2 Samuel 11

2 Samuel 11

Morgan - But the thing that David had done displeased. the Lord.-2 Sam. 11.27. The chronicler inserted this statement at the close of his account of the sad fall of David. The fact that he did so is arresting. It would seem to be so self-evident as to leave no room for stating it. It always seems to me that the statement is really rather a prelude to the next chapter with its account of the Divine forgiveness, than a close to the story of the wrong-doing. It was necessary thus emphatically to place on record the Divine displeasure. In the light of that statement we consider the tragic story. In doing so we notice the downward steps following in rapid succession. First, "David tarried at Jerusalem." It was the time of war, and the true place of the king was with his army. Instead of going with them he had remained behind, and so in the place of temptation. This is not to say that conditions of peace are more perilous than those of war, but rather that any place, other than that to which duty calls, is one of danger. From this, events moved rapidly, but surely downward. In briefest quotations we may indicate that movement "He saw"; "he sent and inquired"; "he took." The king had fallen from the level of purity to that of moral defilement. And then, because one sin ever leads on to another, he fell lower yet, and was guilty of base injustice to Uriah, Even more fittingly in his own case than in that of Saul and Jonathan might his words concerning their death have now been employed: "How are the mighty fallen!" (Borrow Life applications from every chapter of the Bible) Gene Getz makes the following observations: 1. No Christian should rely on past success as a security from failure in the future. At any moment, at any hour, any Christian anywhere can be caught off-guard and fail God miserably. Most of our failures may not be as serious as David's. But they can be! This principle particularly applies to Christian leaders. Moral failure is often the culprit, and this problem seems to be gaining momentum. Satan is having a heyday. When it happens, the results devastate individual families and local churches—and the Body of Christ at large. This kind of failure also becomes a tragic stumbling block to non-Christians. The story of David has written across it in “flashing red lights” the words of Paul: “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!” (1 Cor. 10:12, NIV) 2. Beware of idleness and boredom. This doesn't mean Christians can't enjoy having periods of relaxation and vacations. We all need to rest and recuperate. But even then, we must be on guard. Many a Christian man has fallen prey to Satan when he has been “busy doing nothing.” 3. Remember that successful men often are very vulnerable to rationalization in their sexual lives. It's easy to want what we want when we want it. If we're not careful, we'll become a law unto ourselves and throw all moral values to the wind—even those we have most defended 4. Be on guard against developing a sensuous lifestyle. Men in our culture may not be “polygamists” in the strict sense of that word, but many men are having multiple sexual experiences with a variety of people. This happens particularly to men who have not come to Christ personally. We are particularly vulnerable to Satan's attacks in this area of our lives—even after we become Christians. If you are a Christian coming out of this kind of background, beware! Satan is standing ready to trip you up at the slightest provocation. (ED: NOTE GETZ'S BOOK WAS WRITTEN BEFORE THE FLOOD OF INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY WHICH DECEIVES A CHRISTIAN MAN INTO THINKING HE CAN SIN AND NO ONE SEES HIM, WHICH IS OF COURSE INCORRECT AND FOOLISH.) 5. Don't allow temptation to turn into sin. Temptation per se is not sin. However, any desire that we might have is only one step away from the act. Remember also that Jesus said an intent to sin is as wrong as the act itself. This is what our Lord meant when He said, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully [a plan to commit sin] has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt. 5:28, NIV). 6. Do not try to cover up or hide sin. This is our first temptation once we fail. It's particularly difficult to admit sin when we know it will lead to embarrassment. However, if we cover our sin, we will not prosper (Pr 28:13). Furthermore, we are vulnerable to continuing the sin. And as we've seen in David's life, the more he tried to hide the first sin, the more he committed additional sins. Avoid this predicament by facing the sin immediately and confessing it to God. When necessary, confess it to others you have sinned against. Also, confess it to a trusted friend—another man—who can hold you accountable. (ED: 2Ti 2:22+ says "Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." - PRAY FOR A MAN WITH A PURE HEART TO BE YOUR ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER!) 7. Acknowledge sin immediately, especially to God. The best way to handle guilt and anxiety is through confession. We must not repress these feelings. If we do, it will eventually lead to self-deception, a hardened heart, and a seared conscience. (ED: THIS PRACTICE WILL ALSO MINIMIZE THE EFFECT OF GRIEVING AND QUENCHING THE SPIRIT, OUR POWER SOURCE FOR KILLING SIN! Ro 8:13+) 8. Do not take advantage of God’s grace. Remember, the Bible says there comes a time when “God gives man up” to do what he wants to do. Though this is spoken specifically to people who have turned away from God completely, I believe the principle still applies to Christians. When this happens, it is part of God's discipline in our lives. To reap what we sow is sometimes the most painful kind of consequence. 9. Remember that the greater our responsibility, the greater our accountability. The higher our position in the Christian world, the greater our potential fall. The more people who are involved in our lives, the more will be hurt through our failures. 10. No matter what your sin is and its consequences, confess it and do what is right. The Bible teaches that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). No sin is too great to be forgiven. This is why we must accept God's forgiveness in Jesus Christ. At this point, we must follow David's example. After he confessed his sin and received forgiveness, he accepted the consequences of his sin. Then he “arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the Lord and worshiped” (2 Sam. 12:20). (Borrow David: God's Man in Faith and Failure) A W