Satan's Strategic Temptation

Snapshots from the Life of David

Satan's Strategic Temptation 

Study Guide 

Message for Sunday January 27, 2019

This Week Reading:  2 Samuel 11:1-27  Additional Reading:  Proverbs 7: 1-27

Introduction

Jesus was tempted by Satan and so will we. To deny that or be unaware of that is foolishness. Satan is strategic. He looks for a strategic time to tempt us. Luke chapter 4 verse 13 tells us that after Satan had tempted Jesus in the wilderness three times and Jesus resisted the temptations, that Satan left for a more opportune time. This teaches us a lot about Satan. First, it teaches us that if Satan is resisted then He leaves. Second it teaches us that he will attempt to draws us into sin at a more opportune time. That time will be when we are most vulnerable (perhaps tired, overwhelmed, discouraged, low spiritually etc.). Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10-17 teaches us that Satan works by strategies (time tested and effective ones) and schemes. These verses in Ephesians also instruct us in how to overcome Satan's temptations. 

In dealing with temptation and sin there are a few points to keep in mind:

1. Temptation is not a sin. We will all be tempted in various ways and at various times. Jesus was tempted just as we are yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4;15)
2. Sin literally means missing the mark that God has for our lives. The illustration is of a person shooting an arrow and missing the target.
3. Sin always has consequences. Romans 6:23
4. Sin is deceptive. Hebrews 3;13
5. God always offers forgiveness and cleansing if we turn to him in confession. 1 John 1:8-9
6. God will always expose sin and it will not be pretty when He does.

Background Information

This sad instance in David's life is a perfect example of sin's destructive power on a person as well as on those around them. Note how David keeps going deeper and deeper into sinful behavior. His sin has released a destructive power in his life and in the lives of those around him and even in the generations that follow him. Note also the steps that are involved. Sin is not just an act rather it is a process of steps that lead to the act. The story begins with David in neutral spiritually -  just hanging around. The opportune time has come and Satan presents the temptation. The additional verses above from Proverbs 7 also present a series of steps leading to sin and then the consequences.

David's basic sin in this story is that he uses his God given position as King for his own lust and not to serve the people he is leading. This leads to adultery, lying, hypocrisy and murder. Bathsheba is a victim and perhaps the original #MeToo person. There was no way she could say no to the king. If she said no she would have been killed. the sin of David was an abuse of power. The way she was bathing was most likely in the courtyard of her home enclosed by 4 walls but without a roof as was customary at that time. David was only able to see her because he stood on the highest roof in the city. James 1: 13-15 makes clear that sin can not be blamed on someone else, our circumstances or our upbringing. Sin is clearly a heart issue in the person who sins. Note the last part of verse 27. The key question is whether our lives and actions are pleasing to God or not.

Key Points

•  Never underestimate the destructive power of sin to yourself, to those you love and to the generations that follow you. Never forget sin is deceptive.. 
• A Neutral attitude in life is a dangerous place to be.
• You can not prevent temptation from coming. The condition of your heart will determine whether you fall or resist. 
• Cover ups will always be exposed for all to see. Unconfessed sin will led to a life of bondage.

Digging Deeper Questions

1. Tell the story in your own words. Be sure you have the sequence of events down clearly.
2. Break the story down into steps. Discuss each step that happens.
3. How do you think Bathsheba felt when David's men came to bring her to David? What do you think the men felt or thought?
4. Where do you see Satan working in this story? Where do you see God working in this story?
5. In what areas in your life are you most vulnerable to temptation?
6. What keeps people from confessing when their sin? Why are these things so strong in our lives?
7. What is your application from this story for your own life?

This Week's Challenge 

Spend some time with a prayer partner of the same sex and confidentially pray for each other for the areas where Satan attacks you. Remember this time is confidential.