10

God's Severe

Mercy

2 Samiml.12

It often seems easier to cover up our sin than to confess it and accept the consequences. In the previous chapter, David sought desperately to hide what he had done. After his plan was frustrated again and again, he coldbloodedly killed the one who threatened to expose his sin. The chapter concluded with the ominous words, "But the thing David had done displeased the Lord."

Then, when David assumes his "problem" is safely behind him, Nathan appears with a message from God. This chapter gives us a powerful example of God's severe mercy.

1. How do you tend to respond when someone confronts you about some thing you know you've done wrong?

2. Read 2 Samuel 12. Why do you think Nathan tells David a story rather than confronting him directly about his sin (vv. I 6)?

Why is it so difficult for us to be objective about Our own sin?

3. Why is the Lord amazed that David despised both him and his word (vv.7- 10)?

4. When we sin, how do we display contempt for God and his Word?

5. How is God's justice and mercy revealed in his decision about David's sin (vv.10-14)?

6. We normally assume that God disciplines us for our benefit (see Heb 12:5-13). Is God's treatment of David an example of beneficial discipline, or is God merely demanding a penalty, for David's sin? Explain.

7. How does David respond to the news that his child is ill (vv. 15-17)?

8. How would you evaluate David's method of pleading with the lord?

9. After the child dies, how is God's grace again evident in David's life (vv. 23 25)?

10. The author of Hebrews writes: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" ( 12:1 1). In what ways has God's painful discipline had that effect in your life?