“Consider Your Ways!”
The Blessing of a Broken Heart
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Ps. 51:17
I. The Demon of Man’s ‘Goodness’ (Psalm 51:1-2)
Psalm 51 is 1 of ___ “penitential psalms” that highlights the necessary steps in repentance & brokenness before God. We have a disconnect because our world ignores man’s sinfulness & elevates man’s ____________. i.e. ‘wretch’ Many people’s consciences are _________ because sin is treated so casually. cf. Rom. 2:14-16; 1 Tim. 4:2
“Satan’s strategy is to corrupt, desensitize, and if possible kill our consciences…” J.I. Packer
No man has ever repented without feeling a ___________ need deep in his soul. cf. Ps. 51:1-2, 7 Sin is a serious issue for every human being because it has caused a spiritual ____________ from God. (Is. 59:2) The essence of sin is not so much guilt over particular actions, but man’s failure to _________ God! cf. Rom. 3:23 Before one can truly repent, he must reach a state of utter ________________! cf. Ps. 51:1-2, 16
II. The Desire for God’s Mercy (Psalm 51:7,9)
NOTE – Though David was guilty of terrible sin, his relationship with God was still most important to him! David knew that he was ____________! cf. Ps. 51:7, 9 FYI – The word “unclean” is used ____ times in Leviticus! O.T. priests used “hyssop” (v. 7) to ceremonially cleanse an unclean person by sprinkling __________ on them. The most delicate test of true repentance is a sinner’s ____________ toward God. cf. Gen. 3:8-10
“This is the explanation of the paradox of the penitent…” D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
One who knows God personally, knows how truly precious it is that God is _____________! cf. Lk. 18:13; Jn. 6 i.e. “according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies”
Practical Application:
- Leper – Lev. 13:45-46 – 34X in Leviticus – “unclean”
- Publican – Lk. 18:9-14
- Wretch – Rom. 7:24; Rev. 3:17
Appointments with God
Monday, January 17th
Meditate upon the Effects of Sin:
- Genesis 3:8-10, 24
Notice the first thing Adam & Eve did after they committed the first sin was they “hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God.” How is your sin alienating you from God? Talk to God about it!
Tuesday, January 18th
Meditate upon the Effects of Sin:
- Isaiah 59:1-2
The problem isn’t with God (v. 1), but our “iniquities” that have “made a separation” from Him! Praise God for all His many attributes—especially His Holiness & Righteousness—tell Him about it!
Wednesday, January 19th
Meditate upon the Essence of Sin:
- Romans 3:23
We are so familiar with this verse, but spend some time just meditating upon it and the context as it relates to “falling short of God’s glory.” Talk to God about the ways you have not glorified Him.
Thursday, January 20th
Meditate upon this Important Parable:
- Luke 18:9-14
Don’t miss the reason Jesus told this parable (v. 9). Today, just spent time analyzing the heart of the “pharisee.”(vv. 11-12) How was he deceived? Search your heart & compare yourself to him.
Friday, January 21st
Meditate upon this Important Parable:
- Luke 18:9-14
Today, just spend time analyzing the heart of the “tax collector.”(vv. 13-14) Why was he justified? Search your heart & compare yourself to him.
Saturday/Sunday, Jan. 22-23
Meditate upon the Multitude of God’s Tender Mercies:
- Psalm 51:1-2; 103:8-12; Lam. 3:19-23
Can you even imagine how precious God’s mercy was to David? Spend time praising God for His mercy & compassion that is “new every morning!!!
[audio:http://www.marshalltownefc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/03-Consider-Your-Ways-Psalms-51_1279.mp3|titles=03 Consider Your Ways (Psalms 51_1,2,7,9)]03 Consider Your Ways (Psalms 51_1,2,7,9)
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