SESSION 12

The Trials of a King

Sin costs us and other people more than we ever dream.
Introduction
Did you ever play with dominos as a kid? And did you ever carefully stand a large number of them one next to the
other on a hard surface, until you had a major configuration of dominos all standing at attention like little soldiers?
Then, with trembling finger, you gently pushed one over and delighted as a chain reaction a domino effect
occurred and all the tiles tumbled. The sensation is glorious. Even the sound of falling dominos brings a strange
satisfaction.
This is the whole point of meticulously setting up a domino display. For some people, experiencing a line of
dominos falling has become a life obsession. Presently the world record for domino tiles lined up and pushed over
is an astounding 4,234,027.
In chapter 12 of The Story we read about another domino effect, one having to do with sin. When we commit a
sin, our one action can begin a chain reaction of other sins click, click, click until down we fall.
We also see a domino effect as one person sins and those around them are affected. We never sin in isolation.
Our choices impact the people around us. We are standing so close to them that when we fall, our lives bump
theirs, and often they go down with us.
Talk About It
Tell about a time in your childhood when you made a sinful choice and it led to a series of other sins.
Video Teaching Notes
As you watch the video segment for session 12, use the following outline to record anything that stands out to
you.
King Davids successful reign
[Your Notes]
Davids pivotal life shift: enter Bathsheba
[Your Notes]
Davids cover-up exposed
[Your Notes]
King Davids response and restoration
[Your Notes]
Video Discussion
1. As chapter 12 of The Story begins (2 Samuel 11; The Story, pp. 161 162), we see David enter into sin and
begin a domino effect of other sins that followed. Identify each of Davids sins and how it led to another sinful
choice or action in his life.
[Your Response]
2. Davids sins did not just affect him but others around him. Note the effects on the following:
Bathsheba
[Your Response]
Uriah
[Your Response]
The prophet Nathan
[Your Response]
The military commander Joab
[Your Response]
Other soldiers under Joabs command
[Your Response]
The baby conceived by Bathsheba
[Your Response]
Other people in Davids life
[Your Response]
3. Once Uriah was dead, David seemed to think he had gotten away with his coveting, adultery, lying, and murder.
But when Nathan confronted him, David realized that God knew everything. What are some of the ways we can
deceive ourselves into thinking we have covered our tracks and hidden our sins (from ourselves, others, and
even God)?
[Your Response]
4. King Saul (when confronted by Samuel the prophet) did not admit his sin, repent, and really seek forgiveness
he made excuses. That is why God rejected him. How is Davids response to facing the reality of his sinfulness
different from Sauls (2 Samuel 12; The Story, pp. 162 163)?
[Your Response]
5. God forgave David, but there were still consequences to his sinful actions. What were some of the consequences
David faced immediately and over the long term because of his sinful choices?
[Your Response]
Why is it important that we walk in Gods grace but still realize we might face very real consequences of our
sins?
[Your Response]
Just because we admit that we have done the wrong
thing and even make it right doesnt mean the
consequences will go away.
6. What do we learn about the holiness and heart of God when we consider Nathans interactions with David?
[Your Response]
7. If you could have asked David at the end of his life, What advice and insight would you give me about
temptation and sin? what might David say to you if you are presently dabbling in sin?
[Your Response]
8. Randy pointed out that Davids life, even with his falls and frailties, still pointed people to God. How can God use
our lives the good and bad to show his presence, love, and grace to the people around us?
[Your Response]
There were grave consequences for Davids actions,
but because he did the right thing, his relationships
were restored most importantly, his relationship
with God.
9. Read movement 3 of The Story in the Getting Started section. How has the death and resurrection of Jesus
become a bridge for you to cross and enter a more intimate relationship with God?
[Your Response]
Closing Prayer
As you take time to pray, here are some ideas to get you started:
Pray for eyes to see the domino effect of your sins before you commit them. Ask God for an awareness of the
cost to you and others so that you will desire holiness and not live with the collateral damage of sin.
Pray that God will place people in your life who love you enough to confront you about your sins. Invite the
Holy Spirit to soften your heart so that you will humbly receive their words of conviction and correction.
Thank God that the grace of Jesus is always sufficient to cover all of our sins.