HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
The Cleansing (Psalm 32:1-11)
God’s complete forgiveness of those who turn to Him in faith produces gratitude.

1) First Thoughts
a. Every one of us commits sin. Most of us know that sin is harmful; we can see the effects all around us. We know that God forgives, but we also need to know that He cleanses.
2) Understand the Context
a. Psalm 32 is one of eight penitential psalms, expressing contrition and repentance with a longing for a right relationship with God. Psalm 32 chronologically follows Psalm 51 and presents two powerful lessons: stay faithful to the Lord and help others stay faithful. Another point – forgiveness does not cancel sin’s temporal consequences.
3) Explore the Text
a. The Contrast (32:1-4)
i. Transgression, sin, iniquity, guile versus forgiven, covered, and imputed not.
ii. God disciplines you both physically and spiritually. A sick body, a disturbed mind, and a troubled heart are God’s way of getting your attention.
b. The Decision (32:5)
i. “hid” – Only God can permanently cover our sins. God removes our guilt!
ii. “I will” – The Lord will not override our free will.
c. The Counsel (32:6-9)
i. Come to Him for forgiveness, and then stay with Him for life’s blessings, e.g., protection, joy, and deliverance.
ii. Your experience of God’s forgiveness mandates that you share with others what you have learned, so they will not repeat your mistakes.
iii. Encourage your children and grandchildren in their spiritual journeys, teaching them from your personal experience. We may save them from a lifetime of heartache and pain.
d. The Conclusion (32:10-11)
i. Believers should respond to God’s forgiveness with gratitude and joy.
ii. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. ~ I John 2:5
4) Memory Verse: Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. ~ Psalm 32:11