Fall of a Great Man
2 Samuel 11:1-5
I don’t know of another sinful act recorded in the Bible that has received more attention than the sin of David and Bathsheba (with the possible exception of the sin of Adam and Eve). Many authors refer to this sin as “the scarlet sin”—Adultery.
In this message we will see the failures that lead to David’s fall. Next week we will see the forgiveness and restoration from his fall (2 Sam. 12).
Sexual affairs have landed numerous Christian men who were at the top of their game on the casualty list of fallen heroes. David’s affair is a warning to all of us lest our name be added to that casualty list.
Several years ago Christianity Today surveyed a thousand of its subscribers who were not pastors and found 23 percent admitted they had an extramarital affair and 45 percent indicating they had done something they themselves deemed sexually inappropriate. One in four Christian men are unfaithful, and nearly one half have committed sexual indiscretions! Shocking statistics! Especially when we consider the readers of Christianity Today tend to be church leaders. If this is so for the Church’s leader- ship, how much more for the average member of the congregation?
Remember, David was a man after God’s own heart, but still fell prey to this “scarlet sin.” The lesson is obvious—No one is immune to sin. Anyone of us could fall into deep sin. The Bible warns, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). If you think this could not happen to you, you’ve already taken that first step towards the fall!
The Bible is an honest Book. It never flatters it’s heroes, but portrays them with their “warts” and all. Most Christian biographies you read only tell you of their heroism, devotion, sacrifice, and exploits, but seldom mention their failures, deficiencies, shortcomings, or their sins. All heroes have feet of clay and we must recognize this, lest we “think of men above that which is written” (1 Cor. 4:6).
When we realize that the heroes of the Bible are made of the same stuff we are made of, and all have fallen natures, it will help us to avoid the things that lead to their failures.
God did not record the account of David’s sin so we can bash David, but that we might learn not go down that same path of moral ruin.
Do not think that because you’ve never committed adultery, this message does not pertain to you. The principles that lead to David’s fall apply to all kinds of sin, not just sexual sin.
PARTIAL SERMON: see PDF for full sermon
