The degree to which we feel a sweet gratitude for forgiveness is directly

proportionate to the degree that we feel dread at the alternative of being

forgiven.

Forgiveness and the sweet gratitude of humble prayer always go together.

That's John Piper's focus from Psalm 32 in this episode of Light and Truth.

The sermon was originally preached at Bethlehem Baptist Church on August 3, 1980.

The first five verses you notice form a very distinct unit. They have to do with one thing, namely,

being forgiven and confessing our sin.

And I think the main point in verses 1 to 5 comes in verses 1 and 2.

And the main point would simply be the person who's forgiven is in a very, very happy condition.

Then in verses 3 through 5, we're told how David moves into that condition of happiness.

First, negatively, what not to do in verses 3 and 4 and then positively, what to do in verse 5.

Negatively, don't conceal the fact that you're a sinner.

Don't hide your transgression from the Lord and try to deceive him.

Positively, in verse 5, acknowledge your sin and confess it to the Lord.

So the main point of verses 1 to 5 evidently is you'll be in a very happy, blessed condition if you don't conceal your sin but rather confess it to the Lord.

Then, verse 6, the first half of verse 6 is an inference that David draws from this good news that he's learned about from his own experience in verses 1 to 5.

And the inference is simply this, therefore, or if this is so, let everyone who is godly pray to you.

Lord, in a time when you may be found, if such blessedness can be had through confessing our sins in prayer, then for goodness' sake, let's all pray.

That's what 6A draws as an inference.

Then, in verse 6B, that's the second half of verse 6, surely in a flood of great waters.

And verse 7, there seems to be a shift to focus or concern away from forgiveness and confession to the protection god gives his people, surely in a flood of great waters they shall not reach him.

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