Failure: Part 2 - David
GREAT FAILURES OF THE BIBLE - 2
“David - the Moral Failure”
One of the best known characters of the Bible, whose name is mentioned throughout much of the Old Testament and New Testament as well, is the shepherd king, King David. Most of us first became acquainted with his exploits by hearing the story about that shepherd boy who dared to fight a nine foot giant named Goliath. It is an inspiring story about how a young sheep herder faced off with one of the most menacing enemy soldiers of all time when no one else in Israel had the courage to stand up to the blaspheming monstrosity. It would make a great movie, but Hollywood would find some way to mess it up.
The sad thing is that when people think of King David they usually think of two events in his life - his confrontation with Goliath where he experienced a thrilling victory and his consorting with Bathsheba where he fell in dismal failure. While David perhaps thought he got away with his sin of adultery and then conspiracy to commit murder, it soon became painfully clear that he did not. David failed big time. Satan could not defeat David on the battlefield with Goliath, but he could bring him down on the battlefield of David’s mind with the giant of lust.
It is interesting to note that while David failed miserably, God still classifies him as a man after his own heart. David’s sin was grievous, yet he responded humbly with a contrite spirit when he was confronted because of his sin. The truth is if a man of God like David fell, none of us can claim to be immune from temptation.
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12
1. THE DECEITFULNESS OF SIN
From the beginning of his career as a soldier in his battle with Goliath, David had been a fearless and faithful warrior. Throughout the years the jealous King Saul had sought his life, David retained his integrity and his valor. When he eventually became king, he led his struggling nation to victory after victory through the heat of battle. Israel would expand its borders and its influence to become one of the truly great nations during his reign.
However, after he had tasted a measure of success, we find David staying home while his army went out to battle. The story of his devastating sin is found in 2 Samuel 11,12. As we read this account several things become apparent.
- ? David became comfortable.
He no longer was facing a nine foot giant while he only had five stones in his pocket and a shepherd’s sling in his hand. At this point in his life he is no longer depending on God but instead relying on his past accomplishments. It will never happen to me!
- ? David became over confident.
Confidence is good if it is focused on God. However, self-confidence can be devastating. After all he was the king. He didn’t have to answer to anyone for his actions! That was what kings did - pretty much anything they wanted to do. I can get by with it!
- ? David became careless.
Bathsheba should not have been bathing in plain view of David’s palace. Her involvement in the whole affair is questionable at best. However, David should not have been looking! I couldn’t help it!
He should have heeded the advice of Job.
I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman? Job 31:1
David fell, and he fell hard. A man who loved God and served him from his heart would commit two of the most atrocious sins imaginable. Yet through all of this David gave evidence of the true character of his heart in that when confronted with his sin, he repented with a heart broken because of his sin. He will write probably seven different Psalms as a result of his sin and repentance. They are some of the most comforting and inspiring passages because of the assurance of the forgiveness of sin and the cleansing we can experience when we sin. Psalm 32 was probably written after David’s repentance and restoration.
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2
The only way any of us can be truly happy (blessed) in this life is to experience the forgiveness of sin. To know that God does not impute or lay to our charge the sin for which he has forgiven us. He does not hold it against us. He does not say, “I’ll forgive you, but I’ll never forget the offense.” In fact…
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12
The tune of forgiveness surely must be the sweetest music there is to the soul. However, while we can be assured that the Lord forgives and forgets, we must never lose sight of the fact that when we choose to sin we will pay the consequences.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:7-8
2. THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
“You cannot sow your wild oats and then pray for crop failure.” Some have the idea that they can live any way they want to so long as they run to God when things begin to fall apart and confess their sin real fast. Such an attitude presumes upon the grace of God, and also evidences a lack of spiritual insight.
When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Psalm 32:3-4
- ? Sin will affect us physically.
Sin, especially sexual immorality will affect us physically.
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
- ? Sin will affect our families.
For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. Romans 14:7
What we do will affect those around us, especially our families. From this point on in David’s life, his family life read like a bad soap opera. It was not a matter of God continuing to punish David but rather the natural result of sin.
3. THE RESTORATION FROM SIN
I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Psalm 32:5-6
- ? Restoration begins with acknowledging and confessing of sin.
He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Guilt can be compared to the pain we feel when we touch a hot stove. It hurts for a while, but it helps us avoid a serious burn. However, unresolved guilt will eat us alive. We can try to ignore the pain but that nagging sensation will remain until we confess and forsake the sin.
- ? Restoration involves trusting God’s forgiveness
For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they shall not come near him. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:6-7
We do not deserve forgiveness, it is all of grace. However, God has promised forgiveness to those who approach Him with a broken and contrite heart.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart - these, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17
- ? Restoration brings joy.
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Psalm 32:10-11
Sin robs us of our joy; forgiveness restores it. The Christian life was intended to be a life of joy. The lack of joy should be the exception for it is an indication of sin not confessed.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation… Psalm 51:12a
