Introduction: An Invitation to Live God’s Way
Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters! Today, we’re diving into a powerful message from God’s Word. This sermon warns us that if we forget the duties God has given us, we risk losing His blessings. Based on 2 Samuel 11:1-5, we’ll learn from the life of David, a man once called “a man after God’s own heart,” who fell into sin when he neglected his responsibilities.
In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.
Let’s open our Bibles and receive God’s message with open hearts. David’s life serves as a warning: if we forget our duty, we may fall into temptation and lose the blessings God has planned for us.
God’s Duties: The Foundation of Life
God gives each of us specific duties to fulfill in life. For David, as a king, his duty was to lead Israel and protect the nation. In the spring, when kings were supposed to go to war, David sent his army, led by Joab, to fight the Ammonites. But instead of joining them, he stayed back in Jerusalem. This choice to ignore his duty opened the door to a terrible sin.
When David was a young shepherd, he took his responsibilities seriously. If a lion attacked one of his sheep, he risked his life to save it. This faithfulness caught God’s attention. God thought, “This young man protects his sheep so well; imagine how wonderfully he’ll lead My people!” That’s why God chose David to be king.
In our lives, God gives us duties too. If you’re a husband, your duty is to provide for your family. If you’re a wife, your duty is to care for your home and raise your children with love. If you’re a student, your duty is to study hard and honor your parents’ sacrifices. A father must bring home his earnings to pay bills, support his children’s education, and clear debts. A mother must guide her children with love and teach them God’s ways. These duties are God’s plan for us.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
The Danger After Success: David’s Fall
When David’s kingdom became strong and secure, he started to lose his fear and devotion to God. Instead of leading his army in battle, he stayed in his palace in Jerusalem, wandering on the rooftop. One evening, he saw Bathsheba bathing. Captivated by her beauty, he sent for her and sinned with her.
One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’ Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home.
This sin changed David’s life forever. By ignoring his duty, he gave Satan a chance to tempt him. In our lives, we face the same danger after achieving success. When we get a good job, financial stability, or good health, we might forget God. If we let our faith weaken, we open the door to sin.
For example, imagine a young man who works hard to get a job. After he succeeds, he forgets God and spends his money on fleeting pleasures. His family suffers, and peace at home disappears. Success is a time to stay close to God, not drift away.
Satan’s Temptation: One Moment of Carelessness
David’s decision to stay in Jerusalem instead of going to war, his wandering on the rooftop, and his gaze at Bathsheba were all part of Satan’s trap. One moment of carelessness can lead to disaster. Satan only needs a small opening to destroy our lives.
Think about a young girl who skips her studies to hang out with bad friends. Her future could be ruined. Or a husband who neglects his family and gets caught in an affair, causing his home to fall apart. Satan is always watching for our careless moments.
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
To avoid Satan’s traps, we must stay alert and live according to God’s will. Following our God-given duties keeps us safe from temptation.
The Consequences of Sin: David’s Loss
David’s sin cost him dearly. He lost four of his sons, his family faced turmoil, and he drifted from God’s blessings. One moment of neglecting his duty led to a lifetime of pain.
Consider a story: a father adopted an orphan boy, raised him as his own, and made him wealthy. But when the boy grew up, he sent his father to an old-age home. This story warns us: if we forget our duties, we lose God’s blessings and hurt those around us.
In our lives, neglecting our duties can lead to broken families, lost opportunities, and spiritual emptiness. A father who ignores his family may see his daughter’s future ruined. A student who wastes time may shatter his parents’ dreams.
Living with Gratitude: The Path to Blessings
By faithfully doing the duties God gives us, we can live a blessed life. A blessing isn’t just about our own happiness—it’s about being a blessing to others. Like a fruit tree that shares its fruit with many, our lives should bring joy to those around us.
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: ‘Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?’
David’s gratitude pleased God. When we remember God’s goodness—how He lifted us from struggles to success—we stay humble and faithful.
Repentance and Renewal
Even after David sinned, God forgave him. Through Jesus’ blood, our sins can be forgiven too. If we’ve neglected our duties, we can repent and rededicate our lives to God.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.
FAQ Section: Answers to Your Questions About Life Victory
1. What’s the main point of this sermon?
2. What mistake did David make?
3. What does duty mean?
4. What happens if we forget our duties?
5. Why do we need to be careful after success?
Prayer: Seeking Forgiveness in God’s Presence
Holy and loving Father, David forgot You after his kingdom was secure. Lord, let this not happen in our lives. After passing exams, getting jobs, paying off debts, buying homes, or regaining health, may we never forget You. If any of us have strayed from You, chasing sin, we ask for forgiveness. Cleanse us with Jesus’ precious blood and make us holy. Help us live pure lives, free from the temptation of fleeting pleasures.
As we partake in Your body and blood, sanctify our lives. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible References:
- 2 Samuel 11:1
- “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.”
- 2 Samuel 11:2-5
- “One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’ Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home.”
- 2 Samuel 7:18
- “Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: ‘Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?’”
- Ecclesiastes 9:10
- “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
- 2 Peter 3:8-9
- “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
- 2 Peter 3:11-12
- “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”
