2 Samuel 11:1-5

King David was highly regarded both as a man and as a godly leader. (2 Samuel 8:15) He was known for his strength of character and great courage.Yet, in a moment of weakness, he broke God¯s law and committed an act against God and the marriage of another. (Deuteronomy 5:18, 21) What brought him to such a point?

First,David¯s own inclinations led him into a time of vulnerability. He decided not to carry out his kingly responsibilities and accompany his men to war. Instead, he stayed home, and his idleness made him susceptible to sin. Extended inactivity can affect us the same way. Our ability to resist temptation can also be weakened by weariness (physical or spiritual), pride which controls our thinking, lustfulness that dominates our emotions, times of neediness, and even emotional emptiness.Faithfully following God¯s plan will help us stand firm.

Second, when temptation came,David took action.He saw Bathsheba bathing and allowed his thoughts to linger on her desirability. His looking developed into choosing to find out who she is, then fantasizing, and finally acting. Being tempted is not a sin; acting on it is. Enticement always comes masked as something we would want, and it tells us there is no real cost.Do not be deceived. (James 1:13-16)

Godly David¯s fall from righteousness into sin illustrates why the Scriptures warn us, °Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).± When are you most vulnerable to temptation? What steps will you take to avoid falling prey to its lure?

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