Lesson 7: David S Sin and Its Consequences

Spring 2013 Lesson 7: David’s Sin and Its Consequences 2 Samuel 11–12:25; 1 Chronicles 21

Note: At least nine months had passed since in David’s sin in 2 Samuel 11 and Nathan’s rebuke in chapter 12, yet David had not repented and may have felt that he had successfully covered up his sins. The people in his court, as far as we know, have said nothing of the matter—whether or not they are aware of what David has done. But God was aware, and He was not content to pretend that nothing wrong had been done…David’s sin damaged his relationship with the Lord, and He will not permit that to go unresolved. —John MacArthur The Restoration of a Sinner, pg. 45

Day One: Read 2 Samuel 11:1–12:25; David’s Sin 1. How were you challenged to change your thinking or behavior from what you learned last week?

2. Do you think David was wise in not going out to battle? (See 2 Samuel 5:2; 8:1–14; 10:17; 18:3; and 21:17.) Use Scripture to support your answer.

3. From 2 Samuel 11:3, 16:23, and 23:34 and 39, who were Bathsheba’s relatives and how were they connected to David?

4. What were David’s specific sins against Bathsheba?

5. When Urriah refused David’s offer to return home, how did David sin again?

Day Two: Read 2 Samuel 12:1–25; Nathan’s Rebuke and David’s Consequences 1. From 2 Samuel 11:27, how did God view David’s actions? How did He confront David’s sin?

a. David saw clearly the sin of the rich man, so why do you think he couldn’t see his own sin? Cite Scripture to support your answer.

b. Nathan was David’s friend, but still boldly confronted him. Identify a principle of friendship illustrated through Nathan’s actions and a lesson we can learn from him?

2. How did God describe David’s sin in 2 Samuel 12:9 and 14? Do you see your sin with the same gravity?

3. From verses 10–14, list the consequences of David’s sin. How is God’s mercy shown in these consequences? (See Leviticus 20:10 and Numbers 35:16–21.)

4. From the following references, identify who was affected by David’s sin and with what consequences. a. 2 Samuel 11:17

b. 2 Samuel 12:15, 18

c. 2 Samuel 13:1–14

d. 2 Samuel 13:28–29, 32

e. 2 Samuel 16:21–22

f. 2 Samuel 17:23

5. One of the best ways to fight sin is to consider its consequences. Take a moment to identify a sin with which you consistently struggle, and think through the consequences, both for you and those around you. Be specific and use Scripture. (This is a personal question that will not be shared with the group.)

Day 3: Read Psalms 32 and 51; David’s Repentance 1. From 2 Samuel 12:13, what is the significance of David’s response to Nathan’s confrontation of his sin?

a. David had sinned before, so why do you think he identified this sin as “against the Lord?” (See 2 Samuel 12:9 and 14.)

2. What aspects of God’s character are revealed in verse 13?

3. According to Psalm 32, what were the consequences of David not confessing his sin? Cite verses.

4. From Psalm 51, identify the elements of true repentance and list the things that please the Lord.

5. Is there unrepentant sin in your life that you need to confess? Take time to do that now, and if applicable, confess to those against whom you have sinned.

Day Four: Read 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21; The Census 1. According to these texts, how did David sin and who incited him?

a. Cite several verses that address how believers can resist Satan and fight spiritual battles.

2. What did David’s choice of punishment reveal about his character? a. Why is it important to see the earthly consequences of sin? What truth do those consequences point to?

3. Describe David’s repentance and response to God’s judgment of the plague.

4. How was the plague stopped?

a. According to 1 Chronicles 22:1, what did Ornan’s threshing floor later become?

Day Five: Read the indicated Scriptures; God’s Grace 1. Skim 2 Samuel 11, 12, and 24. Which verses which display God’s grace to David?

2. What do Psalm 32:1–5, Psalm 103:11–12, Matthew 6:14–15, Luke 5:24, and Romans 8:31–39 teach about God’s grace and forgiveness?

3. In light of God’s grace, is there someone in your life to whom you need to grant grace and forgiveness? Be specific in how you can you do that this week, and ask someone to hold you accountable.

4. What can you learn from David’s life about how to combat discouragement and doubt over sin in your own life?

Johnson/Peters May 1, 2013 NOTES