A reprimand to repent

                                                   2 Samuel 12:1-15 (258)

  Introduction

       A.  King David became involved with a beautiful woman named Bathsheba resulting

             in adultery and murder.  2 Samuel 11:26-27

       B.  God sent His prophet Nathan to rebuke David.  2 Samuel 12:1-15

       C.  Let’s focus on a few lessons that we can learn from Nathan’s conversation with

             David.

   I.  We are often blind to our sins.

       A.   David could easily see the sin of the man of Nathan’s story ( vv 5-6), but he was

               guilty of greater sins.  Nathan told him, in no uncertain terms, “ you are the man.”

                

       B.  This is sometimes true of us.

             1.  When hits home.  When we accept the world’s standard.  Example:

II.  The  way to bring about repentance.  Repentance is the giving up of ones stubborn

       will in order to accept God’s will.

      A.   Reveal the sin.

             1.  David’s case.  Vv 9-10, 13a

             2.  If a person doesn’t acknowledge his/her sins, he will not repent.  Example:

      B.    Understand the consequences.

             1.  David’s case.  Vv 10-12, 14

             2.  There are consequences to our sins.  Examples:

             3.  This understanding will help us not to blame others for our sins when we start

                   reaping what we’ve sown.  Galatians 6:7

      C.    Appeal to God’s love.

             1.  David’s case.  V 13b

             2.  God expresses His love, mercy and grace to us.  2 Peter 3:9 (899); Romans

                  2:2-4 (830)

      D.   Believe that forgiveness from God is immediate and complete.  2 Sam. 12:13

             1.  The non-Christian:  Acts 2:36-39 (801)

             2.  The Christian:  1 John 1:7,9 (899)

  Conclusion:  As humans we don’t like to be rebuked.  I don’t, but when I look at it another

  way I have no excuse. 2 Sam. 12:1a.  How will we respond to God’s rebuke?  2 Peter 3:9