The Truth Of Consequences

1. Outhouse Consequences

A young boy lived in the country. His family had to use an outhouse, which the young boy hated. It was hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and always smelly. The outhouse was located near the creek so the boy decided that he would push it into the water. After a spring rain, the creek swelled so the boy pushed it in.

Later that night his dad told him that he and the boy needed to make a trip to the woodshed. The boy knew this meant punishment. He asked his father why to which his dad replied, "Because someone pushed the outhouse into the creek and I think that someone was you. Was it?"

The boy responded that it was. Then he added, "Remember when George Washington's father asked him if he had chopped down the cherry tree? He didn't get into trouble because he told the truth."

"That is correct," the dad said, "but his father was not in the cherry tree when he cut it down."

Most of us have never toppled an outhouse, however we can identify with the boy in at least three ways. First, there is an urge within us that wants to do wrong. We call it the sinful nature. Second, our lack of goodness affects others. Third, there are consequences to our choices.

All of these things are at work in The Story, especially in David's life. David had it all -- he defeats the enemies of Israel, unites and expands the kingdom for the glory of God, and for a time finds rest and peace. Then, we see David let down his guard and makes some tragic choices.

2. David --

a. Great King of Israel

b. David was also: a shepherd, warrior, general, king, poet, champion, outlaw, ladies' man, musician, prophet, worship leader, adulterer, murderer, brother, husband, son, parent, leader, hero, builder, ancestor of Jesus, a man after God's own heart (Acts 13.22)!

3. 2 Samuel 11-12 Sin with Bathsheba and Uriah along with consequences

4. What really made David great?

I. Closeness of Sin -- 2 Samuel 11

Romans 3.23

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1.8-10

A. Causes of Sin (for David)

1. Idleness

2. Lust -- 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one; 14 but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death. James 1.13-15

3. Fear (cover up)

B. Consequences of Sin (sow and reap)

1. Takes you further than you want to go (adultery; murder)

2. Keeps you longer than you want to stay

3. Costs you more than you want to pay

a. Loss of child

b. Conflict within his family

II. Confrontation of Sin (2 Samuel 12)

A. David Had Been Involved in a Cover-up [R. Nixon and Watergate June 17,1972

Church Cake Cover-Up

It was time for the annual cake sale at a Presbyterian church. Ms. Billings always made the most beautiful cakes...she was expected to make another one this year. However, Ms. Billings was a very busy woman with the time she spent with her family and the time she gave to her community. She put off making the cake this year thinking she could put it all together at the last minute.

When the cake came out of the oven, Ms. Billings was horrified to see that the cake had fallen. She didn't have the time or the ingredients to make another one...she panicked. Frantically, she devised an ingenious plan. She would find a way to "fix" the cake...then she would be the first one to the sale and buy her own cake back.

She looked around the room, trying to find something that she could use to "prop" the cake back up, and then she found it. A roll of toilet paper was the perfect size. So she put it under the center of the cake and the cake looked perfect. She decorated it bright yellow and took it to the bake sale. Then she stuck around until the bake sale started.

She was the first in line when the doors opened; she smiled to herself about how clever she was. But then there was a terrifying horror crawling up from within her. She looked at every single table; no yellow cake! Someone had snuck in before the sale and purchased it. The helpers couldn't remember who had purchased it either; there was so much going on.