00:16:59.240 Out better judgment. 00:17:00.920 --> 00:17:02.500 It blinds. 00:17:02.560 --> 00:17:03.560 It paralyzes. 00:17:03.740 --> 00:17:05.259 And blinds. 00:17:06.519 --> 00:17:08.200 It overpowers. 00:17:09.299 --> 00:17:10.920 It overpowered David. 00:17:11.079 --> 00:17:12.579 It mastered David. 00:17:13.420 --> 00:17:15.299 It robbed him of his power. 00:17:15.299 --> 00:17:17.519 It robbed him of his discernment. 00:17:17.579 --> 00:17:18.299 And judgment. 00:17:19.839 --> 00:17:21.159 And there was a battle. 00:17:21.159 --> 00:17:22.379 In David's conscience. 00:17:23.339 --> 00:17:24.460 And I'll come back to that. 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.119 A little later. 00:17:25.399 --> 00:17:27.119 A battle in his conscience. 00:17:29.079 --> 00:17:30.519 More explained to us. 00:17:30.579 --> 00:17:31.399 In Psalm 32. 00:17:31.399 --> 00:17:33.539 Than particularly here. 00:17:34.659 --> 00:17:36.220 But there was a battle. 00:17:36.379 --> 00:17:37.599 Going on. 00:17:37.599 --> 00:17:41.879 And in Psalm 32. 00:17:41.879 --> 00:17:44.579 The danger of unconfessed sin. 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:46.579 Of an unrepentant state. 00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:48.919 When we don't confess our sins. 00:17:49.879 --> 00:17:52.059 David tells us in Psalm 32. 00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:58.459 That the impact of unrepentant sin. 00:17:58.619 --> 00:17:59.419 Was silence. 00:17:59.839 --> 00:18:01.079 And groaning. 00:18:02.139 --> 00:18:04.619 Groaning with living with the guilt. 00:18:04.699 --> 00:18:05.939 Of a stifled conscience. 00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:08.920 And the aging bones. 00:18:09.080 --> 00:18:10.680 That he refers to in Psalm 32. 00:18:11.799 --> 00:18:14.120 Portraying the growing weakness. 00:18:14.120 --> 00:18:15.740 Of his spiritual life. 00:18:16.860 --> 00:18:18.820 And sin robs you of your power. 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:20.940 It robs you of your power. 00:18:21.820 --> 00:18:23.180 Your power to pray. 00:18:23.580 --> 00:18:24.860 Your power to discern. 00:18:25.360 --> 00:18:26.640 Your power to resist. 00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:29.640 Temptations not to read your Bible. 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:31.700 Not to go on your knees to pray. 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:38.600 And he was aware. 00:18:38.600 --> 00:18:40.120 Of the heavy hand of God. 00:18:41.120 --> 00:18:43.019 And the need for repentance. 00:18:43.180 --> 00:18:45.340 But he stubbornly refused to yield. 00:18:45.740 --> 00:18:46.660 For a while. 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:50.460 And of course there is the devil. 00:18:50.819 --> 00:18:52.360 Always there in the background. 00:18:52.860 --> 00:18:54.080 Always there. 00:18:54.420 --> 00:18:55.920 Ready to accuse you. 00:18:56.279 --> 00:18:57.120 Ready to twist. 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:58.120 And pervert. 00:18:58.460 --> 00:18:59.019 The truth. 00:18:59.019 --> 00:19:03.440 Sin's terrible. 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:07.359 Power and consequences. 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:09.000 Secondly. 00:19:09.139 --> 00:19:11.160 God's judgment against sin. 00:19:11.859 --> 00:19:13.579 God's judgment against sin. 00:19:14.879 --> 00:19:16.779 It's very interesting in the narrative. 00:19:16.779 --> 00:19:19.460 where Nathan comes to David. 00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:21.519 And explains that story to him. 00:19:21.619 --> 00:19:23.899 About the rich man. 00:19:24.779 --> 00:19:26.680 And the poor man. 00:19:27.319 --> 00:19:29.299 And the story of the traveler. 00:19:30.139 --> 00:19:32.660 And of the lamb. 00:19:35.940 --> 00:19:40.700 And it's very interesting that David himself delivers the verdict. 00:19:40.700 --> 00:19:45.480 Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man. 00:19:45.539 --> 00:19:46.340 And he said to Nathan. 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:47.220 As the Lord lives. 00:19:47.299 --> 00:19:48.539 The man who has done this. 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:49.779 Deserves to die. 00:19:50.360 --> 00:19:52.660 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold. 00:19:53.100 --> 00:19:54.799 Because he did this thing. 