HOW TO SOLVE THE SIN PROBLEM  Psalm 32:1-5

Intro: Whether we like to think about it or not, whether we own up to is or not, we all struggle with sin on a daily basis.  There are only two ways to deal with sin; man's way and God's way! If we deal with sin man's way, we will try to hide it and secret that sin away so that we can relish it and enjoy it some more, or just so that we can pretend that it never happened. This method always leads to disaster and possibly to death, 1 John 5:16. The other method is God's way and it is the method which is discussed in this passage. When we handle our sin God's way, then it is handled correctly and it will cease to bring pain and destruction into our lives.

In these verses, David is dealing with the sin he committed with Bathsheba. He tells us how he handled his sin and how he received cleansing. By the way, this Psalm is most likely a companion to Psalm 51. In that Psalm, David offers his prayer of confession and repentance.

I. V. 3-4 THE PROBLEM OF CONCEALED SIN

A. v. 3 The Physical Realm - David tells us that his sin produced problems in his flesh. He says that he became likeand old man physically. I am referring to the toll that is inflicted on the body by the sinner as he tries to cover up his sin.

B. v. 4a The Spiritual Realm - Whether we like to think about it or not, there is a heavy spiritual price to pay for sin in our lives! David says that God's "hand was heavy" upon him. This refers to chastisement! God will chastise His children when they entertain sin in their lives, Pro. 3:11-12; Rev. 3:19; Heb. 12:5-11.

C. v. 4b The Emotional Realm - David tells us that he has dried up! Just like the ground after and extended drought, he has dried completely up. What a picture of the believer who has sin in his life! This is a picture of one who has lost his joy! This brings to mind problems in the emotional realm of life Notice what David requested from the Lord after he had sinned with Bathsheba, Psalm 51:12. David had no joy! He was suffering emotionally because of his sin.

II. V. 5 THE PATTERN FOR CONFRONTING SIN

A. Confess The Existence Of Our Sins - David says that he "acknowledged" that there was sin in his life. The word means "to know and perceive and to make known to others." Basically, this word teaches us that we must face up to the fact of our own sin, and then we must admit that sin before God! My friends, this is the first step toward change and forgiveness!

B. Confess The Extent Of Our Sins - We need to get honest about the fact that sin has invaded every nook and cranny of our lives! It prevents us from being the servants of God we ought to be. David simply did what always needs to be done with sin, he pulled back the covers and revealed his sin in all of its ugliness and its rottenness. David got honest about his sin and that is what it takes to get it made right, Proverbs 28:13, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsakeththem shall have mercy."

C. Confess The Error Of Our Sins - The third word used by David is the word Iniquity. This word speaks of Man's Distortion - This word means "crookedness, or that which is bent." It refers to the natural bent in man toward evil! Our old sinful nature is always striving to do that which is wrong. This was Paul's problem - Rom. 7:13-25, and it is our problem as well! All of us should be at the place spiritually where we can honestly say, "There is something in me that is prone to evil and often I am guilty of giving in to those desires."

III. V. 1-2 THE POWER OF CONFESSING SIN

A-It Brings Cleansing - David tells us that those who will confess their sins will experience "forgiveness" and will have their sins "covered". The word for "forgiveness" is an interesting word. It means "to lift up and bear away." When we bring our sin to God and tell the truth about, He will extend His forgiveness to us. That sin will be lifted up and taken away from our lives. Along with that sin, the penalty of that sin will also be removed.

B-It Brings Closeness-VS 2 speaks of God not "imputing" iniquity to a person. This is an accounting word and means "to account or to reckon." This simply reminds us that when our sins have been taken care of according to God's pattern, He does not hold those sins against us. In other words, there are no barriers between us and God. We are able to come into His presence again have intimate fellowship with God.

C-It Brings Consecration - Notice that David says the forgiven person has no "guile" in his spirit. That is, there is no more "treachery". There are no more attempt to pull anything over on God. The sinner is honest and, as a result, his whole life grows cleaner and more holy before the Lord.

Conc: Please notice that by the end of this Psalm, David had his shout back! He was able to worship and praise the Lord again. Why? Because he solved his sin problem the right way. He told the truth about his sin and cast it down before the Lord. He got it into the open and God forgave him!