Leave an Inheritance of Worship and Repentance (Psalm 51:10)

Sermon on 14 September 2025 by Ps Justin

Introduction

Leave an inheritance of worship and repentance - one that is spirit-filled, wholehearted and focused on God.

Message

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. - Psalm 51:10

Psalm 51 was written by King David. It is a prayer of repentance. King David sinned badly - he committed adultery and to cover this up, he plotted to murder. He later repented and prayed for a clean heart. Heart refers to our will, our intellect, our emotion. When we draw near to God, we have to do so with a pure heart. There is no sin that can be hidden from God.

So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. - 2 Sam 12:13

If we want a fellowship with God, we must come clean. King David’s repentance was rooted in his genuine and wholehearted desire for God and restoration. If someone sins and continues to sin without believing he sinned, he is a liar if he says he has fellowship with God. You have to quickly confess your sin.

1. Worship with a heart fully devoted to God

Worship with humility without fear, pride, or distraction. King David’s first wife mocked him, but he humbled himself, disregarding how others looked at him. John 4:24 tells us what kind of worshipper is pleasing to Him - one who worships in spirit and in truth. Psalm 73:25 tells us that this is about the posture of our hearts. Worship is not limited to Sundays at church. In Hebrew, ‘worship’ refers to the physical act of bowing in humility, reverence and submission. In Greek, ‘worship’ means an act of extreme honour and respect. Worship refers to a surrendered heart, and a lifestyle of obedience and daily devotion (Rom 12:1).

2. Repent by admitting failures and returning to God

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my win. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my win is always before me. - Psalm 51:1-3

Jesus said to repent, or perish, in Luke 13:3 and 13:5.

King David thoroughly repented. Repentance is not just about saying ‘sorry’. It is about acknowledging failures and returning to God (Acts 26:20). It is asking God to change yourself and asking Him to make you new. Repentance is a change of mind, leading to a shift in actions and a return to God.

Closing

Leave an inheritance of worship and repentance. Worship creates fellowship with God. Repentance restores our relationship with God. Let us fully commit to worshipping God - to surrender our hearts and lead a lifestyle of obedience and daily devotion. Let us examine our hearts for areas needing repentance