Sunday School Lesson May 14, 2023
Subject: Recovering from a Fall into Temptation
The Point: Return to God for forgiveness and restoration.
Scriptures: Psalm 32:1-7
Study The Bible: Psalm 32:1-2
1). Joy and blessing flow from God’s forgiveness.
- How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!
- How joyful is a person whom the Lord does not charge with iniquity and in whose spirit is no deceit!
Lasting truths from: Psalm 32:1-2
* Joy comes from God’s forgiveness.
* God’s forgiveness includes erasing our spiritual debt through Jesus.
* Holy living should follow God’s restoration.
2). There is no forgiveness without confession of sin.
Psalm 32:3-5
- When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.
- For day and night your hand was heavy on me, my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat.
- Then I acknowledge my sin to you and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Lasting truths from: Psalm 32:3-5
* Unconfessed sin can eat away at us and make us miserable.
* God’s discipline may be unrelenting when we try to avoid Him due to our sin.
* Confessing our sin to God leads to His forgiveness.
3). Living in a restored relationship with God helps us avoid future sin and temptation.
Psalm 32:6-7
- Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to you immediately. When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him.
- You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance.
Lasting truth from: Psalm 32:6-7
* We should seek the Lord now and never delay.
* God is our hiding place and our protection.
* We can rejoice over the saving power of our God.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Why do you think joy can flow from God’s forgiveness? Why is bringing our sin to God a good thing?
- How does confession actually bring us closer to God? Read 1 John 1:9; what does God promise will happen when we confess our sin?
- When we experience a restored relationship with God, what should happen the next time we face temptation?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”