Unit 11, Session 4

David Sinned and Was Restored (2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51)

Dear families,

David was a king after God’s own heart, but he was also a sinner. As we study 2 Samuel 11–12, we learn how David fell into temptation and sinned against God and others. Yet, we also witness the incredible mercy offered to those who repent of their sin. Out of David’s brokenness, we see what it looks like to have a broken and contrite heart, and we gain a glimpse of the redemption offered to us through faith in Christ.

What transformations do we see in David’s life? How do these passages lead us to walk in restoration rather than in sin?

In our previous session, we read that David was established as king over Israel. Yet from the start of 2 Samuel 11, we see how David’s temptation to follow his heart led to sin. As other kings and soldiers went to war, David idly passed his time in Jerusalem. Rather than lead his men in battle, David allowed the lust of his eyes to rule him. Through one choice at a time, David plummeted into covetousness, adultery, lying, and murder.

Only after being confronted by the prophet Nathan did David repent of his sin, leading him to pen the words of Psalm 51. In this psalm, David declared God’s righteousness in contrast to his own unrighteousness. He begged God to cleanse him of his sin. He asked for a new heart and spirit to be able to teach sinners the way of repentance.

This psalm models repentance to us, showing us what it looks like to turn from sin and to receive the mercy only God provides. David’s hope was in the God of His salvation who promised a future descendant to rule with justice and righteousness. Unlike David, Christ lived a perfect, sinless life and died for sin so that our hearts may be made clean.

Through confession of sins and profession of faith in Christ, we are saved, forgiven, and cleansed of our unrighteousness. Lead the children in your care to see the weight of the sins that separate us from God and the gift of grace that reunites us with the Father who sent His Son to redeem us. Pray your kids will see their need for the Savior and to cling to the hope only He provides.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: David told God he was sorry, and God forgave him. When we trust in Jesus and are sorry for our sins, God will forgive us too. Jesus died and rose again to rescue us from our sins.
  • Younger Preschool: When David was sorry and repented, God forgave him. God wants us to be sorry for our sins and trust in Jesus. Jesus died and rose again to rescue us from our sins.
  • Older Preschool: When David was sorry and repented of his sin, God forgave him. God wants us to be sorry for our sin and trust in Jesus, who died to rescue us from sin. When we do, He forgives all our sin.
  • Kids: When David admitted his sin before the Lord, he was forgiven. When we confess our sins to the Lord and believe in Jesus, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Younger Preschool: Is anything greater than God? No, God is greater than everything.
  • Older Preschool:Is anything greater than God? No, God is greater than everything.
  • Kids: Is anything or anyone greater than God? No, God is greater than everything and everyone.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Babies & Toddlers: LORD, no one is like you. You are great. Jeremiah 10:6
  • Younger Preschool: LORD, there is no one like you. You are great. Jeremiah 10:6
  • Older Preschool: LORD, there is no one like you. You are great; your name is great in power. Jeremiah 10:6
  • Kids: LORD, there is no one like you. You are great; your name is great in power. Who should not fear you, King of the nations? It is what you deserve. Jeremiah 10:6-7a

** Next week: Solomon Became King (1 Kings 2-3)