Restoring the Fallen 2 Samuel 12

Restoring the Fallen This is the responsibility of the spiritual Galatians 6:1-2 It is an important work James 5:19-20 Restoration is more urgent than evangelism 2 Peter 2:20-22 Some of the strongest Christians are those who have fallen away and were then restored

The Best Example of Restoration Nathan confronts David 2 Samuel 12:1-12 STEP 1: Nathan gets David committed to the right principle 12:1-6 Uses a situation David knows well Nathan evokes empathy for the wronged person David is objectively applying the principle (his responsibility as king Deuteronomy 17:18-20

Nathan Confronts David 2 Samuel 12:1-12 STEP 2: Nathan applies the principle to David 12:7a “You are the man” Most people put Step 2 before Step 1 Reversing the steps provokes resistance STEP 3: Nathan reminds David of all the good that God had done for him 12:7-8 Restoration must be God-centered The fallen away have forgotten something 2 Peter 1:5-11

Nathan Confronts David 2 Samuel 12:1-12 STEP 4: Nathan specifically confronts David’s sin 12:9 How it affects his relationship with God What he did that was wrong The cover-up was worse than the sin he was trying to cover up Nathan exposes the sin so the cover-up was in vain Judgment Day is not for deciding guilt or innocence but for giving an account of our deeds to God Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10

Nathan Confronts David 2 Samuel 12:1-12 STEP 5: Nathan gives the consequences of David’s sin 12:10-12 They resemble the sin 12:10 They are caused by the sin Amnon 2 Samuel 13:21-22 Absolom 2 Samuel 13:26-38 Absolom’s rebellion 2 Samuel 14:21-24,32-33; 15:1-12, 31 Ahithophel 2 Sam.16:20-23, 17:1-14,23; 11:3; 23:34

Nathan Confronts David 2 Samuel 12:1-12 THE RESULTS David confesses his sin 12:13, Psalm 32:1-5 God forgave him 12:13, Psalm 32:6 He still suffered the consequences 12:14

LESSONS Teach a person the principles, get him to objectively commit to them, then apply them to issues that he is emotionally involved in Remind the person of God’s goodness to him Specifically point out the deeds that violate God’s principles Encourage confession and repentance Remember that forgiveness doesn’t cancel consequences