Old testament confess sins

[How should one go about confessing their sins to God? From the example of David, a good place to begin is. ]

  1. APPEAL TO GOD'S MERCY AND LOVE (1-2)
    1. NOTE THE BASIS OF DAVID'S PLEA FOR FORGIVENESS.
      1. "according to Your lovingkindness"
      2. "according to the multitude of Your tender mercies"
      1. Not in the merit or worthiness of man
      2. But in the goodness and grace of God!
      1. Don't base our appeal on our past accomplishments
        1. E.g., how much we have done for the Lord
        2. E.g., how long we have been a member of His church
        1. Appeal to His mercy and grace!
        2. Knowing that He is slow to anger and abounding in mercy! - cf. Ps 103:8-10

        [As we seek forgiveness, we must of course. ]

        1. NOTE HOW DAVID ACKNOWLEDGED HIS SIN.
          1. He did not try to hide it: "my sin is ever before me"
          2. He admitted that it was a sin against God Himself: "Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight"
            1. While it is true he had sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, his own wife.
            2. . David knew that it was ultimately against God Himself!
            1. That God was both "just" and blameless" in judging him
            2. As God did when He sent Nathan to condemn him
            1. Appreciate that this is key to receiving God's grace - cf. 1Jn 1:9
            2. Acknowledge the sin; while we may at times simply confess to be sinners, it never hurts to actually mention the sin for which we seek forgiveness
            3. Understand that all sin is ultimately a sin against God Himself!
            4. Don't fault God (His Word or His messengers) when we are exposed and condemned for our sins!

            [As we confess our sins, there is more that we should bear in mind. From David we learn that we should also. ]

            1. UNTIL FORGIVEN, ONE IS DEEP IN SIN.
              1. Using hyperbole so common in poetic language, David describes the depravity in which he finds himself
              2. He is not trying to escape responsibility by saying he was born that way; only that he knows he is utterly sinful
              1. David knew that God wanted:
                1. "truth in the inward parts"
                2. "wisdom in the hidden parts"
                1. Total restoration, with understanding and wisdom on our part
                2. That we be equipped for faithful service

                [Understanding what God wants of us helps us to appreciate what David goes on to say. Indeed, confession of sins should also mean that we. ]

                1. DAVID DESIRED MORE THAN JUST FORGIVENESS OF SIN.
                  1. He does pray for forgiveness, using figurative language in asking God.
                    1. To purge him with hyssop - Ps 51:7
                    2. To wash him whiter than snow - Ps 51:7
                    3. To hide His face from his sins - Ps 51:9
                    4. To blot out all his iniquities - Ps 51:9
                    1. Joy and gladness - Ps 51:8
                    2. A new heart, and renewal of a steadfast spirit - Ps 51:10
                    3. Continuation of God's presence and Spirit - Ps 51:11
                    1. We should look to God for more than just forgiveness!
                    2. We should also ask for:
                      1. A complete renewal and total restoration!
                      2. A return to "the joy of salvation" (that joy experienced when we first obeyed the gospel! - e.g., Ac 8:35-39)

                      [As we consider further David's confession of sin, we find it proper to. ]

                      1. DAVID RESOLVES.
                        1. To teach other sinners and transgressors - Ps 51:13
                        2. To praise God for His righteousness in delivering him from sin - Ps 51:14-15
                          1. Knowing that God delights in something more than animal sacrifices - Ps 51:16
                          2. A broken spirit and contrite heart is what really pleases God - Ps 51:17; cf. Isa 66:1-2; 57:15
                          1. For God desires more than just forgiveness, but total restoration - cf. Ps 51:6
                          2. And zealous service is indicative of true repentance, as taught in 2Co 7:10-11
                          1. We should look beyond obtaining forgiveness for past sin
                          2. We should look beyond obtaining present joy and gladness of heart

                          [Finally, as we come to the end of David's psalm, we find that "The Art Of Confessing Our Sins" includes that we. ]

                          1. DAVID OFFERED A PRAYER REGARDING GOD'S PURPOSES.
                            1. That God would fulfill His purpose for Zion - Ps 51:18
                            2. That God would be pleased with Israel's sacrifices - Ps 51:19
                            1. We should not be selfish, praying for only our needs
                            2. What about God's desires? His purposes?
                            CONCLUSION
                            1. I hope I have not made the practice of confessing sins sound complicated.
                              1. Certainly there are occasions where a simple "I have sinned. " may suffice
                              2. As illustrated in the prayer of the tax collector - Lk 18:13-14
                              1. Appeal to God's mercy and lovingkindness
                              2. Acknowledge our sins to God
                              3. Understand where we are and where God wants us
                              4. Pray for renewal and restoration
                              5. Resolve to offer grateful service
                              6. Pray for God's purposes
                              1. Forgiveness itself
                              2. The joy of forgiveness

                              The Christian who confesses his sins is the truly happy individual ("Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven. "), for they have the assurance of salvation (cf. 1Jn 1:9).

                              Have you confessed your sins to God today?