Central Church of Christ

Introduction:  Two weeks ago, “…the sword shall never depart from your house…” started with Absalom

                        killing his brother Amnon. Both were sons of David. Last week, “…I will raise up evil

                        against you, from your own household” began to take shape with Absalom’s return to

                       Jerusalem, after he had fled from said killing.

                       With this lesson, we begin with another consequence. “…the child also that is born to

                       you, shall surely die.” May God help us learn from this. “…these things happened as an

                       example…written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

 

The example

1.      Read II Samuel 12:9,14-23

2.      Verse 14-Why will this first child of David and Bathsheba die?

3.      Verse 14-What part of the David-Bathsheba-Uriah event do you think caused the Lord’s enemies to blaspheme?

4.      Romans 2:16-17-What caused the name of God to be blasphemed among the Gentiles?

5.      II Samuel 12:16-17-God, through Nathan, told David the child would die. Why then did David

inquire of God for the child? (clue: verse 22)

6.      Verse 18-Why were the servants of David afraid to tell him of the moment of the child’s death?

7.      Verse 18-21-The servants were afraid David would respond rashly to the news of the child’s death…and cause harm. Instead, the servants went from fear to great surprise. Why?

 

Our instruction

1.      We must learn to trust the Lord’s decisions/what He allows to happen. What benefits can we get in doing this?

2.      As long as we are alive, God gives us time/opportunity to change. What are some things in

Ezekiel 36:29-31 and Romans 2:4 that God does to help us change?

 

Discussion

1. One might say that when this first child of David and Bathsheba died, it should have let the parents know that their marriage was not legitimate or pleasing to God. However, what from II Samuel 12:23,24 seems to suggest otherwise?

2. If the same fate had befallen on Solomon, as had happened to the first child, what would have been different? (hints: What Old Testament books would have never been written or completed? What about Matthew 1:6?)