In Matthew 5-7, we saw how time and time again Jesus addressed the matters of the heart for His disciples. Sin first takes place not in our actions, but in our affections. There is a progression of sin that begins in our desires and is culminated in doing something about it. A supreme example of this sin effect is found in 2 Samuel 11 and centers on the life of David. At a time where kings and leaders went out to battle to fight war, David did the opposite (11:1). David, who is himself the king of Israel, did not go out to battle but remained and refrained from the battle. The posture of staying and remaining set David up for idleness. In his time of leisure, he places himself in a compromising position when he walks on the roof of the king’s house and sees a woman bathing (11:2). Instead of turning away, he looks with more than just an accidental glance and lusts after this woman. His affections are aroused by his lusts. The progression of sin reaches its highest effect when David inquires about the woman, whom is married, and brings her in to commit adultery with her (11:3-4). However, the progression of sin does not end for David with his sinful act. Consequences abound. First, Bathsheba becomes pregnant (11:5). David tries to cover this up by bringing Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, back from battle to sleep with her (11:6-13). When that does not work, David goes to an extreme measure and orders Uriah’s death, with Uriah delivering that very letter (11:14-17). The most severe consequence for David with his sin was the result God was displeased with him (11:26-27). David had done what was evil in the eyes of the Lord. Now, before we starting throwing condemnation on David, we need to realize something. This progression of sin has had its way in our lives too. We have dealt with the sin effect. Just as David did evil in the eyes of God, so have we. We all fall short of the glory of God because we sin (Romans 3:23). We allow our affections to be found in the things of this world rather than the things of God’s Word. When we fall short, we do not want to confess our wrongdoing but we attempt to cover-up and conceal our sin for as long as we can. The only solution to this is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. As we will see next week in 2 Samuel 12 we ought to respond to our sin by confessing it and acknowledging we have sinned against God. Because of the cross of Christ, we can find redemption and receive salvation by the grace of God. Our response is to repent, turn from, our sin and turn to Christ. Our sin effect points us to our need for a Savior.
Reflection Time:
- Read James 1:13-16. Have you noticed the progression of sin in your own life? How can identifying the process help you in counteracting it?
- How do you try to cover-up your shortcomings and sins? Confess them to the One who can forgive them.
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