Washing Sins (Part 1)
Today's Three-minute Bible Study
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Title: Washing Sins (Part 1)----------------------------- Date: 3/14/2000
Keywords:
"kingdom of God" "righteousness"
"unrighteousness" "washed"
Welcome
to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual
temptation.
Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11*
9. Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the
kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor effeminate [male prostitutes], nor homosexuals,
10. nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11. And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were
sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit
of our God.
Question
What does it mean to be washed?
Practical help
Psalm 51 was written by David after he was confronted by Nathan the
prophet. Recall that the shepherd boy who killed Goliath finally grew up and eventually
became the king of Israel. One day he saw a beautiful woman bathing on her roof and he
ordered his men to bring her to him. He had intercourse with her and sent her home. Later
she sent a message to him that she was pregnant. Part of the problem was that her husband
was away fighting in David's army and therefore it was very possible that the secret
affair would no longer be a secret. Instead of confessing his sin at that point, David
makes matters even worse by having the husband killed.
A little while later, Nathan comes to the king and tells him a story about a rich man who
eats a poor man's pet lamb. David responds to the story with righteous indignation for the
reprehensible behavior of this arrogant rich guy and is ready to throw the book at him
when Nathan points his finger at David. "You're the man!" he declares.
This is a risky thing for a prophet to do, don't you agree? David might have ordered his
executioner to take Nathan's head. Fortunately for both the prophet and king the hiding
comes to an end. In complete remorse, David breaks down and confesses his deeds. Now let's
look at Psalm 51 and read some of David's words of repentance and learn something about
being washed.
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1. Be gracious to me, O God, according to Thy loving
kindness; |
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According to the greatness of Thy compassion blot out
my transgressions. |
|
[Note David doesn't say, "For the most part, God,
I'm a pretty good guy. Remember, I'm the one who killed Goliath." Instead, he
acknowledges that he does not deserve forgiveness, but that God is gracious. He falls on
God's mercy. Don't justify your immorality, it doesn't wash with a holy God.] |
|
2. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, |
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And cleanse me from my sin. |
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3. For I know my transgressions, |
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And my sin is ever before me. |
Do you feel this way about your sins? Note that David does not say the sins are ever
before God. He says they are ever before David himself. This means he feels incredible
guilt and shame - and frankly, he ought to, right? Is this true about you too? Do you have
a hard time not dwelling on your past sins? Do you use your past sins as an excuse to
continue sinning? After all, you're too far gone as it is, right? God could never forgive
a rotten person like yourself. But then, my friend, how do you explain David?
If you are overwhelmed by your own shame, may I offer you a bath that will really make you
clean from the inside out? Let's continue this tomorrow…
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*"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright
The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by
permission."