00:19:54.880 --> 00:19:57.559 And because he had no pity. 00:19:58.680 --> 00:20:03.120 David anticipates and delivers the verdict himself. 00:20:03.259 --> 00:20:04.759 He utterly condemns the sin. 00:20:05.279 --> 00:20:07.519 And that sin deserves punishment. 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:09.500 And of course David understood. 00:20:10.160 --> 00:20:13.019 That sin merits punishment. 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:18.579 But David didn't recognize himself in this story. 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:20.819 That Nathan told him. 00:20:22.559 --> 00:20:24.839 And perhaps we would have been exactly the same. 00:20:25.779 --> 00:20:27.339 If someone had come to us. 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:30.139 And surely we would have said. 00:20:30.220 --> 00:20:30.900 Well that's terrible. 00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:32.359 That's terrible. 00:20:33.119 --> 00:20:35.460 That man deserves. 00:20:35.460 --> 00:20:39.480 To be penalized in some way. 00:20:39.620 --> 00:20:40.779 For what he has done. 00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:44.620 But what was God's verdict? 00:20:45.600 --> 00:20:48.180 What was God's verdict? 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:55.100 God's verdict was delivered through Nathan. 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:59.440 The verdict of the word of God. 00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:03.100 You are the man. 00:21:03.099 --> 00:21:05.619 You are the man. 00:21:06.500 --> 00:21:09.639 And in verses 7 down to 13. 00:21:11.019 --> 00:21:15.899 Nathan delivers that damning verdict. 00:21:16.939 --> 00:21:21.139 God's verdict against David. 00:21:21.259 --> 00:21:23.419 Because of David's sins. 00:21:23.859 --> 00:21:24.959 God's judgment. 00:21:25.379 --> 00:21:27.439 And the consequences of that judgment. 00:21:28.179 --> 00:21:30.659 Because Uriah had been killed by the sword. 00:21:30.660 --> 00:21:33.460 The sword would never depart from David's house. 00:21:34.120 --> 00:21:36.320 Because he had taken Uriah's wife. 00:21:36.880 --> 00:21:39.660 The judgment extended to David's own household. 00:21:40.040 --> 00:21:41.720 Taking his wives from him. 00:21:43.000 --> 00:21:44.540 David deserved to die. 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:47.100 But God forgave him. 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:51.600 Yet the son conceived from the adulterous relationship would die. 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:53.620 Would die. 00:21:54.620 --> 00:21:58.060 Devastating consequences of sin. 00:21:58.059 --> 00:22:03.339 And the Bible teaches us in Numbers 32.23. 00:22:04.899 --> 00:22:10.200 Be sure your sin will find you out. 00:22:11.480 --> 00:22:12.220 Thirdly. 00:22:12.899 --> 00:22:16.500 The greater power of God's grace. 00:22:17.460 --> 00:22:18.299 In repentance. 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:22.299 Confession and forgiveness. 00:22:22.299 --> 00:22:28.859 David's confession in 2 Samuel 12. 00:22:28.859 --> 00:22:32.659 I have sinned against the Lord. 00:22:33.139 --> 00:22:36.039 David's confession here in this psalm at verse 3. 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:42.759 For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. 00:22:43.139 --> 00:22:45.519 My sin is ever before me. 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:53.359 Here is David's repentance. 00:22:54.160 --> 00:22:58.920 I have sinned against God. 00:22:59.259 --> 00:23:01.079 Against God. 00:23:01.180 --> 00:23:02.660 And he says in verse 4. 00:23:02.980 --> 00:23:05.559 Against you, you only have I sinned. 00:23:05.779 --> 00:23:10.440 And done what is evil in your sight. 00:23:10.440 --> 00:23:15.160 David's eyes have been opened. 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:19.960 The floodgates of confession of sin. 00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:22.660 The floodgates have been opened. 00:23:23.820 --> 00:23:27.420 And outpours this confession of sin. 00:23:27.420 --> 00:23:30.240 And he realizes. 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:37.440 That sin is contrary to and strikes at the very heart. 00:23:37.560 --> 00:23:40.000 At the very nature and being of God. 00:23:40.220 --> 00:23:42.080 His honor and his glory. 