Series: Praying the Psalms Part 1: Surrounded

Sermon Text: Psalm 32

Supplemental Text: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11

Preacher: Josh Kleinfeld 

We have a problem. And we can’t fix the problem by denying that it exists. 

The problem is described in four ways in Psalm 32

1. Sin: To miss the mark.

2. Iniquity: To pervert or corrupt.

3. Transgression: To rebel or revolt.

4. Deceive: To betray through lying. 

There is one solution: Jesus Christ

Romans 5:18-19 

Psalm 32 offers three prayers to receive the covering, forgiveness and guidance of God’s unfailing love. 

1. God, I confess…

2. God, I ask your forgiveness for…

3. God, I surrender to your loving guidance in… 

Confession is what Howard Thurman calls “a complete and devastating sincerity.” 

Forgiveness is restoration of relationship. 

Surrender is the way a Christian lives.

Message Reflection Questions

1. Begin with silent prayer to center your heart.

2. Read Psalm 32. What words can you find that describe evil? How does understanding the different aspects of sin help us deal with it in our own lives?

3. Read 32 again. How does this show God’s heart for humanity?

4. Compare Romans 5:12-19 to Psalm 32. What is God’s solution to human sin in both?

5. Why is a full confession needed for progress in relationship with God?

6. Using Romans 5:12-19 and Psalm 32, how does God help with future temptation? 

7. Read Matthew 4:1-11. What do you notice about Jesus’ response to the temptations?

8. How can we apply this discussion to our lives during this season of Lent?

9. Close in prayer. Ask God to change your heart, to instruct you and to give you endurance to obey.

Daily Lenten Readings

We have begun our Lenten Series. You can find each entry at www.stillnaz.com/lent2023 or pick up a physical copy at either campus.  

Sunday: Psalm 32:1-2

Monday: Psalm 32:3-5

Tuesday: Psalm 32:6-7

Wednesday: Psalm 32:9-11

Thursday: Psalm 121:1-4

Friday: Psalm 121:5-8 

Helpful Instructions for reading

1. Start with silence. Relax in God’s presence. 

2. Thank God for something that happened in the last 24 hours.

3. Read the verses slowly.  Ask: 

a.  What does this teach me about God?

b.  What does this teach me about humanity?

c.  What does this teach me about how to pray and live?

4. Finish in prayer for yourself, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Pray through the nations at www.prayercast.com/nations.html.

NEED PRAYER?

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