Week 9, Chapter 12: The Trials of a King

Associated Scripture: 2 Samuel 11-12; 18-19; 1 Chronicles 22; 29; Psalms 23; 32; 51

A music video to start:

Though You Slay Me by Shane and Shane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyUPz6_TciY

Savior Please by Josh Wilson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiHSDcx_3IE

Discussion Questions:

1)      What were some factors that led to David’s sin with Bathsheba?  Whoa, he had a lustful heart by coveting another man’s wife.  Also, though, in my opinion, maybe Bathsheba should have covered herself a little more…Regardless, David should not have watched her and lusted after her.

2)      Both Saul and David sinned against God, yet how did their responses differ?  What was the result of their responses?  There are huge differences between Saul and David.  David continued to repent to the Lord when he made his mistakes.  Saul indeed loved the Lord but seemed to make choices and rationalize those choices to benefit himself.  David longed for the grace and love of the Lord.

3)      How did David’s sins affect the future of his family?  Greatly.  This is apparent as we read through this chapter of the bible.  Ultimately, we really need to think how our choices affect others.  It does not just affect our single life but can also affect those of our loved ones too. 

4)      David was allowed to plan the temple, but God told him that his son would be the one to actually build it.  How do you think David felt about that?  How did David respond?  David responded with dignity—a normal flesh reaction.  Even though it felt as though it were punishment (and it was), David continued to worship in the Lord.

5)      Do you, like David, give God credit and praise for your successes and accomplishments?  Wow, wouldn't it to be easy to say yes?  I say “wow, I did that” all the time.  But did I do it alone?  No.  Not at all.  It is so easy sometimes to forget how we made accomplishments.  I will say though, now that I have joined this study, I consider the Lord every day in my decisions.  I continue to realize though each day still, that my accomplishments were not my own.  They were accomplished through His Perfect Will.  Thank you, God.  Thank you. 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-I1nX28MEQ

Video Discussion:

1)      As chapter 12 of The Story begins, we see David enter into sin and become a domino effect of other sins that followed.  Identified each of David’s sins and how it led to another sinful choice or action in life.  I really feel like we cover most of these in the next question below.  But I really think the intent of this question is to point out how one decision, each of us makes, WILL affect the future and each person your life touches.  Don’t you, like me, experience those close call moments of life.  I feel that is God saying…yep, that just happened.  Realize woman, that I am in control!!!!

2)      David’s sins did not just affect him but others around him.  Note the effects on the following:

a.       Bathsheba?  David coveted her.  The initial result was the death of her husband and the child created by that sin.

b.      Uriah?  Yep, he was murdered.

c.       The prophet Nathan?  David loved him.  Nathan had to be the one to call his friend out.  How hard must that have been?  Imagine you calling your bestie out—how hard that must have been but was much needed. 

d.      The military commander of Joab?  He was a secondary party to MURDER.  He was a really great soldier but he put the sward to Absolom.

e.      Other soldiers under Joab’s command.  Wow, they all had to step back and assist in the killing of David’s son Absolom.

f.        The baby conceived by Bathsheba?  Became sick and died. 

3)      Once Uriah was dead, David seemed to think he had gotten away with his coveting, adultery, lying and murder.  But when Nathan confronted him, David realized that God knew everything.  What are some of the ways we can deceive ourselves into thinking we have covered our tracks and hidden our sins (from ourselves, others, an even God)?  This is something for you to answer.  But, once you try to hide from the truth you will realize how hard it is to maintain the single lie that started it all.  It gets complicated and nearly impossible to keep it up with—don’t’ do it. 

4)      King Saul (when confronted by Samuel the prophet) did not admit his sin, repent and really seek forgiveness…he made excuses.  That is why God rejected him.  How is David’s response to facing the reality of his sinfulness different from Saul’s?  Saul would rationalize his Sin!  Well, I did “this” because of “that.”  David would be confronted and would immediately repent and ask for the Lord’s forgiveness.

5)      God forgave David, but there were still consequences to his sinful actions.  What were some of the consequences David faced immediately and over the long term because of his sinful choices?  Why is it important that we walk in God’s grace but still realize we might face real consequences of our sins?  We have almost talked this to death at this point.  No matter what decision we make without consulting with God first, we must realize that there will be those consequences. 

6)      What do we learn about the holiness and heart of God when we consider Nathan’s interactions with David?  Each of us should pay that role that Nathan did and hold our friends accountable for their actions—if it gets to that point.  Calling a friend on a situation where they may have made an inappropriate decision or response is our duty as Christian women.

7)      If you could have asked David at the end of his life, “What advice and insight would you give me about temptation and sin?”    What might David say to you if you were dabbling in sin?  David might say…STOP!!  One small bad thing is a gateway to a bunch of very bad things.  J

8)      Randy pointed out that David’s life, even with his falls and frailties, still pointed people to God.  How can god use our lives—the good and the bad—to show his presence, love, and grace to the people around us? 

We need to be that model for Christ.  Remember, you may be the only bible others get to see so we need to be the best representation of Christ we can be as women, wives, mothers, friends, children, etc.