Faithway Baptist Church
Nothing Hidden: Bearing Your Soul to the Savior | Pastor Barnabas Schwanke | Sermon
Theme: The God who is Omnipotent
Sermon Title: Nothing Hidden: Bearing Your Soul to the Savior
Bible Passage: Psalm 51
Speaker: Pastor Barnabas Schwanke
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INTRODUCTION:
Psalm 51 offers a raw look at David’s heart as he steps out of hiding to face his sin. This deeply personal confession became one of Israel’s most famous songs. It resonates because it’s not just David’s story—it’s ours too. It shows how we can stop running and seek God’s mercy.
The psalm was written after the prophet Nathan confronted David about his sins with Bathsheba and Uriah. For a year, David had tried to hide his guilt, but Psalm 32 reveals the toll: “When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long” (Psalm 32:3). Hiding sin brought him only misery.
Psalm 51 shows David’s turning point—a cry of sorrow and hope. It’s rich with lessons on confession and restoration, and we’ll explore its main themes through five key words.
1. Pleading with God (vss. 1-2):
David begins, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness.” He pleads for God’s mercy, knowing he doesn’t deserve forgiveness. Grace gives blessings we don’t deserve; mercy withholds the punishment we do deserve.
David asks God to “blot out” his transgressions, wash him thoroughly, and cleanse him. He recognizes that only God can erase the deep stains of his sin. Genuine confession begins with acknowledging our need for God’s mercy and cleansing.
2. Confessing Sin to God (vss. 1-3):
David says, “I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” He doesn’t excuse or blame others—he owns his sin fully. True confession doesn’t shift responsibility but admits, “This is my fault.”
David uses the word “transgressions,” meaning crossing forbidden boundaries, and “sin,” meaning missing the mark. Confession starts by agreeing with God about the seriousness of our sin.
3. Identifying the Problem (vs. 5):
David says, “I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” He acknowledges his sinful nature—not blaming his upbringing but recognizing sin is part of who he is. Sin isn’t just what we do; it’s who we are without God’s grace.
Romans 5:19 explains that through Adam, all became sinners. The law reveals our guilt and need for God’s mercy. Like David, we must admit the root of the problem is our own sinful nature.
4. Restoring the Relationship (vs. 7, 10):
David pleads, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.” Hyssop, used in sacrificial rituals, symbolizes purification through blood. David points to the ultimate sacrifice—Christ’s blood—that cleanses sin.
He also prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” The word “create” (bara) signifies bringing something entirely new into existence. David asks for a miraculous transformation, knowing only God can change his heart.
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Salvation isn’t about improving ourselves but about God’s complete renewal of our hearts.
5. Resolving to Change (vs. 13):
David declares, “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Restoration leads to a renewed mission—sharing God’s mercy with others. David resolves to teach others about God’s forgiveness and grace.
This is our calling too: to share the message of redemption with a broken world. God’s forgiveness isn’t just for us to receive—it’s for us to extend to others.
CONCLUSION:
David’s psalm reminds us that no sin is too great for God’s mercy. Genuine confession leads to restoration and a renewed purpose. As the hymn says:
“Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me...
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”
Stop hiding your guilt. Bring it to the Savior, who alone can cleanse your heart and restore your soul.
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Faithway Baptist Church
https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com
Leesburg, VA
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