The King Beneath the Tangled Crown (Part 8: Sinner)
Shepherd. Outcast. Poet. Giant-killer. Warrior. Fugitive. King. Sinner. Man after God’s own heart. Welcome to our new series, an in-depth exploration of the life—and many hats—of David.
Opening Discussion: How have you been taught about David and Bathsheba in the past?
Read 2 Samuel 11:1-5.
1. How are David’s actions in verse one reminiscent of Saul’s?
2. Are there any additional parts of this story that you notice that you may have missed before? If so, how do these details reframe or clarify your understanding?
Read 2 Samuel 11:14-17.
3. David’s cover-up only leads him deeper into sin. How have you seen attempts to “take care” of our sin apart from God only lead to more serious damage and deeper despair?
Read 2 Samuel 12:1-9, where God condemns David’s sin, injustice, and hypocrisy through Nathan.
4. In his sermon, Pete focuses on the accusation in verse 9: “why did you despise the word of the Lord?”. Have you ever noticed this? What do you make of it?
Pete proposed that Nathan’s line refers to the “law of the kings” in Deuteronomy 17:14-19. In summary: a king must not acquire horses (military might), multiple wives (in this culture, social and political connections), and gold and silver (wealth).
6. How does this explanation provide greater context for David’s sinfulness in 2 Samuel 5:11-13 where David builds a fancy palace and takes more wives?
In David’s early years, he cultivated a “faith-full” relationship with God while watching his father’s sheep. Yet, once he was in power, we see David’s dependence on God shift to building alliances and military might through his own actions.
7. Have you ever noticed a shift in your dependence in God at times? How do life events play a role in our fluctuating faithfulness?
Pete makes the point that sin is fundamentally a lack of dependence on (or even, a distrust of) God.
8. What are some practices that help you remain dependent on God? How can members of your community group help you in this?
(*Video available after Sunday services)
