I Samuel 12:13
The sermon highlights the importance of confession of sin and God's gracious response to it, as seen in David's experience.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the story of David's sin with Bathsheba and the confrontation by Nathan the prophet, illustrating how David's anger towards sin in others reflects our own guilt. He highlights the importance of confession, contrasting David's honest acknowledgment of his sin with Saul's excuses, and shows that true forgiveness follows genuine repentance. The sermon underscores God's grace, as David learns that despite his sin, he is forgiven and will not die, leading to the writing of Psalms 51 and 32, which express his heartfelt confession and the joy of forgiveness.
Text
"THOU ART THE MAN"
Intro: David, though called "a man after God's own heart" was far from perfect. Sin
with Bathsheba. Thought he had covered his guilt.
I. THE PARABLE OF NATHAN.
A. David's anger kindled.
1. How evil our sins look when somebody else is committing them.
2. "The man shall surely die."
a. David was pronouncing judgment upon himself.
B. "Thou art the man."
II. DAVID'S CONFESSION OF SIN (vs. 13..
A. "He who seeks to cover his sin shall not prosper, but he who confesses
his sin shall be forgiven."
1. Big difference between David and SauI.
a. When Saul was faced with his guilt, offered excuses.
b. David made confession.
2. By the confession the door was opened for the grace of God to operate.
Ill. "THOU ART FORGIVEN, THOU SHALT NOT DIE."
A. God will be more gracious than David.
B. Notice how immediately the forgiveness followed the confession of sin.
1. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just..."
C. For judgment the baby must die.
1. I sometimes feel this is harder.
a. How many times when my children were suffering some
sickness did I wish I could bare it for them.
b. We see David's agony before the Lord.
1. On another occasion at the death of his rebellious
son Absolom, "Oh Absolom..."
IV. THIS EXPERIENCE OCCASIONED THE WRITING OF PSALM 51 and PROBABLY 32.
A. Ps 51 gives us the confession of David and prayer for forgiveness.
B. Ps 32, the happiness of sins forgiven.
Sermon Outline
- The Parable of Nathan
- David's Confession of Sin
- Thou Art Forgiven, Thou Shalt Not Die
- The Writing of Psalm 51 and 32
- Confession and prayer for forgiveness
- 1 John 1:9
- Contrast with Saul's excuses
- The happiness of sins forgiven
- Judgment for the baby's death
Key Quotes
“Thou art the man.” — Chuck Smith
“He who seeks to cover his sin shall not prosper, but he who confesses his sin shall be forgiven.” — Chuck Smith
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just...” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must confess our sins to receive forgiveness and experience God's grace.
- God's judgment for sin must be faced, but He can bring forgiveness and restoration.
- Immediate confession of sin leads to immediate forgiveness and healing.