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Scripture Lesson: Psalm 51 

 

 

The God of Second Chances 

The Battle Is In The Heart – Not On The Field 

Week #1 

1.  David does not go to war but still loses a battle.  

 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.  One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home. – 2 Samuel 11:1-4 

 

 2. David’s offenses are deeply covenant breaking.  

 

The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.” – 2 Samuel 11:5 

 

3.  God calls David back through great loss. 

 

The Lord sent Nathan to David. – 2 Samuel 12:1a 

 

Points To Ponder 

1.  Read 2 Samuel 11:1–13. How does this passage paint a picture of David? In what ways do David’s decisions speak to his disregard of others? Why would it be so disgusting for David to do these things? 

 

2.  Read 2 Samuel 11:14–27. How do David’s actions show that he continues to try to cover up his many sins? How might David’s decisions affect Uriah’s household? Israel at war? Israel long-term? Why do we fail to consider the possible impact on others for our decisions? 

 

3.  Read 2 Samuel 12:1–24. How does Nathan the prophet call David to give an account? Why is David’s response in 12:13 so important? What is Nathan’s response, and why is it so important? 

 

4.  Why does knowing that God will forgive our sins help us trust God? Why are we so quick to forget that sin exists because the first person humanity sinned against was—and always is—God? How can we attempt to battle this in our faith as we grow in Christ? 

 

Homework: John 21