Davd & Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11 & 12 by Stephen Coffin

David is portrayed as someone whose heart was right with God

• "He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'" (Acts 13v22)

However even David sometimes went wrong & sinned

• "But the thing David had done displeased the LORD." (2 Samuel 11v27)

We all sin & need God's forgiveness

• "there is no one who does good, not even one." (Psalm 14v3; Romans 3v12)

How do we react when we go wrong?
Let's learn from David how to do so in order to have our hearts right with God

• David looked & lusted
  • What are our temptations?
• David committed adultery
  • Who might we exploit?
  • How are our personal & family relationships?
• David tried to cover up his sin
  • What do we try to hide from others? Why?
• David killed to hide his sin
  • Who is suffering so we can live in comfort?
  • What are we doing to help the victims of injustice?
• David thought he'd got away with it but you can't hide the truth from God
  • Praise God that he sees everything!
  • Is there anything we'd like to hide from him? Why?
• David was rebuked by Nathan the prophet (12v.1-10)
  • Are we accountable to anyone, to help us live aright?
  • Are we open to the rebuke of others?
• David repented (12v.13; Psalm 51)
  • Do we repent when convicted of wrong?
  • Repentance involves being sorry 'and wanting to change & make amends
• David prayed for his sick child (12v.16)
  • Do we pray as fervently for those who are ill or suffering?
• David accepted God's punishment (12v.8-13)
  • Do we?
• David's family life fell apart (12v.10-12)
  • Some consequences of wrong may not be wiped out by God
• David & Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon (12v.24)
  • But God brings good out of even the worst ills & sins
• Solomon was loved by God [Jedidiah means 'loved by God'] (12v.24)
  • Do we appreciate that God loves us too?
  • He has shown how great his love is for us by dying for us in Jesus
• Solomon became Israel's "greatest" king
  • A mistake, sin or failure can be turned around by God
• Bathsheba is one of the female ancestors of Jesus
  • Who knows what great good God may do if we trust him?