Introduction

2 Samuel 11:1 ESV
1 In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.


blessed – disengaged – wrong-place

2 Samuel 11:11 ESV
11 Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.”


The failed cover-up.

2 Samuel 12:1-7 ESV
1 And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3 but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. 4 Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5 Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”
7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man!

We all need a Nathan.

Self-Deception vs. Self-Examination

Self-Deception

Addiction to distraction

Manic cheeriness

Judgementalism

Defensiveness

Cynicism

Self-Examination

Psalm 51:10-12 ESV

AWARENESS - 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,

CONTRITE HEART - and renew a right spirit within me.

RUN TO GOD - 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

RESTORATION - 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

DEPENDENCY - and uphold me with a willing spirit.

New Habit: Be real with ourselves, God, and others.

1 Corinthians 11:28 ESV
28 Let a person examine himself, then,
and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

Habits
Pastor Lance Ainsworth: 2 Samuel 11 & 12
April 4th & 7th, 2024
Self-Examination

Prayer Requests:


Group Discussion: Who is your favorite singer/band?

Read Aloud: Read 2 Samuel 12:1-15

1. 2 Sam. 11:1 “In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.” David abdicated his duty as a King and put himself in a place of temptation. Is living a holy life a byproduct of avoiding temptation or focusing on purpose? What practical tools do you use to avoid temptation?


2. 2. Sam 12:7 “7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” Nathan is used by God to tell David God is aware of his sin. Who in your life can be honest with you besides your spouse? How do relationships help us be more self-aware?


3. Do you agree or disagree with the five categories of Self-Deception? Would you add any?

Addiction to distraction
Manic cheeriness
Judgementalism
Defensiveness
Cynicism


4. Read Psalms 51:10-12. What speaks to you most about
David’s attitude towards God during his implosion? Why?