Sermon Central
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Wrong Paths- Adultery Series
Contributed by Shawn Drake on Jan 22, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: This is the 25th Sermon in the Series "Israel's 2nd King". This Series is about King David.
Series: Israel’s 2nd King- David [#25]
WRONG PATHS- ADULTERY
Introduction:
David had been through so much; but things were finally going well for him- He was destroying all of his enemies and building a strong Kingdom. David is an example to us of what happens when we let our guard down. David put himself on some wrong paths- It began with adultery. We are all tempted, so how do we avoid falling into sin?
I have some questions for David.
1. Why did David not go to war?
In the spring, Kings went off to war. David had been going to war for years- what made this time different? Scholars have different thoughts of why; but they all have the same conclusion- It was a bad decision to stay home.
Did David not go because he was getting…
* Old?
At this point in his life, David was in his 50’s. Maybe, because he was getting older, he was not interested in going to fight. Are you avoiding obeying God because you are getting older and you just don’t want to bother anymore?
Did David not go because he was getting…
* Tired?
David had been fighting for a long time- He was tired. He had no interest in putting his body through everything that going to war required. It was easier for him to stay in the comfort of his Palace than it was to have to fight during the day and spend the night in a tent or cave. Are you tired of serving God?
Did David not go because he was getting…
* Spoiled.
David had it good. He did not want to leave his life of luxury. He had others doing his fighting for him. We live in a Nation where we are very spoiled.
2. Why did David not go back to bed?
David got up from bed and was walking around on the roof. At this point, he had done nothing wrong; but then he noticed a woman bathing. Instead of walking away and going back to bed, he stared at her long enough to notice how beautiful she was. David proved that the 2nd look will get you in trouble every time.
3. Why did David inquire about Bathsheba?
David should have stopped; but he would not. When he found out that she was a woman of prestige because of her Grandfather Ahithophel, (1 of David’s closest advisors); and her husband Uriah was 1 of David’s top ranked soldiers; he should have left her alone. Instead, he treated Bathsheba like a trophy to be won.
4. Why did David take advantage of Bathsheba?
If you want to see some interesting opinions about something in the Bible, study this question. Some scholars say that Bathsheba knew what she was doing- Her husband was at war, and she knew that the King would be looking down at her.
There are others who believe that David summoned her, and she had no choice but to go to the King. It does make sense that she had to go and once she got there, David basically raped her. Even a woman of influence did not have much say so.
There are some who believe that there is some truth to each one. They believe that Bathsheba tempted him; and he had her sent over and they slept together.
What I do know is, David did not have to have her brought to him. He could not say no to his fleshly desires. David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and she became pregnant. When she figured out that she was pregnant, she told David that she was pregnant. She wanted David to know that he had a problem and that while people couldn’t notice yet, they would soon; and they would know that the child was not Uriah’s.
Conclusion:
The reason Jesus said, “If you lust after someone, you are guilty of adultery” is because God knows how we operate. We see it, we think about it, and we sin.
