To review our last lesson, we were talking about king David who, through a gross sin, lost the joy of salvation and fellowship with his God. The steps which he took is typical of the pattern that Satan lays out for us to follow. First, OCCASION FOR SIN, second THE STEPS OF SIN, and finally THE AGGRAVATION OF SIN. These three simple steps have trapped many a Christian and may trap you too if you are not sober and vigilant and aware of the devil’s devices. I hope you have finished your reading assignment for this lesson found in 2 Samuel 11; and chapter 12.
Now, let’s look at GOD’S CHASTENING AND THE LOSS OF BLESSING: 2 Samuel 12:10-12. Perhaps the more a child of God is in the spotlight, the greater the chastening of God. Though we know from Psalms 51 and 2 Samuel 12:13 that David did bitterly repent with tears, nevertheless, the chastening rod of God had already fallen and there would be a price to pay for his sin. Nevertheless, even if Bathsheba had seduced David, he was the responsible party. I do not think that it is physically possible for a woman to rape a man or force him against his will. Galatians 6:6-7, Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
There was never any peace either externally or internally during David’s reign. (ch. 12 verse 10) His household would be divided. (ch. 12 verse 11) Absalom, his own son hated him and sought to destroy him until his own death. (See 2 Samuel 13-19) The child of his adultery was taken from him. (Verse 14) You may say, ‘if God chastens me, it’s just me,’ but disobedience is never a victimless crime. It always affects others around you, and you do not get to dictate how God is going to chasten your sin. David’s chastening affected him politically, as well as personally. His reputation was ruined, he lost his new born sin, he lost friends, and even his family turned against him. The whole of David’s reign was filled with violent war. Yes, your personal sin and the effects of it can hurt many people around you.
Now, see DAVID’S REPENTANCE AND RENEWED JOY: 2 Samuel 12:13. Nathan had the responsibility of delivering the message of God to the king. This was certainly a grievous task for the prophet, but he was under orders from his God. The pastor must always speak the truth and deliver the truth no matter how much it may hurt or anger one or all. Sometimes that message involves rebuking church members for their sin; it is never a pleasant task. But it is a task that is necessary if you are going to be brought to repentance before God.
Psalms 51 shows clearly the path to renewed fellowship with God. First, he acknowledged his sin. (Verse 3-5) Second, he cried out for mercy. (Verse 1) Third, he praised God for his chastening. (Verse 8) Proverbs 3:11-12, “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” And fourth, David sought renewed fellowship with the Lord. (Verse 10-12) In this manner, though David suffered the chastening hand of God, he was also restored to His fellowship and blessings. Our God is a loving and compassionate God who wants to bless His people; yet, He is a just and righteous God who cannot over look sin even in His own children.
The sinner must know also, though our God is a compassionate and merciful God, He is angry with the sinner and will judge him in the end. Psalms 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry [with the wicked] every day. The sinner’s only hope of escape from the judgment of God is to repent and receive Jesus Christ as your personal savior. Christ is able to save. Psalms 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.
Salvation’s Joy Lost And Found (cont.) 2 Samuel 12:7-9
