We have often talked on the program about what sin is and consequences of it.  This evening we want to look at the example of David in 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12 to see how he dealt with sin in his life and then apply that to our lives today. Let's start by reading 2 Samuel 11:1-15, 24. 

 

I. What is Sin?

 

A.      The first step in dealing with sin is to understand what sin is. Sin is transgression of God’s law (2 John 9)

B.     David realized what sin is 1 Samuel 26:9-12 – David did not kill Saul

C.     Sin can be against others, but is always against God (Psalm 51:3-4)

 

II. Once we realize what sin is we have to view sin as a problem.  

 

A.      It is not simply good enough to acknowledge what sin is but we must recognize that sin is a problem (James 1:12-15)

B.     When Nathan pointed out David’s sin to him David immediately realized this was a problem (2 Samuel 12:13)

 

III. Once we realize sin is a problem we need to know when it is in our lives

            

A.      God tells us that we must examine our lives (2 Corinthians 13:5)

B.     Sometimes it might take others pointing it out to us to realize it (2 Samuel 12:1-15)

 

IV. When we sin we must confess our sin

 

A.      David immediately admitted his sin once he realized it (2 Samuel 12:13)

B.     Christians need to admit their sins once they realize them (1 John 1:8-10)  

 

V.  It is simply not enough to confess but we must repent

            

A.      To repent means we turn from; to make a change (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

B.     Simon was told to repent immediately (Acts 8:22)

 

VI. There is much we can learn from David and his sin with Bathsheba

            

A.      One sin will often lead to more

a.      David first looked upon Bathsheba and wanted her for his own (2 Samuel 11:2-4)

b.      Once Bathsheba became with child David tried to deceive Uriah to lay with his wife (2 Samuel 11:9-11)

c.      When this failed David had Uriah murdered (2 Samuel 11:15, 24)

d.      This can easily happen in our own lives today. It may seem easier to continue in sin but it is always better to change as soon as we realize our sin.

 

B.     Sin carries consequences both physically and spiritually

a.      In David’s case he would lose the child (2 Samuel 12:14-18)

b.      In our own lives many of the sinful things we can engage in can carry long lasting ramifications on this earth (examples are drinking, sexual immorality, breaking the law, cheating on taxes, etc.)

c.      If we do not confess and repent of our sins the Bible teaches us we will have an everlasting life in Hell (Matthew 25:46, 2 Corinthians 5:9-11) 

 

C.     David also teaches us the proper attitude to have when our sin is pointed out to us

a.      It is very easy for us to become defensive when others tell us of our sin

b.      David was sorrowful for his sin (Psalm 51:1-4)

c.      Instead of blaming others for our sin we need to have an attitude like David’s

 

What about you tonight? Are you dealing with your sin? If you are not a Christian you have never dealt with your sin. Romans 3:23 teaches that we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The first step is for you to realize you have a problem. The solution to the problem of sin is the atoning blood of Jesus Christ which was shed for the sins of the world (Acts 20:28, Colossians 1:20, 1 Peter 1:19, Revelation 1:5, 7:14, 12:11). To become a Christian one must Believe and Confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 8:37), repent of your sins (Acts 17:30), and then be baptized for the remission (or forgiveness) of those sins (Acts 2:38). As a Christian, you start living a life of striving to overcome sin (2 Peter 3:14, 17-18). When you fall, you then simply ask for forgiveness, and that same atoning blood of Jesus takes away your sins (1 John 1:7-9). We encourage you all to humble yourselves like David and obey God so your sins can be washed away. We hope to see you next time on “Speaking the Truth in Love”.