DEALING WITH UNCHECKED DESIRES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Samuel 11-12
Supporting Texts: James 1:13-15, Matthew 5:28-30, Galatians 5:16-17, Proverbs 4:23, Romans 6:12-14
INTRODUCTION:
The fall of David in 2 Samuel 11-12 presents a sobering lesson on how unchecked desires can corrupt even the most anointed vessels of God. David was not a novice in the faith—he was a man after God's own heart, a worshipper, a warrior, and a king. Yet, at the height of his success, he allowed his fleshly desires to override spiritual discipline.
It began as a glance, then became a gaze, and quickly escalated into adultery, deception, and murder. The man who once ran from Saul and cried out to God in the wilderness now succumbed to secret sin in the comfort of the palace. Unchecked desire always carries the danger of unchecked consequences.
But the story does not end in ruin. God, in His mercy, sent Nathan the prophet to confront David. David's response—repentance and brokenness—opened the door to mercy and partial restoration. This passage calls every believer to be vigilant, sensitive, and quick to address the stirrings of sinful desire before they grow into deadly actions.
1. UNCHECKED DESIRES BEGIN IN MOMENTS OF IDLENESS AND COMPLACENCY
David fell into temptation when he remained in the palace during battle season.
a) “It happened in the spring of the year… David remained at Jerusalem.” (2 Samuel 11:1)
Displacement from purpose often opens the door to temptation.
b) Spiritual boredom and idleness give room for the flesh to dominate
David was supposed to be leading in war but lingered at ease.
c) Great falls often begin with small compromises in vigilance
He saw, lingered, desired, and fell.
d) Complacency is a seedbed for unrestrained appetite
Idle time should be filled with intentional spiritual focus.
Biblical Example: Samson’s flirtation with Delilah while neglecting his Nazarite consecration led to his downfall (Judges 16:1-21).
2. LUST CONCEIVED BIRTHS SIN, AND SIN GROWS INTO DEATH
David’s initial lust led him down a destructive path.
a) “Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her.” (2 Samuel 11:4)
Lust is never satisfied with observation—it seeks gratification.
b) The path of sin is progressive: it starts in the heart, manifests in action, and multiplies in consequence
David’s sin with Bathsheba led to a cover-up and ultimately, murder.
c) When sin is not confessed, it leads to deeper deception and destruction
One sin begets another.
d) Lust distorts judgment, hardens conscience, and erodes spiritual sensitivity
David wrote no psalms during this season of his life—his connection with God was broken.
Biblical Example: Achan’s desire for forbidden treasures led to defeat and judgment (Joshua 7:20-26).
3. GOD, IN HIS MERCY, CONFRONTS US TO CALL US BACK
Nathan the prophet confronted David with truth and wisdom.
a) “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7)
God does not expose to shame—He exposes to save.
b) Confrontation is a gift of love when it leads to repentance and restoration
Nathan's rebuke was firm but redemptive.
c) Spiritual leaders and friends must be courageous enough to speak truth
Reproof, when led by the Spirit, is a tool of divine mercy.
d) A sensitive heart responds to correction with humility, not hostility
David didn’t resist Nathan—he repented.
Biblical Example: Peter was corrected by Paul when he acted hypocritically, and he accepted it (Galatians 2:11-14).
4. REPENTANCE IS THE DOORWAY TO MERCY AND RESTORATION
David’s confession marked the turning point of his healing.
a) “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Samuel 12:13)
No excuses. No blame-shifting. Just honesty before God.
b) God is quick to forgive the broken, but He resists the unrepentant
Though there were consequences, David’s life was spared.
c) Repentance is more than words—it is a turning of the heart and a forsaking of the path
Psalm 51 shows us the depth of David’s sorrow and longing for restoration.
d) God values a contrite spirit above public image or royal status
His throne was shaken, but his soul was saved.
Biblical Example: Manasseh, one of Judah’s most wicked kings, repented and found mercy (2 Chronicles 33:12–13).
5. SIN HAS CONSEQUENCES, BUT GRACE OFFERS HOPE BEYOND FAILURE
David was forgiven, but the consequences were not fully removed.
a) “The sword shall never depart from your house…” (2 Samuel 12:10)
Forgiveness does not always cancel earthly consequences.
b) God’s grace restores, but it also disciplines for our learning and growth
David never returned to the same spiritual recklessness again.
c) Restoration after failure is possible, but trust and influence may take time to rebuild
David's relationship with God was renewed, but his family suffered.
d) God can still bring beauty out of brokenness when the heart is surrendered
Out of this painful season came Solomon, a child of promise.
Biblical Example: Jonah disobeyed, was disciplined, but was still recommissioned by God to preach (Jonah 3:1-2).
CONCLUSION:
Unchecked desires are like hidden embers—they may seem harmless, but if left alone, they ignite destructive fires. David’s journey from desire to sin, and then from confrontation to repentance, reveals both the danger of compromise and the beauty of divine mercy.
We must guard our hearts, remain spiritually alert, and submit to correction when it comes. God, in His love, will not leave us in our sins—He confronts us to restore us. Let us deal with the desires that seek to rule us before they destroy us.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from the snare of secret sins and unchecked desires.
2. Father, keep my heart aligned with Your will in every season of my life.
3. Expose and uproot every seed of lust, pride, and compromise within me.
4. Give me the humility to accept correction and the grace to truly repent.
5. Let Your mercy speak over my life, and help me walk in holiness and spiritual sensitivity.
