ALLOWING SINFUL DESIRES TO TAKE ROOT LEADS TO DEVASTATION. 

SCRIPTURE | 2 Samuel 11:2-5,14-17; 12:1-5 

CENTRAL TRUTH 

Our downfall usually happens a little at a time—in small, seemingly insignificant ways. It begins when we give the enemy an opportunity in our minds and hearts (Eph. 4:27). 

KEY QUESTION 

WHAT DOES DAVID’S DOWNFALL SHOW YOU ABOUT HOW WE FALL? 

KEEP IN MIND 

Some of our students feel the pressure to be perfect. Maybe it’s an expectation placed on them, or maybe it’s a pressure they put on themselves. This pressure usually applies to grades, sports, social status, extracurricular activities, and even to their walk with God. Because they’re human, they’re going to mess up. They’re going to fall short and sin (Rom. 3:23). We can remind students that God isn’t waiting to punish them for their failures. He wants them to confess their sin and turn to Him for help. So often, they run from God out of shame because they have a wrong understanding of who He is. But He loves them so much that He gave His Son for them. And like any good Father, He wants to guide them through their mistakes instead of allowing them to stay stuck in them. 

APPLICATION 

WHERE ARE YOU SLOWLY GIVING THE ENEMY AN OPPORTUNITY? HOW CAN YOU TURN TOWARD ACCOUNTABILITY? 

THE WIN 

FOR THE STUDENT: When students feel themselves starting to compromise, they can confess it to God. They can be honest about their desire to sin and pray, “God, I want to do this thing that I know doesn’t honor you. But I want to want You instead. Help me to choose You.” They can lean into God’s promise that He always provides a way out when we’re presented with the opportunity to sin (1 Cor. 10:13). 

FOR THE LEADER: Our propensity to sin runs deep, but God’s mercy abounds. Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you of unconfessed sin this week, and follow David’s example in confessing it to the Lord.