4. Prayers Heard, and Answered! Psalm 39:8-11

Text: “Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.”

Psalm 39:8.

Good morning, sin-conscious Christian!  Throughout the history of ‘the church’ of the Lord Jesus Christ, there has always been evidence of ‘sin-conscious Christians’.  Many of those most used by the Lord God in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ, have been notable ‘sin-conscious Christians’.  But let me more clearly define the characteristics of a ‘sin-conscious Christian’: Read on, beloved Christian friend.

Sin-Conscious Christian:  A ‘sin conscious Christian’ is a born again Christian believer who is extremely conscious of the presence of sin in his/her daily life.  We are ‘sin-conscious’ due to having a correct consciousness of the ultra Holiness of the Lord God Whom we love and seek to serve, and our own failure to come up to His standard of absolute Holiness.  This comparison alone makes us ‘sin-conscious Christians’. 

Thus, we are aware of our short-comings, and seek to come into the Presence of such a Holy Lord God in a correct attitude of repentance for our sin and reverence of His Holiness.  This is what constitutes a ‘sin-conscious Christian’.

“…For there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come sort of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”  (Romans 3:22-24)

When the Lord caused brother Job to see His Holiness at this personal level of sin-consciousness, he began to have the correct perspective when seeking to come into God’s Holy Presence in prayer.

“I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee.  Wherefore (a conclusion) I abhor myself (his sinful self), and repent in dust and ashes.”  (Job 42:5-6)

The Psalmist, David, when seeking to come into God’s Holy Presence in prayer, sought first to deal with his ‘transgressions’, to take away any hindrance, or sin-barrier, that would impede his ability to genuinely pray to the Holy Living Lord God.

Verse 8.  “Deliver me from all my transgressions. How fair a sign it is when the Psalmist no longer harps upon his sorrows but begs freedom from his sins!  What is sorrow when compared with sin!  Let but the poison of sin be gone from the cup, and we need not fear its gall, for the bitter will act medicinally. None can deliver a man from his transgression but the blessed One who is called Jesus, because He saves His people from their sins.”   (C.H. Spurgeon, Treasury of David, page 190)

“And she (Mary) shall bring forth a Son, and thou (Joseph) shalt call His Name Jesus: for he shall save His people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1:21)

Coming before a Lord God Almighty Who is absolute in Holiness, and Who MUST punish all disobedience and sin if He is to remain Holy – anyone seeking to sincerely pray to the Lord God and to petition Him in prayer, must FIRST seek sanctification from all committed sin – in word, thought, and deed.  ‘Sin-conscious Christians’ achieve this state of progressive sanctification from sin daily, by penitent and humble confession of sins to the Lord God alone, for He alone can forgive us our sins.

“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word (Jesus) is not in us.”   (1 John 1:7-10)

Having our daily sin cleansed afresh by the Lord God, we can then come into His Holy Presence to present our worship, praise and petitions.  We are assured by God’s Word that our worshipful prayers will be not only heard, but answered by a faithful and thrice Holy Lord God.  Praise and all glory to His Holy and gracious Name!

When ‘sin-conscious Christians’ commit sin, and we all do, constantly – our Father in Heaven chastises us, as any father worthy of the name must do to his children.  We are under instruction of God the Holy Ghost, and He is grieved when we sin, and He causes us to feel that grief within ourselves also.  Only God’s children are chastised by Him.

Verse 8. “I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because Thou didst it.  God is training up His children here.  This is the true character of His dealings with them.  The education of His saints is the object He has in view.  It is training for the Kingdom; it is education for Eternity…It is the discipline of love.  Every step of it is kindness.  There is no wrath nor vengeance in any part of the process.  The discipline of the school may be harsh and stern; but that of the family is love. (Treasury of David, pages 190-191)

“And be ye not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  (Romans 12:2)

Verse 10.  “I am consumed by the blow of Thine hand.  …It is not to consume us, but to consume our sins, that the Lord aims at in His chastisements.”  (C.H. Spurgeon, Treasury of David, page 191)

Thought: ‘Sin-conscious Christians pray for sanctification before making petition prayer to the Lord God – God hears, and their prayers are graciously answered.