00:23:42.920 --> 00:23:47.800 He realizes that sin is a violation of the holiness of God. 00:23:49.460 --> 00:23:52.519 And a violation of his law. 00:23:52.519 --> 00:23:56.819 And that's what sin is. 00:23:56.920 --> 00:23:58.980 It strikes at the very heart of the Savior. 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:01.920 It strikes at the very heart of Christ. 00:24:05.400 --> 00:24:15.960 And it takes away from the believer the joy of the spirit and the peace of conscience. 00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:18.900 It strikes at the heart of the church. 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.379 The church. 00:24:20.380 --> 00:24:25.960 And it strikes at the heart of a witness to the world. 00:24:28.600 --> 00:24:32.100 He acknowledges that it is his sin. 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:36.620 Have mercy on me, O God. 00:24:37.580 --> 00:24:38.940 Wash me. 00:24:40.160 --> 00:24:42.620 I know my transgressions. 00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:44.500 My sin. 00:24:46.340 --> 00:24:47.700 My iniquity. 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:53.960 He accepts all responsibility as part of that process of repentance. 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:57.180 And that confession that flows out. 00:24:57.660 --> 00:24:59.019 No one else to blame. 00:24:59.400 --> 00:25:00.299 Not circumstances. 00:25:00.720 --> 00:25:01.559 Not other people. 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:02.759 Not the devil. 00:25:03.620 --> 00:25:04.500 No one else. 00:25:04.680 --> 00:25:05.420 Just me. 00:25:05.720 --> 00:25:06.440 I'm guilty. 00:25:06.819 --> 00:25:08.580 I deserve the judgment of God. 00:25:09.299 --> 00:25:10.600 I did it. 00:25:10.779 --> 00:25:12.019 And I need grace. 00:25:12.019 --> 00:25:14.240 I'm broken, Lord. 00:25:14.339 --> 00:25:14.839 He says. 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:17.480 You've broken my heart. 00:25:19.359 --> 00:25:21.980 And he says to God, I know that you want. 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:24.099 This is the pleasing sacrifice. 00:25:24.619 --> 00:25:28.079 A broken and a contrite heart. 00:25:28.079 --> 00:25:35.119 David's confession, as I said at the beginning, is a prayer of faith. 00:25:35.119 --> 00:25:37.059 A prayer of faith. 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:38.980 And a prayer of faith. 00:25:39.359 --> 00:25:42.619 Must proceed all through confession of sin. 00:25:43.079 --> 00:25:45.819 And he pleads and he appeals to God. 00:25:46.139 --> 00:25:48.019 Have mercy on me, O God. 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:50.599 According to your steadfast love. 00:25:50.859 --> 00:25:53.619 According to your abundant mercy. 00:25:54.139 --> 00:25:55.240 He pleads. 00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:58.240 God's steadfast love. 00:25:58.779 --> 00:26:00.359 God's covenant love. 00:26:00.779 --> 00:26:01.980 God's love. 00:26:04.220 --> 00:26:06.019 What is steadfast love? 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:08.379 Or loving kindness, if you use the AV. 00:26:08.799 --> 00:26:09.400 What is it? 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:10.799 It is love. 00:26:12.859 --> 00:26:13.460 Demonstrated. 00:26:14.660 --> 00:26:16.619 In reconciliation. 00:26:16.619 --> 00:26:18.679 It's love. 00:26:18.679 --> 00:26:21.139 It's love demonstrated in an atonement for sin. 00:26:22.539 --> 00:26:27.819 It's love personified in the Savior. 00:26:29.139 --> 00:26:33.859 Who is the propitiation for our sins. 00:26:39.939 --> 00:26:42.659 He turns to God in prayer. 00:26:44.159 --> 00:26:46.179 Cries out in faith. 00:26:46.180 --> 00:26:49.580 For the greater power of God's grace. 00:26:50.080 --> 00:26:52.100 For the removal of guilt. 00:26:53.160 --> 00:26:54.440 And the renewal. 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:58.900 Of his standing before God. 00:27:00.220 --> 00:27:01.779 Notice the verbs. 00:27:02.440 --> 00:27:03.519 Have mercy. 00:27:04.080 --> 00:27:06.140 According to your loving kindness. 00:27:07.560 --> 00:27:08.519 Blot out. 00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:09.660 Wash me. 00:27:09.940 --> 00:27:10.680 Cleanse me. 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:11.680 Purge me. 00:27:11.960 --> 00:27:13.279 Hide your face. 00:27:13.279 --> 00:27:14.279 Purge me. 00:27:14.279 --> 00:27:15.599 And look what he says in verse 7. 