Break the bondage of guilt

Topics: guilt, confession, comviction, communication, contrition

I. Be open to conviction

1. Review Psalm 51:1-3
2. I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Corinthians 7:9, 10).

II. Be quick with confession

1. Review Psalm 51:4-6
2. He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion (Proverbs 28:13).

III. Beseech God's cleansing

1. Review Psalm 51:7-12
2. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith (Acts 15:8, 9).

IV. Be freed for communication

1. Review Psalm 51:13-15
2. "You are My witnesses," declares the Lord, "And My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and there is no savior besides Me. It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, and there was no strange god among you; so you are My witnesses,? declares the Lord, and I am God. Even from eternity I am He, and there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?" (Isaiah 43:10-13).

V. Be humble with contrition

1. Review Psalm 51:16-19
2. For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy, "I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite" (Isaiah 57:15).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, May 7^th, 2023

Life group flow and discussion questions

Break the bondage of guilt

An important Guideline of Life Groups: One of the biggest lessons from Psalm 51 is to always be mindful that "Sin is not worth it!" David experienced guilt, shame, filthiness, broken fellowship with God and consequences of his sin in his family and nation. Discuss how can we help one another to break the bondage of guilt?

Getting Started:

1. Have you ever had a "Nathan" come and give you reproof for your choices?
2. What is the difference between feeling guilty and being convicted by God?

Discussing Truths:

1. Since we are fully cleansed and forgiven by the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7), why do we need to confess our sins (1 John 1:9)?
2. Why did David begin his prayer for pardon by crying out for God's grace based on His lovingkindness and His compassion?
3. How could David say that he sinned against God and God only (Psalm 51:4) when he sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah and the nation Israel?
4. Have you ever met someone (or felt yourself) that thought they were beyond pardon for their sin?
5. The doctrine of original sin is real (Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12; 7:24), so how do we fight against the fleshly influence of our sin nature?
6. What is your understanding of repentance and godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:8-11)?
7. How does this Psalm express both justification and sanctification in a repentant Christian's life?
8. Why do some people not want a new heart, but only to feel better about themselves?

Now What? Application:

1. Are there any unconfessed sins that you need to repent of with humility (Psalm 32:5)?
2. How will you respond with witnessing and worship of our Lord after you experience His gracious cleansing and renewal?