God sends Nathan to speak truth into David’s life and cast light on the darkness of David’s hidden sin. Nathan risks his life to confront King David’s sin, knowing that obeying the one true King is more important than his own fears or desires. Nathan’s boldness encourages us to humbly confront those in our community with their sin, while David’s confession and repentance shows us God’s mercy in dealing with our sin.

Scripture References

2 Samuel 12
Psalm 32:3-4
Proverbs 15:32
Matthew 7

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1. David is not content. He has more than enough resources of his own but desires that which is not rightfully his. Although he is clear on God’s law and character, his discontentment drives him to his willful choices of disobedience. We are all prone to this same lack of contentment and desire to conceal our sin to maintain an “image.” How have you been discontented with what God has given you? What sinful behaviors have stemmed out of this discontentment? How have you experienced drifting away from the pursuit God?
2. The goal of confession and repentance is not to control the consequences. Trying to manage the consequences, living in fear of them, or a desire for things to just return to the way they were are indications that you are not truly repentant. When have you experienced these characteristics of artificial repentance? What does this say about your view of sin and self? Did you hate your sin or just the consequences of your sin?
3. Spiritual growth and biblical community go hand-in-hand. How does your spiritual growth over seasons of your life compare with the level of accountability you have had with other believers? What does this tell you about the importance of accountability? What is your current level of vulnerability in community? Are you living in isolation and with concealed sin, or is authenticity built into your life?
4. David has humility to confess now rather than before because he is confronted with his sin. Nathan is able to confront him because he has a good understanding of who God is and does not fear the earthly king. We have the same responsibility as Nathan in our own community. What does it look like for you to be like Nathan and humbly bring truth to bear in other people’s lives? Is there a present situation that you feel led to risk yourself and hold someone accountable?
5. When we are confronted with sin, our first response will be defensiveness. We must be self-aware and able to catch ourselves in that moment and humble ourselves. What does it look like for you to be David and humbly accept correction and repent? How have you reacted to confrontation in the past? How will you react differently now?

Thoughts to Consider

– David is blinded by his own sin but quick to point out the sin of someone else. He does not recognize his own sin until Nathan speaks truth into his life.
– The consequences of our sin are an act of God’s mercy. He uses them for our good to shape us into His image. As there remains a love for sin within us, it is impossible for us to choose to love God.
– Confession, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness: When we truly confess our sin, we agree with God on the nature of our sin, and we see how it grieves Him. We can think we have confessed when we have really just admitted the facts. When we truly repent, we take steps away from our sin and towards God. We grieve our open rebellion against Him. The goal of repentance is not to restore your life back to the way it was before your sin, but instead be reconciled to your Creator.
– Confrontation is a healthy part of community. If you are clear about something outside of someone’s presence, you should be just as clear about it to them personally.
– Confronting sin requires your own humility—confessing your own sin first and seeking their good and reconciliation with the Savior.