Monday, June 29, 2015

Thou Art the Man

(#221, Hinkley/Yermo, Jan. 1949; Imperial, 1958)
Read 2 Samuel 12:1-13a.

David's sin reminds us of the story of the bird with the broken wing.  Although it was made whole, the bird never flew as high again.  Note:
    1.  This was not the sin of a hardened sinner or an irreligious person but of a believer.
    2.  This wrong of David was not just a mistake but a sin.
    3.  While the sin was done secretly (v12), God saw it and judged openly.

ƒ    What leads the believer into sin.
    1.  Inactivity and idleness in the Lord's service.
    2.  Too great security and confidence in the flesh.
    3.  Neglect of prayer and watching.

ƒ    The effect of sin in the believer's life.
w   Upon the Lord: displeasure, 2 Sam. 11:27.
w   Upon the sinner: misery, Psalm 51:12.
w   Upon others:
    1.  An occasion to the enemy, v14.
    2.  Trouble in his family, v10.

ƒ    The place of God's messenger.
w   The messenger might be a pastor, Christian worker, Sunday School teacher, or simply the Word of God.
w   David did not send for Nathan; God sent him (v1,7).
w   Nathan spoke plainly: THOU ART THE MAN!

ƒ    The response of David.
    1.  He did not have Nathan put out.
    2.  He didn't resent the messenger.
    3.  He didn't excuse himself.
    4.  His acknowledgment means "I have sinned."

 Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.

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