AN OCCASION TO BLASPHEME (2 Samuel 12.14)
Introduction:
1. David’s adultery, premeditated murder & plotted deception led
to national disgrace. (2 Sam. 11.1-27)
a) Opportunity presented itself… (vs. 1-2).
b) Fair warning was given… (v. 3).
c) “When lust has conceived…” (v. 4; cf., James 1.15).
d) The unforeseen complications… (v. 5).
e) Compounding the sin… (vs. 6-15).
f) The false narrative… (vs. 16-25).
g) Believing one’s own lie – “I got away with it!” (Vs. 26-27)
2. THE UGLY TRUTH (2 Sam. 12.1-23)
a) Nathan exposes David’s sin… (vs. 1-9; cf., Num. 32.23).
b) David’s punishment… (vs. 10-12).
c) David’s acknowledgement… (v. 13).
d) The additional punishment… (v. 14)
e) David had “given great occasion to the enemies of the
LORD to blaspheme” (v. 15).
3. Are the “enemies of the LORD” looking to blaspheme today?
I. WHEN CHRISTIANS ARE HYPOCRITICAL!
A. Hypocrisy invalidated the Pharisee’s religion, as it did much
of the Jewish religion. (Matt. 23.1-39 & Rom. 2.1-24)
B. Hypocritical “Christianity” will draw criticism from the
“enemies of the cross” (Phil. 3.8; cf., Gal. 2.11-13; 1 Pet. 2.1).
C. Hypocrisy is manifested when Christians “participate in the
unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5.5-12; cf., 1 John 1.5-7).
D. It happens when we fail to let our light shine! (Matt. 5.16)
II. WHEN CHRISTIANS ARE DIVIDED!
A. This is why Jesus prayed for unity. (John 17.20-23)
B. This is why Paul pleaded for unity. (1 Cor. 1.10; 3.1-3; 11.18)
C. It occurs when brethren demonstrate improper treatment
towards other brethren! (Rom. 12.9-21)
D. The “enemies of the LORD” are watching! (Luke 6.7; 14.1)
Conclusion: There are some waiting for us to make a mistake,
looking to blaspheme the noble name by which we have been called.