CRS Keypoints: A man after God’s own heart; David, the son of Jesse, was one of the greatest kings of Israel and a man after God’s own heart. His life was full of ups and downs, but he remained faithful to God throughout his life. In this class, we will examine David’s early life, his submission to God’s will, his repentance and forgiveness, and the reasons why God forgave him.
CRS Keypoints: A man after God’s own heart
(a) The Early Life of David:
David was the youngest son of Jesse and was a shepherd boy. When the prophet Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel, David was the last person his father thought would be chosen. David was anointed king and later became Saul’s armor-bearer. David’s fame spread when he killed Goliath, the giant Philistine, with a slingshot.
This made him a hero in Israel, and he was later appointed commander of Saul’s army. However, Saul grew jealous of David’s success and tried to kill him. David was forced to flee and live in the wilderness, where he became an outlaw with a band of followers.
(b) David’s Submission to the Will of God:
David was a man of great faith and submission to God’s will. Even when he had the opportunity to kill Saul, he refused to do so, saying that he would not lift his hand against God’s anointed. In 2 Samuel 12, when Nathan the prophet confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba, David repented and acknowledged that he had sinned against God.
(c) David’s Repentance and Forgiveness:
David’s sin with Bathsheba was one of the darkest moments of his life. He had committed adultery and murder, and he knew that he had sinned against God. When Nathan confronted him, David was broken and repentant. He wrote Psalm 51 as a prayer of repentance, confessing his sin and asking for God’s forgiveness. God forgave David and continued to bless him as king.
(i) David’s Childhood Experiences:
David grew up as a shepherd boy, which taught him valuable skills such as leadership, courage, and trust in God. He faced challenges such as wild animals and harsh weather conditions, which helped prepare him for his future as a king.
(ii) How David Submitted to the Will of God:
David submitted to the will of God by obeying Him even when it was difficult, such as when he refused to kill Saul and when he repented of his sin with Bathsheba. He also sought God’s guidance through prayer and fasting.
(iii) The Situations that Led to David’s Sin and Repentance:
David’s sin with Bathsheba was a result of his pride, lust, and disobedience. He saw Bathsheba and desired her, even though she was married. He then arranged for her husband, Uriah, to be killed in battle to cover up his sin. However, God sent Nathan the prophet to confront David, and David repented and acknowledged his sin.
(iv) Why God Forgave David:
God forgave David because David was genuinely repentant and turned away from his sin. David recognized that he had sinned against God and asked for forgiveness. Additionally, God had a special plan for David’s life as the king of Israel and wanted to continue to use him for His purposes.
Conclusion: David was a man after God’s own heart, not because he was perfect, but because he had a heart that sought God’s will. He faced many challenges and made mistakes, but he always turned back to God in repentance and faith. David’s life is an example to us of how we can seek God’s will and live a life that honors Him.
