How can we discern our "errors" as mentioned in Psalm 19:12? Learning from Psalm 19:12 “Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.” Why discerning matters • David knows sin runs deeper than he can see. • Left undetected, hidden faults harden into “willful sins” that soon “rule over” us (v. 13). • Discernment, then, is God’s gift for freedom, not mere fault-finding. God’s two witnesses in Psalm 19 • Creation (vv. 1-6) shouts God’s glory, but does not name our sins. • Scripture (vv. 7-11) exposes and corrects us: “The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul… giving light to the eyes.” (vv. 7-8) Seven God-given ways to spot hidden errors 1. The Word as a mirror • Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Hebrews 4:12 – the Word “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” • James 1:23-25 – look intently, keep acting, and the mirror keeps reflecting. 2. The Spirit as searchlight • John 16:8 – the Spirit “will convict… in regard to sin.” • 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 – He reveals what is from God, showing what is not. 3. Honest self-examination before God • Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me.” • Lamentations 3:40 – “Let us examine and test our ways and turn back to the LORD.” 4. Accountable community • Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” • Galatians 6:1 – restore one another “with a spirit of gentleness.” 5. Providential circumstances • Numbers 22; Jonah 1 – God arranges events that spotlight heart issues. • Romans 8:28 – He works in “all things” to conform us to Christ. 6. Obedient practice • James 1:25 – blessing comes to “the one who continues” in the perfect law. • John 7:17 – doing God’s will clarifies truth versus error. 7. Continual confession and repentance • 1 John 1:8-9 – confess and He “will forgive… and cleanse.” • Psalm 32:5 – hiding sin keeps it hidden; naming it brings relief and light. Putting it together • Start each day with open Bible, asking God to shine. • Invite the Spirit’s conviction early, before sin settles. • Keep short accounts: confess quickly, repent specifically. • Welcome a trusted believer’s loving correction. • Read providence: ask what God is teaching through each setback or success. • Obey the light you have; fresh light follows obedience. Discernment is not guessing at faults; it is responding to the clear, living Word and Spirit until hidden faults are traded for open fellowship and growing freedom. |
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