Nothing To Hide: The Secret of Guilt-Free Living

  • Ken Ramey
  • Jan 17, 2010
  • Series: Psalms

Psalm 32

We know that guilt is the most miserable feeling on earth and all of us at one time or another feel it. In fact, it is interesting that a Google search of the term "guilt-free living" will yield over 7 million references. Unfortunately, many of the explanations of guilt found in these references state that it is a feeling that isn't real or that it is a feeling that can be alleviated by regarding its cause as something other than what it really is - sin. But the Bible teaches that guilt is a real feeling and that the root of guilt is sin that remains unconfessed to God. It is evidence of sin, that somehow we have violated God's laws or have fallen short of His standards.

Psalm 32 is all about guilt that comes from unconfessed sin. In this Psalm, David uses TWO MEANS to teach us the importance of confessing our sin to a loving, forgiving God so that we can enjoy  God's peace and protection that comes through living a life with nothing to hide.

This morning, Pastor Ramey outlines David's instruction on how to live a life that is free of guilt:

1. David REPLAYS the Lessons He Learned About Confession (vv. 1-5)
  A. Result of  Confession (vv. 1-2)
  B. Resistance to Confession (vv. 3-4)
  C. Response to Confession (v. 5)

1. David REPLAYS the Lessons He Learned About Confession (vv. 6-11)
  A. Response to Confession (vv. 6-7)
  B. Resistance to Confession (vv. 8-9)
  C. Result of Confession (vv. 10-11)

The liberating lesson that David learned as he suffered the torment of secret sin was to confess to God and ask Him for forgiveness for the sin of adultery. His lesson to us is to never foolishly cover up our sin as he did, but wisely confess it to the Lord. Solomon, the son David bore through his sin with Bathsheba, beautifully summarized this advice in Proverbs 28:13 - "He who conceals his transgressions (sins) will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy."

We should seek the Lord while He can still be found. He is waiting to pardon us for our sins and He wants His children to know the joy of deliverance from sin.