David committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed to cover it up. Psalm 51 reflects David's repentance and plea for forgiveness from God. He acknowledges sin is against God and begs for mercy, cleansing from sin, and a fresh start. Though we are born sinful, God offers forgiveness through Jesus and a new life for those who trust in him. Even failures can find restoration, as God loves to give people fresh starts.

1. “What’s the point of
rattling on about sin when
most of us are doomed to
eternal damnation?”

2. Series – ‘Big questions from the Psalms’
Today
How can I get a fresh
start in life?
Psalm 51

3. Background to Psalm 51
In the spring, at the time when
kings go off to war, David sent
Joab out with the king's men and
the whole Israelite army …
But David remained in Jerusalem
2 Sam 11:1

4. Background to Psalm 51
One evening David got up from
his bed and walked around on the
roof of the palace. From the roof
he saw a woman bathing.
The woman was very beautiful
2 Sam 11:2

5. Background to Psalm 51
”Put Uriah in the front line where
the fighting is fiercest.
Then withdraw from him so that
he will be struck down and die”
2 Sam 11:15

6. Background to Psalm 51
“You are the man”
2 Sam 12:7
“I have sinned
against the Lord”
2 Sam 12:13

7. 32% of men &
24% of women
admit to having
an affair
Source - Relate

8. The nature of sin
Everyone who sins breaks the law;
in fact, sin is lawlessness
1 John 3:4
For the wages of sin is
death, but the gift of God is
eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord

9. The nature of sin
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive
ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and
just and will forgive us our sins and purify
us from all unrighteousness
1 John 1:8-9

10. The nature of sin
blot out my transgressions – Psalm 51:1b
Transgress = ‘pesha’
to violate a command or law
can also mean rebellion

11. The nature of sin
Wash away all my iniquity - Psalm 51:2a
Iniquity = ‘avon’
perverse, crooked or twisted

12. The nature of sin
cleanse me from my sin - Psalm 51:2b
Sin = ‘chatta'ath’
someone who is deserving of punishment

13. The nature of sin NT
"Hamartia" - to miss the mark
“Parakoe" - disobedience
"Parabasis" - intentionally cross a line

14. ALL sin is against God
Against you, you only, have I sinned and
done what is evil in your sight
Psalm 51:4

15. We are born in sin
Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the
time my mother conceived me
Psalm 51:5
For I was born a sinner - from the moment
my mother conceived me (NLT)

16. Sin is also failing to do what is right
If anyone, then, knows the good
they ought to do and doesn’t do
it, it is sin for them
James 4:17

17. Nature of God
His unfailing love
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love
Psalm 51:1a

18. Nature of God
His great compassion
according to your great
compassion
Psalm 51:1b

19. Nature of God
His perfect judgement
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge
Psalm 51:4b

20. David begs forgiveness from God
Have mercy on me – Psalm 51:1a
Blot out my transgressions - Psalm 51:1b
Wash away all my iniquity - Psalm 51:2a
Cleanse me from my sin - Psalm 51:2b

21. David begs forgiveness from God
Cleanse me with hyssop and I shall be clean
wash me and I shall be whiter than snow
Psalm 51:7
Hide your face from my sins
Psalm 51:9a

22. David begs forgiveness from God
Do not cast me from your presence or take
your Holy Spirit from me
Psalm 51:11
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed
Psalm 51:14

23. David begs for a fresh start
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and
renew a steadfast spirit within me
Psalm 51:10
God, make a fresh start in me …
The Message

24. A fresh start for us?
Everything that we have—right
thinking and right living, a clean
slate and a fresh start—comes
from God by way of Jesus Christ
1 Cor 1:30 The Message

25. A fresh start for us?
We are made right in God’s sight when
we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our
sins. And we all can be saved in this
same way, no matter who we are or
what we have done
Rom 3:22 NLT

26. A fresh start for us?
Because Jesus was raised from the dead
we’ve been given a brand new life.
We have everything to live for including a
future in heaven and that future starts now
1 Peter 1:3-4 The Message

27. A fresh start for us?
those who become Christians become new
persons. They are not the same anymore,
for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!
2 Cor 5:17

28. God loves failures
Restore to me the joy of your
salvation and grant me a willing
spirit, to sustain me
Psalm 51:12