Introduction
David, Joab, Bethsheba, Uriah, Nathan
What David had done was bad
David had become entitled - he lost sight of the reality that it was only due to Gods grace that he was in a position of power. "She is so lucky to be married to me"
He abused his position of power.
Perhaps he had grown to think "I've made such big sacrifices and deserve to take some liberties"
David needed saving - Thank God for Nathans
The Power of Repentance
No matter how badly you have blown up your life - you can repent and God will save you. [This makes David different!]
Change is possible. If no change has taken place, then true repentance has not yet happened.
Of course, we can always slip back into a sin after true repentance - in this case there was true change for a moment in time.
More than just sorrow. Sorrow is necessary.
Repentance is a process - can be a quick process. But its not a moment. There are steps to take in your journey of repentance.
Step 1 - See your sin
See the evil you have done.
See it as Gods sees it - "in your sight” - v4
You have to see what you have done.
You must see the destruction you have caused.
You must see the contrast of your heart and actions against the holiness and perfection of God.
Look at the consequences.
See who has been affected.
See that God is right in when he calls it sin.
Step 2 - Own your sin
Take responsibility-"have I sinned"
We choose sin.
It's never the circumstances.
We choose it because it had an appeal. It looked good. It felt good. We choose it.
Step 3 - Mourn your sin
Make it personal - "Against you"
See that you "broke Gods heart".
See the relational chaos caused by your sin.
Worldly grief is sorry over consequences, Godly grief is sorrow over the offense to God. Over the hurt to others.
Feel the weight of your sin - you have sinned against God!
Step 4 - Forsake your sin
Leave it. Change from your sin.
True repentance must include change
Trying step 4 without the others won't work.
Doing step 1-3 without step 4 will not lead to change.
Come back to the gospel - allow God to cleanse you. Receive His forgiveness.
V12 - "restore to me the joy of my salvation"
This joy is lost when we sin - Jesus on the cross allows us to know Gods joy again.
BUT ALSO it's the loss of “joy of our salvation” that leads to sin in the first place!
True change will come when we live constantly with the revelation of the what Jesus did for us on the cross.
True change will come when we live with a constant revelation of Gods love for us.
When Gods love is enough for us we have the power to overcome temptation.
Conclusion
Once we have walked our journey we will be able to help others - V13
Repentance is an ongoing thing. A daily thing. All of life is repentance. Says Luther.