00:27:16.180 --> 00:27:17.779 Purge me with hyssop. 00:27:19.660 --> 00:27:21.220 Purge me with hyssop. 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:23.119 He's appealing to the blood. 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:25.019 He's appealing. 00:27:25.779 --> 00:27:26.859 Looking back. 00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:28.019 To the Passover. 00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:30.119 To the blood of the Passover. 00:27:30.119 --> 00:27:33.899 David understands. 00:27:33.899 --> 00:27:35.399 That without the shedding of blood. 00:27:35.539 --> 00:27:38.500 There is no remission of sins. 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:44.939 Martin Luther made a remarkable comment about this psalm. 00:27:44.940 --> 00:27:48.320 David asks to be sprinkled. 00:27:48.320 --> 00:27:52.200 With the word of faith in the coming Christ. 00:27:52.920 --> 00:27:58.539 Who will sprinkle his church with his blood. 00:27:58.539 --> 00:28:02.379 He prays for removal. 00:28:03.379 --> 00:28:04.920 Of all the sin. 00:28:05.059 --> 00:28:06.039 And the guilt of sin. 00:28:06.319 --> 00:28:08.639 And every shred and presence of sin. 00:28:09.599 --> 00:28:11.559 And he prays again then for renewal. 00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:12.659 Create. 00:28:12.940 --> 00:28:13.480 Renew. 00:28:13.879 --> 00:28:15.000 Cast me not away. 00:28:15.399 --> 00:28:17.759 Take not the Holy Spirit away. 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:19.619 What a remarkable prayer. 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:22.259 Have you prayed that one? 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:24.159 Christian brother and sister. 00:28:24.619 --> 00:28:25.940 Have you prayed that prayer? 00:28:25.940 --> 00:28:28.740 What a prayer. 00:28:31.420 --> 00:28:34.380 Restore and uphold and deliver. 00:28:34.380 --> 00:28:37.460 It's a complete and radical. 00:28:38.420 --> 00:28:40.220 Removal and renewal. 00:28:41.140 --> 00:28:42.519 Removal of his guilt. 00:28:44.360 --> 00:28:46.360 And the renewal and restoration. 00:28:47.059 --> 00:28:48.039 And reconciliation. 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:49.380 With God. 00:28:50.340 --> 00:28:51.460 His God. 00:28:51.779 --> 00:28:53.059 As if he's saying to God. 00:28:53.380 --> 00:28:54.860 You want to clean me. 00:28:54.859 --> 00:28:57.119 Clean me then God. 00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:58.659 Clean me completely. 00:28:59.179 --> 00:29:00.519 Clean my insides. 00:29:00.959 --> 00:29:04.240 So that wisdom and righteousness would reign in my heart. 00:29:06.779 --> 00:29:10.119 That holiness would reign in my heart. 00:29:10.639 --> 00:29:12.619 That you would reign in my heart. 00:29:12.799 --> 00:29:15.399 That you would take your rightful place in my heart. 00:29:16.179 --> 00:29:17.119 Not myself. 00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:19.879 Not my lusts and desires and sins. 00:29:19.880 --> 00:29:21.540 But you Lord. 00:29:24.540 --> 00:29:26.260 Open my eyes. 00:29:26.260 --> 00:29:27.500 The psalmist said. 00:29:27.700 --> 00:29:30.860 That I might see wonderful things out of your law. 00:29:31.380 --> 00:29:33.240 Why does the psalmist say that? 00:29:33.300 --> 00:29:34.440 Because he knew. 00:29:34.820 --> 00:29:36.560 That sin blinds. 00:29:36.840 --> 00:29:37.260 And paralyzes. 00:29:37.980 --> 00:29:38.860 As we said before. 00:29:42.320 --> 00:29:43.520 Sin blinds. 00:29:43.580 --> 00:29:44.380 And it robs us. 00:29:44.380 --> 00:29:48.960 It robs us of prayer. 00:29:51.100 --> 00:29:54.400 And we can only beat our own breast in that regard. 00:29:54.400 --> 00:30:04.259 God's verdict. 00:30:04.259 --> 00:30:07.400 And declaration continues. 00:30:08.019 --> 00:30:10.700 It didn't stop with the judgment. 00:30:12.580 --> 00:30:15.160 This is where you see the grace of God. 00:30:16.140 --> 00:30:19.519 The remarkable grace of God. 00:30:19.519 --> 00:30:23.400 What did Nathan say to David? 00:30:24.339 --> 00:30:25.639 He said this. 00:30:27.359 --> 00:30:29.420 And Nathan said to David. 00:30:30.039 --> 00:30:34.740 The Lord also has put away your sin. 00:30:36.019 --> 00:30:39.960 You shall not die. 00:30:43.019 --> 00:30:46.059 The Lord has put away your sin. 00:30:46.359 --> 00:30:48.279 You shall not die. 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:55.759 The remarkable truth of true repentance. 