Scripture Focus: Psalm 51:1–3

The Lesson in Context

To describe sin, some have used the metaphor of archers shooting arrows at a target. One might miss the bullseye by only a couple inches, and another might miss by several feet. However, the result is the same: the target has been missed, and the archer has failed the assignment. Similarly, any sin can cause us to miss the target and can separate us from God.

Fortunately, no matter our sin, we boldly can bring all sin to Jesus Christ, the one who paid the price for all of them. The Old Covenant did make distinctions between sins, and the priests offered different sacrifices for different sins. However, when Christ died for our sins, He “offered one sacrifice for sins for ever” (Hebrews 10:12); the work was completed. Now we can come boldly before Him, repent, and receive forgiveness for our sins.

Group Discussion

1. What steps do you take to prevent yourself from being in tempting situations? When you are tempted, how do you escape?

2. Have you ever used Psalm 51 as a model prayer to guide you in repentance? Why or why not? What are some elements of this psalm that you can incorporate into your prayer life?

3. When God delivered you from sin and filled you with His Holy Spirit, what were some positive things God put into your life in place of your former sin? Explain.

4. Think back on the first time you remember repenting. What words would you use to describe that experience? If you have been in the church a long time, think about your prayers of repentance recently. How have your prayers changed?

5. If you have already experienced the power of repentance, what are some things God has restored in your life? Are there things you thought you had lost that He gave back?