Everybody Needs One,

But Not Everyone Gets One

2 Samuel 5:20 (NIV)
"As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me."

Understanding and Experiencing Repentance

What would you like to praise God for today?

Where did you see God at work this past week?

"We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

So, Let's Start! What do we mean by Repentance?

How can you know that true Repentance has occurred?

God's Good Word! 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people,

that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you

out of darkness into His marvelous light;

AS we begin this journey through spiritual breakthroughs, we need to first understand the profound importance of a repentant heart. Sin and repentance are concepts that seem to go against the grain. Our individualistic society feeds off the thought that 'I' should focus on myself – and that 'truth' is simply what I believe and how dare anyone challenge that. But that smacks of a hardness of heart – whereas we are called to be softened and malleable in God's hands. In order for us to experience spiritual breakthrough in our individual lives, families, churches, and nation we must come to God on his terms, and in response to His Word.

The psalmist tells us that, Psalm 51:17 (NKJV)

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—

These, O God, You will not despise."

So, according to our scripture this morning, Our journey towards spiritual breakthrough begins with

I. The Acknowledgement of Sin.(read Ps. 51:1-6 )

Background: Psalm 51 is an expression of David’s repentance forhis sins. He had committed adultery with Bathsheba. She became pregnant. He had her husband put in harm’s way so the husband was killed in battle. All the while trying to cover-up the affair. (2 Samuel 11:1-27)

As you read this passage what do you discover about How does David feels?

Why is it good to experience genuine guilt (v.3)?

In verses 1 and 2, identify and contrast the 3 terms that describe God’s goodness and the 3 terms that describe David’s sin.

Mercy- Transgression Lovingkindness – Iniquity Tender Mercies - Sin

Since such sins are against others, what is the meaning of v. 4?

What does this show about the nature of sin?

How did David know that God would forgive Him?

How do we know God will forgive you?

(see 1 John 1:5-10)

II. Seek the Removal of Sin (read Psalms 51:7-9 )

Have you ever had a toothache so painful it resulted in the tooth’s being pulled or broken a bone you had to have set?

How did you handle the condition?

Did you take care of it yourself?

What lessons do we learn from this about handling our sin problem?

Repentance is not our turning over a new leaf or making a resolution to do better. It involves coming to God to seek sin’s removal and receiving His forgiveness.

III. Trust God to Renew (read Psalms 51:10-12 )

In order for David’s conduct to change what had to happen within him?

In verse 10 David goes from talking about the removal of sin to the restoration of his relationship with God.

Does God leave the Christian who sins against Him (Heb. 13:5)?

How do the forgiveness of sin and restoring fellowship with God go together. (see Ro. 8:8-9)

Wrap up: (read Psalms 51:15-17)

How do these verses describe humility and submission to God?

How does this depict a readiness to respond to God?

Why does repentance need to be an ongoing attitude?

Prayer: For one another