00:30:56.879 --> 00:30:58.759 True repentance. 00:30:59.039 --> 00:31:00.759 Evangelical repentance. 00:31:01.319 --> 00:31:04.180 As opposed to any legal repentance. 00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:06.920 But true repentance. 00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:13.940 Confession of sin. 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:16.700 Followed by forgiveness of sin. 00:31:16.700 --> 00:31:18.900 If we confess our sins. 00:31:18.900 --> 00:31:19.720 John says. 00:31:19.980 --> 00:31:21.880 If we confess our sins. 00:31:22.080 --> 00:31:23.900 He is faithful and just. 00:31:24.340 --> 00:31:25.740 To forgive us our sins. 00:31:25.860 --> 00:31:26.720 And to cleanse us. 00:31:27.059 --> 00:31:29.960 From all unrighteousness. 00:31:30.340 --> 00:31:31.059 Confession. 00:31:31.460 --> 00:31:34.059 Followed immediately by forgiveness. 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:39.440 That's what David experienced. 00:31:39.519 --> 00:31:40.500 Particularly too. 00:31:41.019 --> 00:31:42.340 In Psalm 32. 00:31:42.339 --> 00:31:44.539 When he speaks of it in that psalm. 00:31:44.539 --> 00:31:47.619 The dam bursting as it were. 00:31:49.579 --> 00:31:53.319 And outflowed this remarkable confession. 00:31:53.939 --> 00:31:56.139 Followed by almost. 00:31:56.799 --> 00:31:58.419 Oh well not just almost. 00:31:59.319 --> 00:32:00.279 But immediate. 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:03.379 Immediate forgiveness. 00:32:04.139 --> 00:32:06.240 Immediate forgiveness. 00:32:06.240 --> 00:32:09.079 These remarkable verses. 00:32:09.440 --> 00:32:10.720 In Psalm 32. 00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:11.720 Psalm 32. 00:32:12.720 --> 00:32:13.980 At verse 5. 00:32:13.980 --> 00:32:15.539 I acknowledged my sin to you. 00:32:15.720 --> 00:32:17.539 And I did not cover my iniquity. 00:32:17.720 --> 00:32:21.000 I said I will confess my transgressions to the Lord. 00:32:21.440 --> 00:32:25.480 And you forgave the iniquity of my sin. 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:31.759 Oh the greater power of God's grace in repentance. 00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:37.819 The confession and forgiveness of sin. 00:32:38.160 --> 00:32:39.460 It's sweet. 00:32:40.680 --> 00:32:43.860 It's sweet when we go to Christ and we say. 00:32:45.039 --> 00:32:47.779 Lords forgive me for my sins. 00:32:49.440 --> 00:32:51.039 Pouring out our heart. 00:32:52.099 --> 00:32:53.120 Pouring it out. 00:32:53.119 --> 00:32:57.299 And knowing the sweet sound of forgiveness. 00:32:59.079 --> 00:33:00.679 And if you're a non-Christian. 00:33:01.079 --> 00:33:03.239 If you haven't yet closed in with Christ. 00:33:03.839 --> 00:33:05.899 Oh how sweet that is. 00:33:06.479 --> 00:33:07.719 There is a sense in which. 00:33:08.019 --> 00:33:09.459 When we talk about sin. 00:33:09.799 --> 00:33:10.159 Here. 00:33:11.259 --> 00:33:12.259 In this psalm. 00:33:12.419 --> 00:33:13.579 And in other places of course. 00:33:14.459 --> 00:33:16.739 I have to say that I was taken back myself. 00:33:17.439 --> 00:33:19.459 To when Christ came into my own life. 00:33:19.519 --> 00:33:21.259 And I'm sure in the life of every Christian. 00:33:21.259 --> 00:33:23.779 It takes you back to that time. 00:33:24.180 --> 00:33:26.059 When Christ came into your life. 00:33:26.259 --> 00:33:27.799 And he saved you. 00:33:31.940 --> 00:33:33.700 And what a salvation. 00:33:34.400 --> 00:33:35.400 But what a price. 00:33:35.740 --> 00:33:37.440 Our sins demanded of him. 00:33:37.900 --> 00:33:38.940 What a price. 00:33:40.339 --> 00:33:42.099 But a price that he was willing. 00:33:42.099 --> 00:33:43.599 To pay. 00:33:46.019 --> 00:33:46.500 Finally. 00:33:49.139 --> 00:33:50.980 What do you do with your sin? 00:33:53.379 --> 00:33:54.299 My sin. 00:33:54.480 --> 00:33:55.079 David said. 00:33:55.179 --> 00:33:56.219 Is ever before me. 00:33:56.480 --> 00:33:58.059 And there is a sense as Christians. 00:33:58.879 --> 00:34:01.639 We wish that this were more true than it is. 00:34:02.019 --> 00:34:03.939 That I was more aware of my sin. 00:34:04.059 --> 00:34:04.699 Than I am. 00:34:04.700 --> 00:34:10.220 David promises in this psalm. 00:34:10.320 --> 00:34:11.240 In verse 13. 00:34:11.460 --> 00:34:14.199 Then I will teach transgressors your ways. 00:34:14.579 --> 00:34:16.400 And sinners will return to you. 00:34:18.460 --> 00:34:19.960 It's as if David is saying. 