I Have a Sin Problem, and So Do You :)

2 Samuel 12:1-13

What do you do when you know that a Christian friend is going down a path that is going to end up in heartache, and it's a direct result of their sinful disobedience?  What do you do when you see blatant sin - in plain sight?  Do you avert your eyes?  Do you say to yourself, I can't say anything, I can't judge?  And besides, I don't want them ever to judge me, so I'll keep quiet?

That, my friends, is what I do 9 times out of 10.  I don't want to lose a friend.  I don't want to judge.  And besides, I know that deep down, my sins are always lurking, waiting to be discovered.  Yes, I have a sin problem.  You have a sin problem.  So how can we help one another confess our sins, lean into God's infinite mercy and grace, accept the forgiveness only He can give, and move on to experience his love and power more deeply?

In today's passage, we see how Nathan confronts King David about his sin with Bathsheba.  Remember, David is King.  And Nathan is not.  But Nathan has watched David, little by little, rationalize his behavior toward women.  First, he takes another wife.  Then, he has a harem.  Then, he decides that another man's beautiful wife - his only wife - must be his.  So he uses his power to cruelly manipulate the husband's battlefield assignment so he is sure to be killed.  Voila - David gets the beautiful newly widowed Bathsheba for his own!   When Nathan confronts him (and you MUST read the story to see how brilliantly, how masterfully, Nathan does this) David falls to his knees:  "I have sinned against the LORD."

David and Nathan had a long history together. This was a deep relationship, borne out of trust.  That is the only way that Nathan earned the right to confront David.  And he did so at great risk, just as Esther did when she confronted the King about the wicked plot to destroy the Jews.

But don't take my word for it.  Take about 15 minutes and listen to Pastor Jeff Morlock's sermon.  You will be glad you did.  I have posted it above for you - all you have to do is click on the link.

Lord, I have a sin problem that I often refuse to acknowledge.  Help me to confess my sins, and to know that you are faithful and just to forgive them, and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  Amen.  

Pastor Jeff said it so well. Listen here.