The Shout of the Forgiven Man

Scripture Lesson:

  • Psalm 32
The 32nd Psalm is the story of David’s thankfulness for God’s forgiveness after his prayer requesting forgiveness found in Psalm 51.
Our author begins with a story of Corey ten Boom needing to forgive a prison guard from the time her sister died in a prison camp. Her prayer went something like this, “Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness.” Psalm 32 teaches us about God’s forgiveness. Why is understanding God’s forgiveness for us necessary in being able to forgive others?

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Think about God’s face when you come to Him with a request. How might God’s expression change when you’ve done something wrong?
In Psalm 32:1-2, describe David’s feelings about what he has done, and God’s forgiveness. In verses 3 and 4, what happens when we refuse to “come clean” with God about our sin? Why did David, and why do we sometimes, wait so long to admit and confess sins?
According to verse 5, what is necessary in order to receive God’s forgiveness? Consider the flood of great waters in verse 6. How might they hinder our confession?
David makes three statements in verse 7 of how God comforted him. Think about how God has met you in one of these ways.
What is David’s warnings to us in verses 8 and 9? How can our stubbornness affect our confession?
How does Psalm 32 enhance your understanding of confession and forgiveness? How will this study help you when you need to acknowledge sinful behavior before God?

NOTE FROM THE PASTOR

Thank you for following along in this study. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.
- Pastor John

1 thought on “The Shout of the Forgiven Man”

  1. In my power I cannot forgive, but God can give me the strength to forgive. This is essentially the prayer of Corey ten Boom when she prayed: “Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness.” Evidently, when Corey ten Boom prayed that prayer, she, in the aftermath of the death of her sister, found strength in God to forgive a prison guard.

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