March 11, 2018 – A Clean Heart & A Steadfast Spirit

Terry Beatty
March 11, 2018

March 11, 2018 – A Clean Heart & A Steadfast Spirit

Psalm 51
Life Group Questions:

1.    If you were not able to hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What are some main ideas that you gathered from the sermon? What, if any, questions did the sermon cause for you or do you desire to have additional clarification?

2.    The occasion for this Psalm is mentioned in its opening. Read 2 Samuel 11-12 and describe the nature of the occasion. What can we learn from the way in which David responded to Nathan the prophet? What struggles do you think Nathan faced with his confrontation of David?

3.    Describe the basis for the request of forgiveness and cleansing found in the first two verses. On what basis should we appeal to God for forgiveness of our sin? Do we deserve forgiveness and cleansing by God? Why or why not?

4.    Several different words are used throughout this Psalm to describe sin. List each of these words and elaborate on how they are used to highlight different aspects of sin. Briefly describe the general meaning of sin and why it is so important for us to avoid as Christians.

5.    Why do you think that David acknowledged that he was conceived in iniquity (cf. vs. 5)? Do you believe that all men and woman are born with a sin nature (cf. Ephesians 2:1-5)? Explain. Does being born as sinners gives us an excuse with God to sin? Does a sin nature make us less culpable for our offenses? Why or why not?

6.    What does David mean when he states that his sin was against God, and God alone? Was not David’s sin also against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah? How are we to relate these ideas to one another?

7.    Look back through this Psalm and describe some of the consequences of sin (cf. vs. 7-11). From your own experience with sin, describe some of the consequences you faced. Should Christians be concerned about the consequences of sin if they are all under the blood of Christ? Why or why not?

8.    What does it mean to confess and repent of sin? Do you think that God expects Christians to confess their sin (cf. 1 John 1:5-10)? Do you think that it is possible for a Christian to live in sin? Why or why not?

9.    David states that God’s desire is to ?ind in his people a broken spirit and a contrite heart (cf. vs. 17). In what way should we be broken over our sin? In what way are these attributes a “sacrifice” to God?

10. Sin takes away from our joy and our personal ministry. Read vss. 13-15 and describe some that should occur as a result of our sin being confessed and forgiven. Is there any sin for which you need to seek forgiveness? You may want to take some time to pray and ask God for cleansing and help with these areas.