How can we teach transgressors God's ways as Psalm 51:13 suggests? The heart of Psalm 51:13 “Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You.” David’s resolve flows from forgiveness he has just received (vv. 1-12). Clean hands and a pure heart become the launchpad for effective ministry. Start with personal cleansing • Confess sin immediately and thoroughly (1 John 1:9). • Ask the Lord to “renew a right spirit” within you (Psalm 51:10). • A life freshly washed in grace makes our words credible. Rely on the Holy Spirit • Jesus promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). • The Spirit convicts the world “concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). Our task is impossible without His enabling. Let your life speak • Live “above reproach” so that opponents “may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:16). • A transformed life illustrates the lesson before a word is spoken (Matthew 5:16). Open Scripture with them • “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). • Share clear passages on the gospel (e.g., Romans 3:23-24; 6:23; 10:9-10). • Explain God’s character and standards—His holiness, justice, love, and mercy. Speak truth in love • Balance clarity and compassion: “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). • Avoid quarrels; instead, be “gentle to everyone, able to teach… correcting opponents with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Cultivate relationships and discipleship • Build trust through genuine friendship (1 Thessalonians 2:8). • Invite transgressors into everyday life where they can observe obedience lived out. • Follow Jesus’ pattern: teach, model, and send (Matthew 28:19-20). Stay humble and teachable • Remember where you came from—“And such were some of you” (1 Corinthians 6:11). • Maintain the posture of a fellow traveler, not a superior judge (Galatians 6:1). Pray and trust God for the harvest • Intercede for open hearts (Colossians 4:3-4). • Depend on God who “gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Expect that, as Psalm 51:13 declares, sinners will return to Him—because His Word never fails (Isaiah 55:11). |
    |