This message was preached at Casey.
Read: 2 Samuel 11This passage teaches us that we can start off with a pure heart, but can become distracted. However, if we turn back to God like David did, we can continue to live a “Fully Alive” life in Christ!
Distraction 1: Comfort Over Calling (2 Samuel 11:1-5)David was distracted from his purpose by chosing comfort over calling. We have two callings. First is an inward calling to be with Christ. The second is an outward calling with a purpose.
- What comforts distract you from your inward calling to be with Christ?
- What comforts distract you from your outward calling?
Distraction 2: Culture over Conviction (2 Samuel 11:6-24)David was distracted from his relationship with God, and his responsibility to lead with honour by choosing to exploit the cultural benefits of being a King over holding true to godly convictions.
- What are some examples of how culture expects something less of us than what God requires?
- What are some godly convictions that go against our Australian culture in todays age?
- When was a time you justified an ungodly attitude or behaviour because of the prevailing culture?
Distraction 3: Covering Up Sin Over Confronting Sin (2 Samuel 12 and Psalm 51)David chose to cover up his sin by sending Uriah home, then to the battlefield and having him killed. However the Prophet Nathan confronted him and he turned back to God.
- Are you honest with anyone else about your sinfulness? Do you have someone you can confess your sins to?
- Do you have someone in your life like Nathan the Prophet who can point out your sin to you?
- Read Psalm 51. What stands out to you about how David turned back to God?
- Pray Psalm 51 and personalise it. Confess your sins to someone in your group and pray for one another.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
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