Introduction
Many people see the Bible as a list of rules you can’t break.When we break God’s rules, we cause harm.God’s rules are not arbitrary.Where’s the harm?
Many people reject the morality of the Bible.They see themselves as being a better judge of what is right and wrong.Often, it’s a question of seeing the harm in a particular activity.What could possibly go wrong?
II Samuel 11 – David’s sin
II Samuel 11:1
Where’s the harm in David staying home?The moral obligation of God’s wordThe most common rejection of Biblical morality is failure to do what God requires.People just don’t see the need.They see no harm in failing to act.Therefore, they feel no responsibility.No harm, no foul, no guilt.II Samuel 11:11
When you’re not with the Lord’s people, you are missed!The harm in failing to do goodThe danger of idleness, II Samuel 11:2Failure to set a good example, II Samuel 11:4Failure to be grateful, II Samuel 12:7Failure to be content, II Samuel 12:8II Samuel 11:2
Where’s the harm?Matthew 5:28 – It’s already harmful!II Samuel 11:3
Where’s the harm?Proverbs 4:14-15 – Avoid the harm at the beginning!II Samuel 11:4 – David commits adultery
Where’s the harm?II Samuel 11:5 – Bathsheba is pregnant by David
Is this the only harm?Is it enough to avoid this outcome?If we can avoid this, is it okay?II Samuel 11:6-9
It’s hard to manage consequences.Too much is outside our control!II Samuel 11:13
We can’t control other people.II Samuel 11:14-15 – David conspires to murder Uriah
Sin takes us places we never imagined we would go.We often do evil to avoid trouble, but we only cause more.II Samuel 11:17
The harm of sinIt comes even if we don’t see it.It comes no matter how hard we try to avoid it.It comes to people we had no intention of harming.II Samuel 11:26-27
Does “getting away with it” mean there’s no harm?“the thing … displeased the Lord” – The world does not recognize this harm, but it’s the worst.II Samuel 12:9
If it is evil in God’s eyes, it really is evil.II Samuel 12:10
A moment of pleasure often leads to a lifetime of pain.II Samuel 12:11
The harm that David could foresee
David’s character was stainedA marriage was violatedThe harm that David could not foresee
Joab’s integrity was compromisedSeveral innocent men were murderedA child lost his lifeDavid’s family was thrown into turmoilTwo of his sons would be murderedThe nation was plunged into civil warBut is this all the harm?
II Samuel 12:13 – How could God take away sin? Isaiah 53:5When you have a chance to commit sin, look to the cross!Where’s the harm?
Many reject the morality of the BibleThey cannot see the harm in what the Bible calls sinBut we are woefully incapable of making such determinationsWhere’s the solution?
We must follow God’s will.It will keep up from true harm.He will deliver us from the harm of our sins by bearing them Himself.
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