Sometimes temptation gets the better of us. Let’s take a closer look at how to avoid falling into sin and what to do once we’ve failed.

1 – Sin tempts us (2 Sam. 24:1)

The beginning of this passage is confusing. Did God prompt David to do something, and then punish him for doing it? First Chronicles 21:1, which tells the same story, gives us more insight. The Ryrie Study Bible (1995) comments on this verse: “Actually, God permitted Satan to prompt David to take a census of the people, and David insisted on doing it, contrary to Joab’s advice.”

Although counting his warriors wasn’t inherently wrong, it revealed David’s reliance on his army rather than on God. In this case, God may have used this temptation to expose David’s pride in his army (2 Sam 23:8-29).

Take a moment to do a “heart check.” Is there an area of your life that that has been growing further away from God? If so, repent and ask for a fresh sense of dependence on God.

2 – We fail to trust God to provide what we need (2 Sam. 24:2)

David wasn’t wrong to desire protection. Israel needed it. His method of assessing the country’s protection—counting his warriors—was wrong, however. Temptation often preys on our fear that God isn’t going to meet a legitimate need, so we need to do something about it. For instance, woman may be promiscuous in an attempt to find emotional intimacy. Or, a man who feels badly about himself may boast about himself in order to feel adequate.

• What temptation do you most often face?
• What basic need does that temptation claim to fulfil?

Bring that need before the Lord and ask Him to meet it either supernaturally or by another method. For instance, the man who boasts because he has a low self-esteem could find healing by asking God to change how he views himself. Or, he could study the Word until he knows and believes what the Bible says about his worth as a child of God.

3 – We ignore godly advice and disobey God

In addition to Joab, the commanders of the army also tried to help David see that the numbers didn’t matter (2 Sam. 24:4). Their efforts were futile. The king was determined to do it his way. Do you have friends who can offer godly advice? If so, who are they? Believers can also turn to the instructions found in Scripture. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, how is the Bible useful?

4 – Our conscience bothers us

• What did David do when he realized his guilt? (See 2 Sam. 24:10).
• According to Ps. 103:1-4, how does God respond to our iniquities (sins)?

If a sin weighs heavily on you today, confess it to God right now and receive His forgiveness.

5 – God allows us to face consequences

Because of David’s sin, his country experienced a plague that killed 70,000 people.

• What two attitudes did David have regarding the consequences of his sin? (See 2 Sam. 24:14 & 17.) Although God generously offers forgiveness, the consequences of sin typically remain. Promiscuous people get sexually transmitted diseases, suffer heartache, or face unplanned pregnancies. A boastful person loses friendships or business connections because of his arrogance.
• What are possible consequences associated with the temptations you currently experience?

6 – There is a cost to making things right (2 Sam. 24:18-24)

God instructed David to prepare an altar to restore his fellowship with God.

• In your opinion, why did David refuse to accept the gift Aruanah offered? (See 2 Sam. 24:24.) When we clear our conscience, others reap the benefit too.
• What happened when David offered a sacrifice to the Lord for his sin? (See 2 Sam. 24:25.) Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, God doesn’t require us to kill animals to make things right. However, we still need to make amends to those we hurt.
• Is there anyone to whom you owe an apology?
• If so, how can you make things right with that person?

You can have victory over temptation. Repent for trying to meet your own needs, confess sin quickly, and restore the relationships you’ve damaged. When you live with a clear conscience, you will be a powerful testimony to the world around you.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the wonderful forgiveness that is mine through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Forgive me for taking that forgiveness for granted and failing to keep my conscience clean. Please help me draw near to you so sin will lose its appeal. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Categories: 2 Samuel