Rescued From Our Rebellion

Humanity is searching for something. Every man, woman , boy or girl you ever have or ever will meet is driven by the need find meaning, purpose and satisfaction. They may try to find it in relationships, in possessions. They may seek to attain it through power, influence, or celebrity status. Each one has their own distinct ideas of what success in this venture looks like. Some achieve a few of their lofty goals only to find that wasn’t really what they were looking for after all and their search continues.

I realize that this is a bold and broad assertion, but it is one I can make with confidence. You know it to be true as well. We all observe it in others, from those closest to us to the celebrities we know only through media representations. We also know it from our own personal experiences. Everyone here this morning either is currently on has been on this search.

Some seem to achieve a measure of success in the sense that they reach some of the waypoints they have mapped out on their path to finding happiness and fulfillment. Ironically though, the more successful one is in many of these ventures, the more miserable and unhappy they become. Just look at those who have achieved the greatest notoriety in terms of wealth and celebrity. I’m referring to those who are household names, millionaires, often labeled as the most successful, the most beautiful, the most desirable. Look at what little we know of their personal lives. They are quite often filled with scandal, heartbreak and littered with broken relationships. Despite all that they have achieved, they are far from being satisfied or at peace.

The other reason I am confident in this broad statement is that this is exactly the picture of fallen humanity revealed to us in God’s Word. Scripture not only tells us that they are searching, also tells us why they fail. It is because they are looking for meaning and purpose in everywhere except for the one place it can be found. And so they search on but never find. Like Solomon, they have sampled all of the delicacies and pleasures that the world has to offer and have found them to be hollow and empty. Like the Samaritan woman at the well, they given themselves to relationship after relationship, and still they come to the well to draw water—a metaphor for a heart that can never find satisfaction. Like the rich man Jesus told of, they amass wealth and possessions, building ever-bigger barns to store it all, and in the end they leave it all to another and stand empty handed before the judge of all the earth.

The Psalms have much to say about this pursuit and what men are seeking. This elusive goal of meaning and joyful fulfillment is often referred to in the Psalms by the term “blessedness”. This is sometimes paraphrased as “happiness”—and that is part of its meaning— yet it encompasses much more. This “blessedness” refers to a wellbeing and happiness that encompasses the whole of life. It is not a reference to the absence of all difficulty. Rather it is a joyful satisfaction that transcends circumstances. This is what so many are chasing, and the Psalms give us instruction for where it is found. Psalm 32 is one such passage which we will look closely at this morning.

This Psalm is identified in the title as “A Maskil of David.” Maskil is one a a number of terms in the Psalms, mostly found in the titles, the meaning of which is not absolutely certain. Because of this most English translations prefer to leave them untranslated. While we don’t have a precise definition of this term we do have some sense of its general meaning. The etymology of the word suggests the idea of “insight” or “instruction”. Thus “Maskil” in the title likely indicates that this is a “wisdom” psalm, meant to give insight or understanding to those seeking it. It also has some characteristics of a thanksgiving psalm with its themes of distress and deliverance in verses 3–7.

However we understand the title of this Psalm, its message is quite clearly laid out in the opening verses. True happiness (blessing) is found only in a restored relationship and close fellowship with God. Humanity’s emptiness is a result of their sin and rebellion against God, and nothing else will bring the blessedness and fulfillment they are seeking except for forgiveness and restoration that comes from Him.

The Blessing of Sins Forgiven (vs. 1–2)

[Read Psalm 32]

Verse 1–2 state a principle or truth on which the rest of the Psalm is based. Blessedness is only found by the one who has turned from their rebellion and had the guilt of their sin taken away. So long as we remain hostile to God and under just condemnation for our sins we can never find the rest and fulfillment that we seek. We were made to have fellowship with God and to glorify him. Our ability to do both of those things was broken by our sin.

The Recognition of Sin

That brings us to the first hurdle that we face in applying this principle to our lives. In order to be blessed we must be forgiven. In order to be forgiven we must seek forgiveness, and that requires a recognition of our sin. There is no forgiveness or reconciliation without a recognition of sin and separation. These verses are clear on just what is included in that recognition.

First is the fact that sin has separated us from God. We might look like we have it all together on the outside, and perhaps we have fooled most, but there is no fooling God. Sin must be dealt with.

Second, we must recognize the personal nature of our sin. The Psalmist refers to “the one whose transgression is forgiven”, and “the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity.” This is not only a reference to the general guilt of humanity as a whole. This is a reference to individual sin.

Thirdly, we must recognize who we have sinned against. Doubtless our sins involve many other people, but ultimately every sin is an offense against God’s holiness. He is the standard of goodness. He is the judge. His forgiveness alone can transform us from rebellious sinner to blessed saint.

The Hope of the Gospel

Here is where the hope of the gospel comes into play. You may not see the good news in these verses. Perhaps you see only condemnation of your sin, but it is there. The apostle Paul quoted these very verse in Romans chapter 4 when he was explaining that justification—that is being forgiven and made right before God—is by faith alone.

