Chinese Baptist Church        
曉市頓華人浸信會        

"After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' Acts 13:22

Even though David lived long before Christ died and rose again his prayer in this psalm is an excellent example of confession, cleaning and consecration. This is something that each of us must do to truly become like Christ.

The best description of why David was described this way is found in Psalm 51.

I. David's Confession vs. 1 - 6

1. A Prayer for Mercy.
   "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion." vs. 1



2. A Prayer for Forgiveness.
   "blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." vs. 1, 2
1. A thorough and complete confession.
   a. Transgressions:  rip, tear, out of bounds, rebellion, treason
   b. Iniquity:                   twisted, bent, warped, wrong
   c. Sin:                          blunder, missing the mark
2. Ask for only what God can do.
   a. Blot out:                   eradiate spot
   b. Wash away:            wash thoroughly soiled garment
   c. Cleanse:                  Priestly cleansing & pronouncement


3. A Prayer of Personal Responsibility
   "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." vs. 3-5
1. He accepted full responsibility for his actions.
2. He did not place blame on others or circumstances.

II. David's Cleansing vs. 7 - 12

1. A Prayer to be Clean...Inside and Out.
   "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." vs. 7
1. Priestly purification...hyssop.
2. Cleansing within . . . washing.


2. A Prayer for Healing and Wholeness.
   "Let me hear joy and gladness, let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity." vs. 8, 9



3. A Prayer for the Indwelling Presence of God.
   "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me." vs. 10, 11



4. A Prayer to experience the Joy of the Lord.
   "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." vs. 12

III. David's Consecration vs. 13 - 19

1. A Commitment to Serve the Lord.
   "Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you." vs. 13



2. Singing the Praises of God.
   "Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise." vs. 14, 15

"Become like Christ" ... confession, cleaning and consecration is the first step in becoming a man after God's own heart and establishing a personal relationship with Christ. This prayer of David provides us with a wonderful example. Jesus said that His sheep will hear His voice. As we study this psalm we hear His voice speaking to each of us today. To be a true disciple of Jesus Christ we must obey His voice and ... Become like Him.

In trying to prepare for this sermon I found myself asking the question, "What is this church thing all about?" I mean, is this really all there is to this thing called "Christianity"?

I came to the point in my "Christian journey" where I could give you all the right answers and I could play the church game, but deep down inside that's all it was - a game. Outside of the standard answers, I found it extremely difficult to shove what my mind knew down into my heart.

And I don't know where you're at...but for me it was horribly frustrating. Well...that was until I understood what the real "gospel" was...

I. Things that attest a false religion

1. Ignorant mind (Acts 9:5)
2. Intolerant character (Acts 9:1-2; 22:19)
3. Immature faith (Acts 26:4-5; Gal. 1:14)

I. Introduction

II. Dependence on the Holy Spirit

III. Character of the Ministry

1. Team Effort


2. Proclaim the Word


3. Integrity


4. Bearing the Cross

IV. Passion to Glorify God

V. Eternity of Life over "Comfort" of Life