DAVID: MESSY SPIRITUALITY series


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DAVID: MESSY SPIRITUALITY series “When the Lion’s Claws Rip Your Skin” March 16/18, 2012

CONNECT This weekend, Dr. Bob Chisholm concluded our “David” series by looking at the consequences of sin in the life of David. While David was God’s model of a loyal king, he discovered firsthand that consequences for sin are inevitable and unpitying (even for God’s king). God severely disciplined David so that he would know how it felt to be a victim, yet He also graciously spared his life, not giving David what he deserved and showing him that his past sins were not a barrier to the future. In doing so, God displayed His loving kindness to David in the midst of painful yet justified discipline. •

What was one thing that stood out to you about this week’s message? Was there anything mentioned that you definitely want to talk about as a group?



Describe a time when you created an elaborate story in order to lie or cover up something wrong you had done. What were the consequences once it all unraveled?

ENGAGE The last part of David’s story, recorded in 2 Samuel 13-20, is a story about consequences—inevitable, unpitying, and painful consequences. As a consequence of his sin, David’s family would become terribly fragmented, and ultimately he would lose four children. As the story unfolds, David loses four sons: a baby, Amnon, Absalom and Adonijah. All of the deaths were premature and three of them were violent. Take a closer look at how David’s sins reverberated throughout his family by examining the actions of Amnon and Absalom in 2 Samuel 13. Read together 2 Samuel 13:1-39. •

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What is your initial reaction to what happens in the story? Did you see any parallels between the actions of Amnon and Absalom and the actions of David with Bathsheba? Compare the following verses: 2 Samuel 11:4 and 13:11; 2 Samuel 11:15 and 13:28. What do you see happening?



Have you ever seen the sins of one generation in your family affecting and spiraling into the next generation? How did it occur in David’s family? Do you think this is fair? Why do you think this tends to happen?



Do you think all of these consequences (loss of children, family disarray, etc.) seem too severe for David’s crimes? In the middle of these consequences, how do we see God’s mercy (see 2 Samuel 12:13)?



How does David react to these events? Describe how he was feeling. How, do you think, did God’s discipline help David relate to Tamar and understand his sin? How did David respond to God (see 2 Samuel 23:1-7)?

RESPOND As your group seeks to respond to this story, consider the following questions:

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Donna Rice once said, “In my case, I learned that although God loves us, He doesn’t grant us immunity from the consequences of our choices.” What do you think about this quote? Do you agree or disagree with Rice?



We often think that if someone is fully devoted to God, he/she will not commit grave sins. This doesn’t exactly line up with this story, does it? Why do we tend to believe this? Why is it still possible that David was a man after God’s own heart?



Read Hebrews 12:5-11. How should we view discipline from God? How have you handled discipline in the past? How should you have responded? Do you have an example of when God’s discipline has produced a “harvest of righteousness and peace” in your life?



If something bad happens in your life, is it always discipline from God? If not, how can you tell the difference and how might that help you respond?



How can everyone in our LifeGroup become more like Nathan the prophet, loving courageously by confronting sin while also offering comfort and hope for the future? What would our group need to look like?

GO DEEPER If your group is looking for even more discussion on sin’s consequences and God’s discipline, look at these passages: •

Exodus 34:1-9



Hebrews 12:5-11

Each week, this section will provide parenting-specific questions for you and your family. If you’d like more insights on parenting from our Next Generation team, consult Chase Oaks Church’s Parenting Blog at cocparenting.wordpress.com. Talk with your kids about the consequences of sin and God’s discipline. Read together Hebrews 12:5-11.

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What is the point of discipline? How do you like being disciplined? Has there been a time when it was especially unpleasant?



Why do you think God disciplines us, even though He loves us? How can discipline be a way of God showing love? How might this change the way you react to discipline?