There are three essential characteristics found in these two verses which point us to the gospel. The first is that forgiveness is by grace and not a result of our works. There is no hint self-justification in these verses. It does not say “Blessed is the one who earns forgiveness”. It does not set forth a list of rule to keep in order to be forgiven. The sin is just forgiven. It is by grace alone.

The second thing that points to the gospel in these verses is that the sin is truly dealt with. This is not like the Old Testament sacrifices where God simply passed over sins. Hebrews chapter 10 tells us that those sacrifices never actually did away with sin, they simply postponed judgement. However, the blessing in these verses applies to one whose sin is forgiven,that is, to one who has had the guilt of their sin and its penalty removed. Verse 2 says that their past sins are no longer counted against them.

The third characteristic of the gospel we see is the transformative result. Their eyes are opened. The deceit that was in their spirit is no more. They have been made righteous. Their sins were taken away and placed on Christ who paid their penalty in full. His perfect righteousness is given to them in that greatest of exchanges which Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 5:21.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

A Personal Testimony (vs. 3–4)

Beginning in verse 3 David recounts a personal testimony of his own experience of receiving forgiveness. This part of the Psalm follows the pattern of a thanksgiving psalm by telling first of his distress and then of his deliverance from it.

Resistance

David’s initial response to being confronted with his sin was silence. That is, he keep silent regarding his sin. Refusal to acknowledge sin is the natural response of a rebellious heart.

David goes on to describe the effects of his silence. The consequence of his refusal is a deep unrest of body and mind. It affects his physical well being—his “Bones wasted away.” This is not merely poetic language. Although it does not always have immediate physical effects, refusal to deal with our sin affects the body. It also effected his mental state which he describes as groaning all day long.

David’s unwillingness to reckon with his sin caused him great suffering. Yet no amount of suffering could ever atone for his sin. The debt is too great for him to pay. Only Christ’s perfect life and death could satisfy the penalty.

Suffering Is God’s Mercy

Ultimately, suffering he experiences is an expression of God’s mercy. It is not intended to crush him, but rather to lead him to repentance. He describes feeling God’s hand upon him as a weight pressing him—wearing him down until his strength is gone. Like parched ground which has every bit of moisture pulled from it by the relentless heat of the sun, David is weakened physically and mentally. His strength is dried up. It is exhausting to fight against God.

Here we have the term “Selah”. This is another of those words whose meaning is uncertain. It likely signals some sort of break or change in the music, perhaps a pause or interlude. Because of this it provides the perfect opportunity for reflection on what has said.

Consider the reality of sin and the hope of the gospel. Consider the futility of one who, like David, refuses to acknowledge their sin and seek forgiveness. Consider the mercy of God in persistently drawing them towards repentance.

Repentance

Deliverance from his distress finally comes in verse 5 with confessing his sin. Once again, in David’s words we have a clear picture of what true repentance looks like.

First he acknowledges his sin. The word translated as “acknowledged” here refers to seeking or asking about something. It is gaining knowledge or experience from some source outside oneself. In other words, David is no longer trying to excuse or redefine his sin. He is accepting and agreeing with what God says about his sin. He is dealing with the reality of sin on God’s terms. He adds, “I did not cover my iniquity.” One way we can recognize true acknowledgment of sin is when we stop pretending that we have none. Instead, we are candid with God and with others about our sinfulness and our need for forgiveness.

The second thing David does is to confess his transgressions to the Lord. We must be open about our sinfulness with others, and we can benefit from confessing our faults to other believers so that they can pray for us. However, the confession that brings divine forgiveness and restoration is made to God alone. There is no atoning value in recounting our sins to a pastor or a priest. It is God whom we have sinned against, and it is to God that we must confess.

Once he had acknowledged his sinfulness and confessed his transgressions to God, David received the promised forgiveness. There was no deception of God’s part. When we acknowledge and confess our sins to God there is no uncertainty about wither or not he will fulfill his promise to forgive.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

In the very moment we turn to God in faith looking to him for rescue from our rebellion, we are forgiven. Our standing before him is instantly changed. We go from being condemned to being justified, from being his enemy to being adopted as his beloved child. This is no halfway measure. God’s forgiveness is complete.

Selah—consider this!

Counsel and Comfort for the Godly (v. 6–7)

From the principle stated in verses 1–2 and his personal testimony of distress and deliverance in verses 3–5, David now moves on to application. Based on what he has learned from this experience he now gives counsel and instruction to those reading or singing this Psalm.

David addresses his counsel to “everyone who is godly”. This is reference to the saints. The word translated here as godly is from the same root as the word we find used throughout scripture to express God’s faithful love. When this term is used of men elsewhere in Scripture it always refers to the people of God who are committed to living in conformity to his will— that is—those who are in a covenant relationship with him, and on whom he has places his steadfast love.

