Topic: Wages of Sin
Opening Prayer: Grant me grace dear Lord to apply what you will teach me today as I read this passage.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1–14
Reflection
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
Read vv.1–6 and note David’s response when God confronted him with a masked story of the evil he committed. Meditate on v.4 and 1 Corinthians 7:1–11. Sex outside marriage is sin against God. Christian marriage is deeper than our human legal contract. It is a contract with God. It is initiated and joined by God (Mark 10:6–9).
David condemned himself in his response (vv.5–7). In what ways can a believer condemn himself by his word or preaching? Hypocrisy is when we do not live by the scriptures we preach. Read v.9 and examine yourself to know the areas of your life in which you ‘despise the Word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes’.
Vv.10–13 show various judgments God passed on David and his subsequent repentance. In the absence of God’s mercy, the only thing that awaits us is his judgment for every sin we commit. At times, even upon repentance and obtaining pardon from the Lord, sin’s scar is glaring (v.14).
In David’s case, this sin marked the turning point in his life and history and it affected the future of his home and throne. It is better and safer to avoid sin.
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• And so? Character is like smoke which cannot be successfully covered (African adage). Are you currently engaged in any secret sinful acts? Beware!
Repent! ’tis the voice of Jesus
1. Repent! ’tis the voice of Jesus
Now sounding in your ear;
The message of God rings loud and clear,
Now seek Him, for He is near.
Refrain
Repent! and be ye saved,
Repent! and be ye saved,
Repent! and be ye saved,
Repent! and be ye saved.
2. Repent! while the Lord invites you;
Before the Savior fall;
The wages of sin is death to all
Who heed not the Gospel call.
Prayer Points
• Lord, help me to identify those areas of my life that do not bring glory to you and grant me the grace to make a change.
• Pray against causes of climate change, war and other factors that could lead to famine and other disasters.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Numbers 23 :21
Read the Bible in one Year
Ruth; Acts 8:26–40
Scripture Union Daily Guide 9 July 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.