1. 2 SAMUEL Chapter 24:01-13 COUNTING NICKLES AND NOSES I.INTRODUCTION A.Tonight we resume 2 Samuel.

2. 1. Last study we look at David’s “mighty men”. a) Men “bigger than life” b) Men that performed amazing feats c) Men you would want beside you 2. Conclusions: a) We ARE in a spiritual battle

3. b) We need people who will stand with us c) Helps if they are “outstanding” like these (1) Christianity needs them today B.Tonight David will number the people!

4. II.2SAMUEL 24:1 A.First verse needs explaining: 1. The He should not be capitalized. 2. 1Chronicles 21:1 a) The verse should read (1) 1Kings 11:14

5. (2) “He” may have been David’s advisor. (a) It is not good advice! III.2SAMUEL 24:2-3 A.1Chronicles 21:3

6. 1. Joab shows respect how he approaches the king. a) He basically says: (1) Counting was for David! (2) David should not need reassurance. (a) Hebrews 4:12-13 (b) It is plainly sin.

7. IV.2SAMUEL 24:4 A.David went against Joab, and all of his captains. 1. Ecclesiastes 8:4 2. Responsibility rests on King David. a) A lesson for any Christian in leadership.

8. b) “Christian” – Christ’s desires in our hearts. (1) IF – IF NOT IN SIN! V.2SAMUEL 24:5-9 A.Numbering took 9 months and 20 days!

9. 1. “How much time we spend doing things the Lord never asked?” 2. How many man-hours on man-made desires? 3. And wasted hours of other people’s time? a) 9 ½ months and a million and ½ people!

10. VI.2SAMUEL 24:10 A.SMOTE = to strike,beat, give [wounds], kill, wound. 1. Wonder if the Lord was working on David during that 10 months. 2. David’s heart was about to explode!

11. 3. David can’t let this rest! a) Too bad it wasn’t BEFORE he numbered the people! b) “We do not sin alone.” (1) Our sin will affect others we love. (2) What we do is our business is not true!

12. VII.2SAMUEL 24:11-13 A.Which would you chose? 1. 7 years of famine – 3 months before enemies – 3 days of a plague? a) David must make a choice.

13. VIII.CONCLUSION A.Why did David do this? 1. Some say pride. 2. Some say he was trusting in the numbers. 3. Some say to impose a tax.

14. 4. He did not pay shekel tax. a) Exodus 30:12-13 B. “Does it matter, why?” 1. David sinned against the Lord. a) Psalms 51:16-17

15. b) Obedience better than sacrifice. (1) May we do what the Lord asks us to.