2 Samuel 5-6, 1 Corinthians 5
Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? – 1 Corinthians 5:6 NLT
Sin has a subtle way of creeping into our lives and into the church, and it left untreated, it can spread like a cancer, causing all kinds of damage. But the temptation is always to compromise our convictions and see sin as something far less serious than God does. We tend to justify our own actions and excuse the sinful behavior of others, even though we know they are in direct violation of God's Word. But we have to realize that God has called us to live lives of holiness – set apart and distinct from the world. We have a different standard for our conduct, and any time we begin to compromise our convictions and tolerate obvious sinful behavior, we leave ourselves open to spiritual discipline and the further spread of sin in our midst.
The story of the life of David is one that is filled with examples of faith and failure. He exhibits for us how to live in obedience to God, seeking His will and following His commands; but he also shows us just how easy it is to walk in the flesh, allowing sin to creep into our lives and bring about devastating consequences.
What does this passage reveal about God?
It is clear that it was God's will that David be the king of Israel. He had anointed him to be the next king, and He had protected David all those years he spent running from Saul. God had arranged for Saul's defeat and death in battle. He had orchestrated David's acceptance as king by the people of Judah and, eventually, his anointing as king by the tribes of Israel. During the early days of David's kingdom, he regularly sought out God's will and tried to rule and reign according to God's direction. As a result, “David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him” (2 Samuel 5:10 ESV). God's hand was on David. But this did not mean that everything David did was in full compliance with God's will. David was still a man and like all men, he had a sin nature. He was sometimes prone to doing things his way or, at least, doing things without seeking the direction of God. When David turned to God for help and guidance, things always seemed to turn out well. God answered. God directed. And David prospered.
What does this passage reveal about man?
There are subtle indications that David didn't always do things the right way – God's way. His life is marked by seemingly small sins that, on the surface, don't look that serious, but their impact over the long-haul was huge. We read, “And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to David” (2 Samuel 5:13 ESV). God had made it clear that the king “shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away” (Deuteronomy 17:17 ESV). And yet, David did just that. When David attempted to move the Ark of the Covenant from Baale-judah to his new capital of Jerusalem, he didn't follow God's directions for how to transport the Ark. Rather than have it carried by Levites, he put it on a cart and had it pulled by oxen. It all sounds innocent enough, but it was in direct violation of God's law (Exodus 25:14-15). As a result, the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark, and God struck him dead. God had warned that anyone who touched the Ark would die (Numbers 4:15), but David compromised and took the easy road, and Uzzah died as a result. David was a man after God's own heart, but he was also a man with a sin nature. He had the capacity for great faith and subtle sin. As God's chosen king of Israel, David was expected to live a life of distinctiveness and set-apartness. He was not to be like all the other kings. He was God's man, leading God's people. He was not to compromise his convictions or rationalize his behavior. He was not to tolerate sin in his own life or among the people of God. But this would be a constant temptation and struggle for David.
How would I apply what I’ve read to my own life?
In writing to the church in Corinth, Paul confronted them about sin in their midst. They were tolerating the presence of a young man who was having a known sexual relationship with his stepmother. And the church was not only well aware of this sin, they were openly tolerating it. They refused to deal with it, and Paul was appalled. He called them out and demanded that this young man be removed from their midst. He was like a cancer in their midst. Rather than mourn this situation in their fellowship, they were arrogantly tolerating it, acting as if nothing was wrong. But Paul knew that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6 ESV). If left unattended, this sin would spread and infect the whole fellowship. Sin always has consequences. And their sin of compromise and toleration was going to have dire consequences for the future health of the church. Which is why Paul so strongly demanded, “Purge the evil person from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:12 ESV). That sounds so harsh and judgmental, but Paul knew that unrepentant sin was a dangerous thing. Sin in the midst of the fellowship of God's people must be dealt with. Paul makes it clear that we as believers have an obligation to judge one another, refusing to tolerate sin within the fellowship – “…it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning” (1 Corinthians 5:12 NLT). This is always to be done in love, but it is to be done nonetheless. We can't afford to tolerate sin and compromise our convictions. David did and it cost him dearly. The Corinthians believers did and they risked the further spread of sexual sin in their midst. Compromise is a dangerous threat to the life of any Christian, and yet it is a constant reality. We must encourage one another to live differently and distinctively. We must take sin seriously and treat our calling to holiness with the utmost respect.
Father, compromise comes so easy. The temptation to tolerate sin in my own life is always there and the pressure to look past the sins of others for fear of coming across as judgmental is always a reality. Help me to take sin seriously and to recognize that You have called Your people to live lives of holiness, not compromise. Amen