NBC Sunday School Manual For February 6, 2022 : Topic – NATHAN CONDEMNS DAVID
NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Sunday, February 06, 2022
TOPIC: NATHAN CONDEMNS DAVID
Suggested teaching methods
Background Scripture reading: 2 samuel 12:1-9
Lesson Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 12:1-9
Golden Text: Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! 2 Samuel l2:7a
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
l. Narrate the dialogue between Nathan and David; 2. Discuss the consequences of sin in the life of a Christian;
3. Admit their sins, ask for God’s forgiveness, and promise to always make godly choices.
Introduction
One of the major problems of some leaders is abuse of power. Sometimes, they respond to acts of injustice meted on other people with utmost anger and more severe retaliation. In some cases, they seek for instant judgment that is commensurate with the magnitude of the offence. Surprisingly, such leaders feel they are smart enough to escape punishment but regard other people’s sins as punishable. They often forget that they too areguilty of worse offences but because of the position they occupy, they assume no one can confront them or they are above the law.
Today’s lesson exposes the hypocritical lifestyle of some people in authority. They are quick to condemn and punish the wicked acts of others without the consciousness of their own mischievous activities. A good example is the case of King David who was quick to pass judgment on the wrongdoer, without knowing that he was the offender. Interestingly, when Prophet Nathan received the message from God, he sought guidance and received wisdom on how to address David’s sin. Instead ofputting up self-defense, unnecessary argument or threaten to kill Prophet Nathan, like some wicked leaders would do, King David accepted his fault. He became remorseful and with humility, he confessed his sin against God. Even though God forgave him, he was duly punished because the child that was born
out of the unholy marriage union died.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
A. Nathan Confronts David: 2 Samuel 12:1-6
Chapter 11 of 2 Samuel clearly explains King David’s sin with Bathsheba. He cleverly planned the death of Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah in war, in order to cover up his sin of adultery. According to verse 27, David eventually married Bathsheba who bore him a son but God was displeased with his action. God sent Prophet Nathan to confront him with a parable, to drive home his point. He usedthe illustration of two men in a town, one rich and the other poor. While the first was rich in livestock, the other had just a young lamb, which was like a daughter to him. However, out of greed and wickedness, the rich man refrained from taking one of his many sheep to entertain his guest. Rather, he took the only ewe the poor man had and prepared a meal to entertain his guest. King David immediately expressed his anger. He said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this deserves to die! He must pay for the lamb four times (as the Law of Moses requires in Exodus2221) because he did such a thing and had no pity.” (v. 6) David’s reaction to Nathan’s parable was instant judgment on the wicked rich man. He considered death sentence most appropriate for the offender, probably because he did not know he was the offender. The passage gives a picture of how leaders could easily identify the faults of others and then pass judgment, without first examining their lives to see if they are free from such wicked acts. David pronounced instant judgment without knowing that he had indirectly condemned himself. In the same way, some Christians who hold positions of authority oppress and intimidate their erring subjects, even though they commit worse offences. They feel they are protected and free from being prosecuted because of their positions. Today’s lesson is a reminder that no one is above God’s reach, and none is exempted from being punished for offences committed, whether they are leaders or followers.
Discussion Time
1. Why do you think Nathan spoke in parables to David? Would it have made any difference if he had spoken directly to the king?
2. Discuss the place of wisdom in handling some difficult matters.
B. David’s Condemnation and Repentance: 2 Samuel 12:7-9, 13-15
David unconsciously responded to Nathan’s message and passed his judgment. He did not know that the parable was a description of his wicked act towards Uriah so as to marry his wife, Bathsheba. Nathan’s response was simple. He said to him, “You are the man!” He reminded him of everything God had done for him like:
Making him king over Israel.
Delivering him from the hand
of Saul who attempted to kill him.
Giving his master’s house to him including all Saul’s wives who were left in the palace.
Giving him the house of Israel and Judah (the northern and southern kingdoms).
In fact, God would have given him more than these if David had craved for more. God expressed His displeasure over David’s disobedience by causing the death of Uriah dnd marrying his wife. David become convicted of his own sins. He was remorseful. He humbled himself and confessed his sins saying, “I have sinned against the Lord.”(v. 13). Even though God forgave him, it was not without punishment because there are always consequences for sin. The son Bathsheba bore for David would die. Furthermore, because David had earlier pronounced a death sentence on the culprit, the Lord declared that the sword will not depart from David’s house (v. 10). The pronouncement led to the violent deaths of David’s three sons: Amnon (2 Samuel 13:28-29), Absalom (2 Samuel 18:14) and Adonijah (1 Kings 2:25). According to the Law of Moses, David would have been put to death for the sin of the murder of Uriah (Leviticus 24:19-22), but he received forgiveness and mercy.
Discussion Time
1. Discuss the different ways some leaders abuse power, and the consequences of such abuse on the people they lead.
2. Why is it difficult for some leaders to take to corrections?
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity
Ask the class members to write at least two names of historical leaders who challenged those in authority for their wrong doing and possibly some leadership qualities they have learned from them.
Take Home
Write down three lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson
Prayer
1. Pray that you will not be quick to judge others while you are also guilty of such sinful lifestyle.
2. Pray that you will humbly accept corrections whenever your attention is drawn to wrongdoings, rather than give excuses.
Commitment
Based on today’s lesson, make a commitment towards others to be truthful to them always