00:34:20.059 --> 00:34:21.440 I'm now going to teach others. 00:34:21.440 --> 00:34:24.039 So that they follow the pattern of. 00:34:24.240 --> 00:34:26.159 Of confession of sin. 00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:27.480 And forgiveness. 00:34:27.480 --> 00:34:32.199 This psalm and other psalms. 00:34:32.320 --> 00:34:34.260 Teach us how to deal without sin. 00:34:36.059 --> 00:34:37.960 When you struggle with sin. 00:34:38.019 --> 00:34:40.280 As we do from time to time. 00:34:40.599 --> 00:34:41.800 When there are seasons. 00:34:42.500 --> 00:34:43.579 In our heart. 00:34:43.699 --> 00:34:45.099 In our Christian experience. 00:34:45.659 --> 00:34:47.579 Here is the way to deal with sin. 00:34:47.579 --> 00:34:50.000 This is the God given pattern. 00:34:51.679 --> 00:34:52.360 Repentance. 00:34:54.179 --> 00:34:54.820 Repentance. 00:34:56.840 --> 00:34:57.440 Repentance. 00:34:57.480 --> 00:35:00.420 Repentance unto life. 00:35:00.519 --> 00:35:01.460 The catechism says. 00:35:01.780 --> 00:35:03.019 Is a saving grace. 00:35:03.360 --> 00:35:04.500 It's all of grace. 00:35:05.800 --> 00:35:06.659 Whereby a sinner. 00:35:06.860 --> 00:35:08.420 Out of a true sense of his sin. 00:35:08.699 --> 00:35:11.579 And apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ. 00:35:11.980 --> 00:35:12.340 Does. 00:35:12.840 --> 00:35:15.039 With grief and hatred of his sin. 00:35:15.619 --> 00:35:17.740 Turn from it unto God. 00:35:17.740 --> 00:35:20.639 With full purpose of and endeavor. 00:35:20.960 --> 00:35:22.599 After new obedience. 00:35:23.740 --> 00:35:24.900 This is the pattern. 00:35:25.760 --> 00:35:27.440 And this pattern encourages us. 00:35:27.480 --> 00:35:29.320 Not to sink in despair. 00:35:29.420 --> 00:35:30.980 Don't despair. 00:35:31.460 --> 00:35:32.219 Christian. 00:35:32.539 --> 00:35:33.719 Brother and sister. 00:35:34.960 --> 00:35:36.079 Don't despair. 00:35:36.079 --> 00:35:37.679 If you're not yet a Christian. 00:35:38.079 --> 00:35:40.420 Because the Savior's ears are open. 00:35:40.699 --> 00:35:41.800 His heart is open. 00:35:42.360 --> 00:35:43.579 To your cry. 00:35:44.039 --> 00:35:44.940 To your pleading. 00:35:45.820 --> 00:35:46.659 Plead with him. 00:35:46.659 --> 00:35:50.279 What shall I do to be saved. 00:35:50.279 --> 00:35:51.879 The Philippian jailer said. 00:35:52.819 --> 00:35:55.179 Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:35:55.639 --> 00:35:57.039 The reply came. 00:35:57.259 --> 00:35:58.699 Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:35:58.819 --> 00:36:00.739 And you will be saved. 00:36:02.480 --> 00:36:06.279 Here is the pattern to keep us from total despair. 00:36:06.280 --> 00:36:06.620 Fear. 00:36:06.620 --> 00:36:12.680 It also sets before us the matter of the heart. 00:36:13.320 --> 00:36:14.960 The heart before God. 00:36:15.280 --> 00:36:17.260 A broken and contrite heart. 00:36:17.440 --> 00:36:19.080 First before God. 00:36:19.660 --> 00:36:22.060 And notice what verse 19 says. 00:36:22.720 --> 00:36:23.300 He says. 00:36:24.260 --> 00:36:25.240 First to them. 00:36:25.720 --> 00:36:26.440 He says. 00:36:27.100 --> 00:36:28.080 You will not accept. 00:36:28.880 --> 00:36:29.720 Sacrifices. 00:36:29.719 --> 00:36:34.059 Until you see this broken and contrite heart. 00:36:34.279 --> 00:36:35.599 And then in verse 19. 00:36:35.959 --> 00:36:36.399 Then. 00:36:36.759 --> 00:36:38.299 Then will you delight. 00:36:38.639 --> 00:36:39.500 In right. 00:36:40.000 --> 00:36:40.839 Sacrifices. 00:36:41.519 --> 00:36:44.059 When there is a broken and contrite heart. 00:36:44.779 --> 00:36:45.939 When the church. 00:36:46.739 --> 00:36:47.819 Of Christ. 00:36:48.219 --> 00:36:49.819 When the church of God. 00:36:50.099 --> 00:36:51.579 Is being built up. 00:36:52.619 --> 00:36:54.219 Do good to Zion. 00:36:54.299 --> 00:36:55.099 In your good pleasure. 00:36:55.419 --> 00:36:56.859 Build up the walls of Jerusalem. 00:36:56.860 --> 00:36:57.660 Then. 00:36:59.660 --> 00:36:59.860 Then. 00:37:00.680 --> 00:37:01.220 Then. 00:37:01.820 --> 00:37:02.460 You will delight. 00:37:02.579 --> 00:37:03.760 In right sacrifices. 00:37:05.740 --> 00:37:08.340 These narratives are here to warn us. 00:37:09.019 --> 00:37:10.820 To warn us of the danger. 00:37:12.099 --> 00:37:15.200 The terrible power of sin. 00:37:17.800 --> 00:37:19.460 Christ has dealt. 