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 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.
