Sunday School lesson for 7/13/2025 Samuel Confronts King David
Sunday School Lesson: Samuel Confronting King David Over His Sin with Bathsheba
Lesson Overview Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 12:1-14
Main Theme: God’s justice and mercy; the consequences of sin; repentance and restoration.
- Introduction to the Story Context: David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11).
David commits adultery with Bathsheba.
He arranges the death of her husband, Uriah.
Bathsheba becomes pregnant.
Setting the Scene: God sends the prophet Nathan to confront David.
- Nathan’s Approach Nathan Tells a Parable (2 Samuel 12:1-7):
A rich man with many sheep takes the only lamb of a poor man.
David’s anger at the injustice leads to his own conviction.
Nathan declares, "You are the man!"
Lesson Takeaway: Sin often blinds us to our own faults. God uses His Word to bring us to awareness.
- Confrontation and Accountability Nathan’s Reproof (2 Samuel 12:7-9):
God reminds David of His blessings: delivered from Saul, made king, and given Saul’s house.
David’s sin was not just against Bathsheba and Uriah, but against God.
The severity of David’s sin: He violated God's law and led others into sin.
Lesson Takeaway: Sin is never just a personal matter; it affects our relationship with God and others.
- Consequences of David’s Sin Personal and National Consequences (2 Samuel 12:10-14):
David’s household will experience conflict (David’s children will turn against him):
3rd son Absalom will lead a revolt against an old King David (killed by Joab, see 1 Chronicles 3:1-2)
4th son Adonijah (2 Samuel 3:4) attempted to usurp the throne during the life of David (1 Kings 1:11ff). Solomon had him executed after being warned to remember his place in the line of succession per King David’s instruction regarding the crown. (1 Kings 1:32–35)
The child born to Bathsheba will die.
David's actions have a lasting impact on the nation.
Lesson Takeaway: Sin has consequences, and sometimes those consequences extend beyond the individual.
- David’s Repentance David’s Confession (2 Samuel 12:13):
David acknowledges his sin: “I have sinned against the Lord.”
Nathan assures David that God has forgiven him.
Lesson Takeaway: True repentance involves acknowledging our sin, taking responsibility, and turning back to God.
- God’s Mercy and Forgiveness God’s Response (2 Samuel 12:13-14):
David will not die because of his sin, but the child will.
God forgives David, but the consequences remain.
Lesson Takeaway: God’s mercy is greater than our sin, but there are still natural consequences for our actions.
- Application for Our Lives Reflect on Our Own Sin:
What areas in our lives are we hiding from God? Are we ready to face our mistakes and repent?
The Power of Repentance:
God is always ready to forgive, but true repentance means changing our ways and seeking His help.
The Call to Accountability:
Do we have people in our lives who can lovingly call us out when we are wrong? Are we willing to listen?
- Key Takeaways Sin’s Consequences Are Real: No matter how small or hidden, sin has far-reaching effects.
God Confronts Us Out of Love: Like Nathan, God will speak truth to us, even when it’s hard to hear.
Repentance Leads to Restoration: When we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and restore us.
God’s Mercy and Justice: While God is just, He is also merciful, offering forgiveness even when we deserve punishment.
- Closing Prayer Pray for the strength to recognize and repent of sin in our lives, and for the grace to walk in God’s forgiveness.