Christ-Light Connections: David Sins & Absalom Sins Against His Father

Now comes a turning point in David’s life. So far, most of his actions have been influenced by the strong, radical faith in his heart. Now David is influenced by the sin that is always with him. His sin seemingly starts small, but it quickly spirals out of control, erupting into consequences that plague David, his family, and his kingdom for years to come.

The Christ-Light theme this week is sin causes harm and grief and causes God’s condemnation.

Scandal is the new normal for the royal family, yet there is a bigger scandal at work behind the scenes. That scandal is called grace.

OT3 5A

David Sins — 2 Samuel 11, 12

Context

Finally, David’s life had calmed down. Saul was long dead, and David’s kingship was firmly established. He no longer had to spend every minute looking over his shoulder and calculating his survival.

Sometimes, when life is good, even the strongest of believers forget their need for God.

Big Ideas

David’s Sin (2 Samuel 11)

How did David get here? Sin started as a seed of complacency. David had no regard for God’s design for marriage. He already had multiple wives and concubines. He had already gotten away with objectifying women. What was one more? Lust sprouted and produced roots of coveting. Next, David stole what wasn’t his, manipulated, lied, and murdered.

Maybe it’s easy to trace how David progressed from complacency to murder, but can we identify how sin slowly entraps us? Think of sins that you or your children have done. Can you identify the seed?

Conversation Starters:

• How did David break all 10 of the commandments?
• Read Psalm 32 and 51. Make a list of the words David used to describe his guilt and shame.

Nathan Confronts David (2 Samuel 12)

Like Adam and Eve, David tried to hide his shame. For a year, his guilt separated him from God. Although he deserved such separation, God came looking for him. God did not wait for David to repent before he acted. The Good Shepherd would seek and find his lost sheep.

Nathan artfully employed law to help David confess and understand that his sins deserved death and condemnation. Read 2 Samuel 12:13. Look how quickly Nathan absolved David of his sin! Here is the scandal of the gospel. David had to do NOTHING to receive forgiveness. No other religion gives away life and forgiveness for free.

Conversation Starters:

• Why do you think Nathan used a parable to convict David?
• Are we tempted to delay or withhold forgiveness from those who don’t deserve it?
• Read Psalm 32 and 51. Make a list of words that David used to describe forgiveness and grace.
• How did David feel about the man who confronted him about his sins and offered him forgiveness? (Look up 1 Chronicles 3:4.)

The Consequences of Sin (2 Samuel 12:11-13)

Why would the God of unlimited grace and forgiveness issue such painful consequences because of David’s sin? It might be helpful to answer that question by asking the opposite.

Conversation Starters:

• What if sin had no earthly consequences?
• How did David’s sin affect his family and his kingdom? (Some of this will become more apparent in the next lesson.)
• Read Proverbs 3:11-12. Does this apply to David?

Digging Deeper

The Seeds of Faith resource provides Law and Gospel points as well as discussion questions.

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OT3 5B

Absalom Sins Against His Father — 2 Samuel 14, 15, 17, 18

Context

Nathan had prophesied calamity would fill David’s household (2 Samuel 12:11). In this tragic story, God’s discipline reaches a climax, and the royal family tears itself apart. The Bible does not hide or cover David’s failures. The author of Samuel is careful to record history accurately. All this helps us as we study David as both a sinner and a saint. From him, we learn about both the wonderful blessings of faith and the tragic consequences of sin.

Big Ideas

Natural Consequences (2 Samuel 14-18)

Sexual depravity and lust were already a regular part of David’s life as he married more women and took more concubines (2 Samuel 5:13). In time, sexual sins infect David’s sons (chapter 13 is all about rape and incest). David is furious but seems to take no action to discipline or protect his family. Just as the high priest Eli bore the blame for his wicked sons, so too does David.

Conversation Starters:

• Why do you think Absalom rebelled against his father?
• Why do you think Absalom thought that he should replace his father as the king?

A Hint of Grace (2 Samuel 18:33)

David loved his son and would rather give up his kingdom and even his own life than to let Absalom die. Four chapters describe Absalom’s disdain and rebellion against his father. Could a child be less deserving of a father’s unconditional love?

In the midst of this story’s turmoil and wickedness, David’s unconditional love reminds us of God’s love for us.

Conversation Starter:

• How did David learn to love unconditionally?