Pastor Mickey Connolly at CrossWay Community Church in Charlotte, NC gave a recent message on the fall of David with Bathsheba (II Sam 11-12). He lists 16 lessons from this God-breathed account which are quite relevant in our battle against sexual temptation:
1. Temptation can come when I least expect it. I must always be on my guard.
2. Sin often happens when I am not positively engaged in godly activities (when I’m not doing what I am supposed to be doing).
3. I usually have a chance to stop myself if I would only take it (1 Cor. 10:12).
4. Sin has a way of finding me out… it will be brought to the light.
5. Trying to cover up my sin only makes things worse.
6. One sin often leads to another.
7. Sin tends to harden my heart.
8. Even if no one else is aware, God is aware.
9. It is easier to be outraged at someone else’s sin than my own.
10. To sin is to look for good outside of God’s perfect provision.
11. Sin never satisfies.
12. Sin always has consequences.
13. Heartfelt repentance is the only appropriate response to sin.
14. While my sin has many manifestations it has only one root — a heart that craves something more than God.
15. Because of the cross, God does not treat me as my sins deserve.
16. While sin affects my life, it need not ruin my life.
(HT: CBMW via Lydia Brownback)