00:37:19.720 --> 00:37:21.360 With the penalty of sin. 00:37:21.840 --> 00:37:24.680 He has broken the power and dominion of sin. 00:37:24.679 --> 00:37:28.019 So that sin no longer has dominion over the Christian. 00:37:29.519 --> 00:37:32.099 But the presence of sin remains. 00:37:34.019 --> 00:37:34.579 James. 00:37:36.259 --> 00:37:37.279 Reminds us that. 00:37:37.879 --> 00:37:39.679 Let no one say when he is tempted. 00:37:39.819 --> 00:37:41.279 I am being tempted by God. 00:37:41.579 --> 00:37:43.839 For God cannot be tempted with evil. 00:37:44.199 --> 00:37:46.019 And he himself tempts no one. 00:37:46.379 --> 00:37:47.899 But each person is tempted. 00:37:48.019 --> 00:37:49.859 When he is lured and enticed. 00:37:50.199 --> 00:37:51.539 By his own desire. 00:37:51.539 --> 00:37:53.380 Then desire. 00:37:53.380 --> 00:37:54.820 When it has conceived. 00:37:55.139 --> 00:37:57.079 Gives birth to sin. 00:37:57.920 --> 00:37:58.659 And sin. 00:37:58.920 --> 00:38:00.039 When it is fully grown. 00:38:00.380 --> 00:38:01.920 Brings forth death. 00:38:02.820 --> 00:38:04.460 And James adds this. 00:38:04.820 --> 00:38:07.519 Do not be deceived. 00:38:07.719 --> 00:38:09.320 My beloved brothers. 00:38:11.380 --> 00:38:13.619 I came across a quote from Bunyan. 00:38:13.659 --> 00:38:14.719 Which made me stop. 00:38:15.960 --> 00:38:17.619 Sin is worse than the devil. 00:38:17.619 --> 00:38:21.500 Sin is worse than the devil. 00:38:22.099 --> 00:38:24.960 If you are more afraid of the devil than sin. 00:38:24.960 --> 00:38:26.960 You know little of its badness. 00:38:28.380 --> 00:38:32.199 And thus little of Christ's love. 00:38:33.400 --> 00:38:36.559 Man does not know the nature of his wound. 00:38:37.219 --> 00:38:39.579 How can he know the nature? 00:38:41.079 --> 00:38:43.139 And excellence of the cure. 00:38:43.139 --> 00:38:45.799 If man does not know the nature of his wound. 00:38:46.799 --> 00:38:50.339 How can he know the nature and excellence of the cure? 00:38:52.799 --> 00:38:53.799 And finally. 00:38:54.239 --> 00:38:55.259 There is this. 00:38:57.019 --> 00:38:58.599 We must look to Jesus. 00:38:58.599 --> 00:39:02.480 David's plea. 00:39:03.619 --> 00:39:04.799 Was to the blood. 00:39:06.579 --> 00:39:08.980 And David's plea to the blood. 00:39:10.519 --> 00:39:12.699 Finds its true virtue. 00:39:12.699 --> 00:39:14.679 And greater power. 00:39:15.679 --> 00:39:18.079 Through the blood of Christ. 00:39:18.079 --> 00:39:19.420 Which cleanses us. 00:39:19.900 --> 00:39:22.059 From all sin. 00:39:23.659 --> 00:39:25.039 There is. 00:39:26.299 --> 00:39:27.319 Power in the blood. 00:39:28.599 --> 00:39:30.339 That hymn. 00:39:31.219 --> 00:39:32.319 It surprised me. 00:39:32.420 --> 00:39:34.219 When I was preparing. 00:39:34.440 --> 00:39:35.339 And I came across it. 00:39:36.099 --> 00:39:36.900 I was surprised. 00:39:37.059 --> 00:39:37.940 That hymn. 00:39:38.139 --> 00:39:39.779 Which I thought was relatively modern. 00:39:40.480 --> 00:39:41.619 And I suppose it is in a sense. 00:39:41.759 --> 00:39:44.500 But it was written in 1899. 00:39:45.500 --> 00:39:47.739 By Lewis E. Jones. 00:39:49.019 --> 00:39:50.380 And I'll finish with this. 00:39:51.239 --> 00:39:52.659 I'm not quoting it all. 00:39:52.799 --> 00:39:54.219 Just an element of it. 00:39:54.219 --> 00:39:56.480 Would you be free. 00:39:56.880 --> 00:39:58.179 From the burden of sin. 00:39:58.599 --> 00:40:01.139 Would you over evil. 00:40:01.219 --> 00:40:02.199 A victory win. 00:40:03.559 --> 00:40:05.159 Would you be free. 00:40:05.400 --> 00:40:06.239 From your passion. 00:40:06.559 --> 00:40:07.319 And pride. 00:40:08.199 --> 00:40:09.579 Come for a cleansing. 00:40:09.860 --> 00:40:11.360 To Calvary's tide. 00:40:12.559 --> 00:40:14.039 Would you be whiter. 00:40:14.159 --> 00:40:15.460 Much whiter than snow. 00:40:16.920 --> 00:40:18.579 Sin stains are lost. 00:40:19.119 --> 00:40:21.539 In its life giving flow. 00:40:21.539 --> 00:40:25.139 Would you do service. 00:40:25.139 --> 00:40:26.659 Would you do service for Jesus. 00:40:26.659 --> 00:40:27.539 Your king. 00:40:28.099 --> 00:40:29.759 Would you live daily. 00:40:30.099 --> 00:40:32.019 His praises to sing. 00:40:34.079 --> 00:40:35.519 There's wonderful. 00:40:36.659 --> 00:40:37.019 Power. 00:40:38.019 --> 00:40:39.019 In the blood. 00:40:40.579 --> 00:40:41.219 Amen. 00:40:41.500 --> 00:40:43.039 May the Lord bless these thoughts. 