Weaknesses and Temptations

O. T. #703  "Weaknesses and Temptations "
2 Samuel 11-Part 3
February 25, 2916


LET IT GLOW

None of us are immuned to temptations. It is how we react to them that counts. Even the king of Israel was not immuned while at home in his palace. And neither are we, dear ones.

David sent Joab and his army to battle against the Ammonites, and they were victorious.
Rabbah was an Ammonite capital city about 24 miles east of the Jordan River opposite Jericho.

But David tarred still in Jerusalem. (verse 1)

We aren't told why he did not lead his army as a king was expected to do. If only David had gone that day and every time he should have, then this chapter would have had a different outcome. But he didn't and it didn't.

David was not a youth now, but in his 50's, middle aged. He should have gotten a handle on his weakness by now-women. He had numerous wives and concubines.

In verses 2-4, we read where David saw, sent, and took. He saw the beautiful woman bathing and coveted her. Then David sent for her, and took her as his wife. Bathsheba was subject to the king ad was required to do his bidding. (D. Jeremiah)

However, we do not read where she told him it was wrong in God's eyes to commit adultery and he should not have multiple wives and concubines (Deut. 17:16-17). Did she resist or was she excited to go to the king's bedroom?

In Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament, we read...
It is easy to see how David got into this sin:

1. he was self-confident, after enjoying victories and prosperity;
2. he was disobedient, staying home when he should have been on the battlefield;
3. he was idle, lying in bed in the evening;
4. he was self-indulgent, giving freedom to his desires when he should have been disciplining himself;
5. he was careless, allowing his eyes to wander and yielding to the "lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes" (1 John 2:16)

LET IT GROW

David involved others in his sinful plan. First, he inquired as to who she was. Now, he was told that she was Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah. She was married to one of the bravest and committed men in David's army. He sent messengers to bring Bathsheba to him and David lay with her.


In his book, Temptation, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wisely strides at the heart of the problem that you and I, like David wrestle with.

With irresistible power, desire seizes mastery of the flesh. All at once a secret, smoldering fire is kindled. The flesh burns, and is in flames. It makes no difference whether it is a sexual desire, or ambition, or vanity, or desire for revenge, or love of fame and power, or greed of money...

At this moment God is quite unreal to us. Satan does not here fill us with hatred of God, but with forgetfulness of God... The lust thus aroused envelopes the mind and will of man in deepest darkness. Is what the flesh desires really sin in this case? The Bible teaches us in times of temptation in the flesh, there is one command: Flee!

Everyday we are being tempted in some way or another.
James 4:7 tells us to Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 1 teaches us about temptation.

Joseph ran when the Pharoah's wife tempted him in the same way as David was. Only Joseph ran away because he could not sin against God. Prepare yourself, ladies and gentlemen. Sadly, we see in our society now days the openness of the temptation to be unfaithful to our spouse. Just because it appears that everyone is doing it, be assured, not everyone is.

Let's remember that grace and mercy and forgiveness are available when we repent of our sins.
It is good that I am reminded of this story as we prepare to go into the big city, stay at a beachside resort, and associate with people of the world.

LET IT GO

Purpose right now in my heart to remain a faithful wife with Christian principles.

Keep my eyes open to the temptations around me and my man.

Stay in the Word.