II Samuel 12:1-15

1. Intro.
1. many are familiar with David's sin involving Bathsheba, resulting in adultery and murder
2. these are dark pages in David's record, but they are preserved that lessons might be learned
2. we are often blind to our own faults
1. this was true in the case of David
1. he could easily see the sin of the man in Nathan's story - II Sam 12:5-6
2. but not in himself; it took a direct accusation by Nathan ["thou art the man"] - II Sam 12:7
2. this is often true in our own case
1. we can easily see the "mote" in another person's eye, but not the "beam" in our own
2. there are several reasons why this may be so
1. we may let strong desires confuse the plain distinction between right and wrong
1. many have softened their views on divorce and remarriage when it hits their family
2. how many don’t change their convictions on a position when it involves them
2. .we may habitually flirt with evil, and thereby diminish our sense of it as evil
1. by flirting with the world's definition of immodesty in regards to apparel
2. the standards of the world will soon become our standards if we do not steadfastly oppose them
3. we may fail to apply scriptural principles to our personal conduct
1. whether or not certain habits are consistent with the Christian life
2. behaving in a way that is more like a person of the world, than one who is a child of God
3. because we are often blind to our own faults, we need to be thankful for men of God like Nathan
1. caring enough to bring our faults to our attention
2. courageous enough to challenge our conduct
4. because we are often blind to our own faults, we need to be like David
1. open to the constructive criticism of others (men of God)
2. not so blind as to fail to see our faults when pointed out
3. the best way to bring about repentance
1. appeal to God’s love
1. Nathan reminded David of God's great kindness - II Sam 12:7-8
2. this appeal based on God's love and mercy is found in the gospel
1. Paul made it in Romans 2:4
2. Peter made it in Acts 3:17-19
3. in our efforts to save or restore others, be sure to mention God's love and mercy
2. reveal the sin
1. Nathan was very clear in telling David what he did was wrong - II Sam 12:9
2. in a similar way, the gospel makes it clear that all are sinners - Romans 3:23
3. since people will not repent unless they realize they are sinners, it is necessary to help them see their sins
3. warn of the consequences
1. Nathan spelled out what would happen because of David's sin - II Sam 12:10-12
2. the gospel contains "good news", as well as consequences for rejection – John 3:17-18
3. as we seek to call others to repentance, we must in love, point out the consequences of sin
4. the proper attitude in repentance
1. David provides a proper example
1. he made it personal - "I have sinned" - 2 Sam 12:13
1. he didn't try to place the blame on Bathsheba or other circumstances
2. he didn't try to spread the guilt to others (Joab's involvement in the death of Uriah)
3. he accepted the full responsibility of his own sin
2. he saw the true nature of his guilt: it was "against the LORD" - II Sam 12:13
1. it is true that he also sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, and his own wife
1. true repentance comes from an understanding that sin is more just a violation of human relationships
2. it is an insult against the GOD who created us in His image
2. notice what David wrote in Psalm 51:3-4 as he confesses his sin
2. much repentance today falls short in this regard
1. we often do not make our sins personal enough
1. we may be quick to admit "we have sinned"
2. but will we also be quick to admit "I have sinned"
2. we do not often see our sins as against the Lord
1. unless we do, our repentance is likely to be shallow
2. our conduct will change just enough to satisfy the approval of man
3. if we view ourselves as having sinned against the Lord …
1. we will be concerned with being faithful in His eyes
2. we will correct any conduct that is visible only to the Him
5. the pardon provided by God
1. the example of David's forgiveness – II Sam 12:13
1. his forgiveness was immediate
2. his forgiveness was complete
2. God’s pardon is similar today
1. it is both IMMEDIATE and COMPLETE
2. there are conditions that must be met
1. for the non-Christian - John 1:12
2. for the Christian - 1 John 1:9
3. such wonderful pardon is made possible only through the blood of Christ – Ephesians 1:7
6. the consequences of sin often follow despite the pardon
1. David learned this from Nathan
1. though he was forgiven, there would still be consequences of his sin
2. Nathan listed them in 2 Sam 12:10-12,14; all of which came to pass
1. the baby died
2. David's daughter (Tamar) raped by her half-brother (Amnon)
3. one son (Amnon) killed by another (Absalom)
4. Absalom led a conspiracy to takes over the kingdom, and laid with his father's concubines
2. the same is often true today
1. an alcoholic may quit drinking and be forgiven, but still suffer the physical consequences of alcoholism
2. a parent may obey the gospel, but do so too late to have a positive affect on the spiritual development of the children
3. young people may "sow their wild oats" before settling down and becoming a Christian ...
1. .while forgiven, they may still have to "reap what they have sown"
2. .the rest of their lives may be adversely affected by such things as:
1. an unexpected pregnancy
2. an early or unwanted marriage
3. an unscriptural divorce
4. suffering with incurable disease
4. God's pardon is wonderful, but we must not forget the consequences of sin
7. conclusion
1. the events recorded in the Scriptures are to help us in our own relationship with God
2. when sin is revealed in our life, respond like David
1. own it
2. confess it