1. Repentance, Forgiveness, & Hope
… because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. 1 Kings 15:5 (NKJV)
… and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. Matt 1:6 (NKJV)
And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.' Acts 13:22 (NKJV)

2. The Hope that Comes with Deep, and Real, Repentance
(1 Kings 15:5)

3. What if…?
Imagine if David’s response to Nathan’s preaching were different:
What if David listened quietly, & didn’t respond?
Might God have struck him dead? (He didn’t with Saul)
Might the Israelites have stoned him (Lev. 20:10; 24:17)? (They neglected to on so many other occasions, with others)
Might God have sent Nathan back? (Jer. 7:25; 26:5; 44:4; 2Sam. 12:14a; Rev. 20:15)

4. The Inward Man Will Determine our Response
The “what if” scenario is not unlike what some do today.
Then the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments; and Pharaoh's heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said. 23 And Pharaoh turned and went into his house. Neither was his heart moved by this. Ex 7:22-23 (NKJV)
Cf. Heb. 3:8-14; Eph. 4:30-32; 2 Pet. 3:14-16
David took ownership of his sins, and then he changed!

5. Learn from David’s Response
2 Sam. 12:1, “the LORD sent Nathan to David”
2 Sam. 12:1-15: Nathan preached to David the need to repent
David responded favorably
David changed his heart immediately upon being confronted with his sins (1 Sam. 12:13a)
Moreover, upon David’s confession, he effectively began bearing fruits worthy of repentance

6. Learn from David’s Response
In the New Testament:
We must hear the message of the gospel (Rom. 10:11-14; 2 Tim. 4:1-5; Tit. 3:1-14)
Respond accordingly (2 Cor. 13:5)
Rejoice in truth (Phil. 1:15-18); when we/others are walking accordingly (3 John 1:3-4)
If message applies a principle for which we need to change… change immediately; do works befitting repentance (Acts 26:20).
Thus we may obtain favor from the Lord, no matter what we’ve done!

7. Even Good Men Make Mistakes
Good men have made mistakes; and needed reproof (Jn. 18:15-27; 21:15-22; Gal. 2:11-21; 2Tim. 4:2)
Be reminded of your allegiance (Cf. 1 Cor. 11:1; Ps. 118:8-9)
Let’s strive to grow in humility & wisdom while dealing with fellow men (Rom. 4:1-8; 2:17-23; 12:3; 1 Jn. 2:1; Jas. 3:2; Tit. 3:9-11; 2Thess. 3:15; Jude 1:20-25; Lk. 6:31)

8. Lessons Learned
If we hear a message that applies to a condition we’re struggling with, we should repent.
We’ve needed compassion before, so let us extend it to each other (without compromising with sin).
No matter what has been done: God stands ready to forgive, if we will respond accordingly.
When the proper conditions are met, brethren should be ready and willing to forgive, completely.
Consider the principles in how David obtained favor from the LORD, and apply them to your life (Psalm 86:5)!