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Bible Study: July 8, 2018


NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.

This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.

Bible Passages: 2 Samuel 12:1-14

Discussion Questions:
— Why might we avoid confronting someone we know is doing something wrong? What makes holding another person accountable so difficult?
— Would you rather be confronted about a wrong doing by a stranger or a friend? Explain.

Food for thought:

Many church business meetings from the late 1800s included church discipline. Drunkenness, thievery (usually a horse), defaulting on loans, and a variety of other offenses were brought to the attention of the church with action expected. The church member accused of these actions was contacted and given the opportunity to confess or defend his or her actions, during that business meeting if possible.

The next business meeting usually included a report of what was discovered or progress made by the person since the last meeting.

King David had committed a series of grievous acts including adultery, conspiracy and murder. We are not sure who knew what, but we do know that no one said anything to David to stop the series of acts. Neither the servants who summoned Bathsheba, nor Joab who obeyed David’s command that led to Uriah’s death, said anything.

David was king and who would question the actions of the king? God directed the prophet Nathan to approach David using a parable to expose David,s growing list of sins. Nathan was called to hold David accountable for his actions.

In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus called for His followers to approach believers who offend them. Jesus also told them to bring it to the attention of others if no action was taken, even to the church if necessary. Paul reminded the Galatians that this confrontation was to be done with the goal of restoration, and filled with gentleness and humility (see Galatians 6:1-2).

The truth is we need each other to hold us accountable for our actions. We need other believers to step in and keep us on the right path so that we do not hinder the cause of Christ. We are to approach others with humility and love, and receive those who approach us with that same humility and love.

Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible.

Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool or ordered at LifeWay Christian Stores.

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  • Staff/Lifeway Christian Resources