The time to ask for forgiveness is now

David instructs the godly to “offer a prayer at a time when you may be found”. Several of the sources I read noted that this is a tricky phrase to translate. The ESV rendering here is accurate, but it might not best communicate the sense of what David meant. This phrase is an admonition to the saints that they should not delay in confessing their sin. I like the rendering of the Christian Standard Bible which says, “Let everyone who is faithful pray to you immediately”. In other words David’s counsel to the godly is, when you sin, don’t put of confession and repentance. Do it now! Don’t suffer like David did. Don’t make God discipline you in order to bring you to repentance. Be quick to confess and seek his forgiveness!

He then adds “surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.” In the Psalms, great waters or floods are frequently used as poetic images for trouble and trials. Here particularly, I think David has in mind God’s ultimate judgement on the wicked which, likewise, is described in Scripture as an overwhelming flood which sweeps away and destroys. Those who profess godliness should be quick to confess their sins and seek forgiveness. In doing so they will have the comfort of knowing that the flood of God’s judgment will not reach them for they are secure.

God is our refuge

In verse seven David calls God his hiding place which “preserves him from trouble”. The godly who have experienced forgiveness, have a different view of God that those who are still in rebellion against him. The rebellious see God as an avenging judge and they try to flee and hide their sins from him. The saints however, see God as a refuge. When they find themselves selves troubled because of their sin they run to him and find safety. It may seem ironic, but the only way for you to be saved from God is to run to God.

Finally, David says, “you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” Think for a moment about what shouts of deliverance are. There are all manner of shouts in a battle. There are shouts of command, cry’s of victory, and screams of agony and defeat. But it is when all hope seems lost, when you are about to be overwhelmed, then suddenly, reinforcements arrive, the battle shifts in your favor, and you are saved from certain death—that is when you hear shouts of deliverance. They come with hope, with rescue. This is the encouragement we receive from God. Even in the midst of trouble and difficulty, he surrounds the saints with shouts of victory—with the voices of the redeemed assured of their deliverance because God is faithful to his promises.

Selah

Counsel for the Resistant and Rebellious (vv 8–9)

Verse 8 begins with clear wisdom language promising instruction and counsel. There is some debate about who the speaker is that offers instruction in these verses—is it David or is it God? I prefer the latter option, that the speaker giving instruction here is God. There are two reasons for this. First, I think it makes sense in the flow of the whole Psalm which has David speaking to us (the reader) in verses 3–6, David speaking to God in verse 7, and God replying to David and us in verses 8–9. I also think it best fist the phrase, “I will counsel you with my eye upon you” which seems strange for David to say to the readers of the Psalm, but perfectly appropriate for God to say to David and through him to us.

In verse 9 he offers counsel to those who would remain resistant to confess their sin. He paints a poignant mental image of a stubborn horse of mule. In contrast to the desire for intelligent cooperation that is expressed in verse 8, the image is used of an animal who will only obey if it is made to.

[Horse story]

Don’t be like that horse. Don’t choose to be reigned in by the bit of God’s discipline. Believers should be quick to obey out of love and gratitude for the mercy of God that they have received. As for those who have never turned to God in repentance—Stop running away from your only hope of salvation. Run to God for forgiveness. Turn to Christ and be rescued form your rebellion.

Concluding Wisdom and Praise (vv 10–11)

In verses 10 we have another wisdom principle like the ones in verses 1 and 2.

Two Ways to Live

It begins by saying, “Many are the sorrows of the wicked”. This clearly confirms the testimony of David in verses 3 and 4, and it is a natural progression from the picture stubborn resistance in verse 9. Those who remain stubbornly in their rebellion will only find sorrow.

The second phrase, however, offers hope—“but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.” The one who trusts God will have troubles and sorrows, but the difference is that their life is not defined by them. Whatever comes, they are surrounded by God’s steadfast love. This gives great peace, for we know that we are under his sovereign care, and the future is certain—not because we are perfect, but because he is faithful.

This sets before us a choice of two ways to live. One is the path of continued rebellion leading to sorrow, The other is to choose the way of surrender and submission which lead to forgiveness and life. By your response to the offer of the gospel, you will choose one or the other.

The Joy of Salvation

Finally, since this is a Psalm, it is meant not only to teach us truth, but to lead us to worship the one who is truth. It is fitting, therefore, that it concludes with a call to rejoice.

[Read Psalm 32:11]

This closing statement is addressed to the righteous. They are not inherently righteous on their own. These are former rebels who have been made righteous, or “upright in heart”. These redeemed sinners are instructed to rejoice, and shout for joy. As believers, meditating on this psalm and its truths should elicit praise from us.

If your transgression has been forgiven and your sin covered, if God has set his redeeming love upon you so that you have passed from death unto life, then your heart should overflow with love and praise and worship to the one who has made you his own. He alone is worthy!