00:40:43.039 --> 00:40:44.300 On his word. 00:40:45.579 --> 00:40:47.380 Our final singing then. 00:40:47.380 --> 00:40:47.840 Is. 00:40:48.960 --> 00:40:49.539 From. 00:40:49.900 --> 00:40:50.679 Sing psalms. 00:40:51.000 --> 00:40:52.480 The sing psalms version of. 00:40:53.000 --> 00:40:53.940 Psalm 130. 00:40:53.940 --> 00:40:54.780 And. 00:40:54.780 --> 00:40:54.800 And. 00:40:55.320 --> 00:40:55.760 30. 00:40:59.760 --> 00:41:00.920 One of the great. 00:41:00.920 --> 00:41:02.740 Penitential psalms. 00:41:03.860 --> 00:41:04.920 The psalmist. 00:41:05.099 --> 00:41:05.920 Crying out. 00:41:06.320 --> 00:41:07.700 From the depths. 00:41:08.200 --> 00:41:09.159 What depths. 00:41:09.700 --> 00:41:10.639 What depths. 00:41:10.780 --> 00:41:11.360 Was the psalmist. 00:41:11.480 --> 00:41:12.240 Crying out from. 00:41:12.900 --> 00:41:14.480 He was crying out. 00:41:14.659 --> 00:41:15.360 From the depths. 00:41:15.360 --> 00:41:16.260 Of his sin. 00:41:17.679 --> 00:41:18.460 Crying out. 00:41:18.619 --> 00:41:19.260 From the depths. 00:41:19.260 --> 00:41:19.880 Of his sin. 00:41:19.960 --> 00:41:20.700 It doesn't tell us. 00:41:20.780 --> 00:41:21.280 What sin. 00:41:21.740 --> 00:41:22.980 But he was crying out. 00:41:23.100 --> 00:41:23.900 From that sin. 00:41:25.480 --> 00:41:26.040 Lord. 00:41:26.240 --> 00:41:26.920 From the depths. 00:41:27.320 --> 00:41:28.700 And let us all. 00:41:28.860 --> 00:41:29.560 Cry out. 00:41:30.120 --> 00:41:30.700 To God. 00:41:31.060 --> 00:41:31.540 Lord. 00:41:31.620 --> 00:41:32.200 From the depths. 00:41:32.280 --> 00:41:33.280 I call to you. 00:41:33.940 --> 00:41:34.200 Lord. 00:41:34.320 --> 00:41:35.720 Hear me from on high. 00:41:35.840 --> 00:41:36.540 And give attention. 00:41:36.540 --> 00:41:37.360 To my voice. 00:41:37.880 --> 00:41:38.580 When I. 00:41:38.760 --> 00:41:39.540 For mercy. 00:41:40.120 --> 00:41:40.519 Cry. 00:41:40.700 --> 00:41:41.540 And so on. 00:41:42.360 --> 00:41:42.880 Standing. 00:41:43.220 --> 00:41:44.519 To sing to God's praise. 00:41:48.160 --> 00:41:48.800 Lord. 00:41:48.800 --> 00:41:49.080 From. 00:41:49.080 --> 00:41:50.120 From. 00:41:50.320 --> 00:41:50.840 The. 00:41:50.840 --> 00:41:52.380 The depths. 00:41:52.380 --> 00:41:54.000 I call. 00:41:54.000 --> 00:41:54.840 I call. 00:41:54.840 --> 00:41:56.220 To you. 00:41:56.220 --> 00:41:57.420 Lord. 00:41:57.420 --> 00:41:59.140 Hear. 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.140 --> 00:41:59.140 00:41:59.139 --> 00:42:23.019 Hear me from on high, and give attention to my voice when I for mercy cry. 00:42:23.019 --> 00:42:39.780 Lord, in your presence who can stand, with you our sins record. 00:42:39.780 --> 00:42:59.400 But yet forgiveness is with you, that we may fear you, Lord. 00:42:59.400 --> 00:43:09.160 I wait, my soul waits for the Lord. 00:43:09.880 --> 00:43:17.220 My hope is in his word. 00:43:17.219 --> 00:43:27.599 For that the watchman waits for dawn. 00:43:28.000 --> 00:43:35.879 My soul waits for the Lord. 00:43:35.880 --> 00:43:45.920 O Israel, put your hope in God. 00:43:45.920 --> 00:44:12.119 For mercy is with them, and full redemption from their sins, his people he redeemed. 00:44:12.119 --> 00:44:14.159 We'll conclude with a word of prayer. 00:44:15.920 --> 00:44:23.920 We give thanks that with thee there is forgiveness. 00:44:25.519 --> 00:44:29.380 That with thee there is plenteous redemption. 00:44:30.559 --> 00:44:40.340 O that we would avail ourselves of the blood of Christ, which still speaks better things than the blood of Abel. 00:44:40.340 --> 00:44:42.340 O that we would avail. 00:44:42.340 --> 00:44:47.700 We give thanks for that voice that still speaks to sinners. 00:44:49.380 --> 00:44:54.920 O speak, gracious God, tonight to all our hearts. 00:44:56.400 --> 00:44:59.260 Bless us on this your day. 00:44:59.260 --> 00:45:04.520 May we make every day a Lord's day. 00:45:05.260 --> 00:45:06.340 In the week ahead. 00:45:08.040 --> 00:45:10.480 Part us with your blessing. 00:45:11.440 --> 00:45:14.280 Forgiving us for all our sins in Christ's precious name. 00:45:14.360 --> 00:45:14.600 Amen. 00:45:14.600 --> 00:45:14.600 00:45:14.600 --> 00:45:14.920 Amen. 00:45:14.920 --> 00:45:17.120 Amen. 00:45:17.120 --> 00:45:17.200 Amen. 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:17.200 --> 00:45:17.200 00:45:29.260 --> 00:45:33.260 Amen. 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:33.260 00:45:33.260 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