Scripture
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)
2 Samuel 24:2
So the king said to Joab and the army commanders with him, “Go throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and enroll the fighting men, so that I may know how many there are.”
2 Samuel 24:10
David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.” (NIV)
The full passage may be read in 2 Samuel 24:1-30.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)
2 Samuel 24:2
So the king said to Joab and the army commanders with him, “Go throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and enroll the fighting men, so that I may know how many there are.”
2 Samuel 24:10
David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.” (NIV)
The full passage may be read in 2 Samuel 24:1-30.
Main Idea
One of the areas God most desires to develop in our walk with Him is trust. When David failed to trust God and relied on his own strength, the results were devastating. This passage reveals that pride and self-reliance can lead to sin, while humility and repentance restore relationship with God.
1. David’s Sin
“Our security and our strength are not based on the numbers, they are based on our relationship with God.”
Why is it often so easy to find emotional security in earthly things, rather than God?
2. David’s Choice
“Usually people find themselves in 1 of 2 places theologically: either they view God as angry, just and ready to judge. Or they view God as so full of love He wouldn’t dare to judge anyone.”
Why is it important that we have an accurate understanding of both God’s mercy and His judgment?
3. David’s Sacrifice
“David had it right, he knew that because of his sin someone was going to have to die. And he offered himself, he said, ‘Lord strike me.’ God said, ‘I will give you a substitute.’ That’s the Gospel.”
The Gospel is simple and powerful. When was the last time you shared the Gospel with someone? Take time to pray for opportunities as to share the gospel with someone this week.
Call To Action
Reflect:
What does trusting God look like in your current season and how can you increase your ability to trust God through every situation you encounter?
Respond:
This week, pray first, seek godly counsel, and take one concrete step to trust God in that area.
Remember:
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” – Psalm 118:8
Care Form
If someone in your group needs care,
We want to be there for them. The James River Care team is designed to walk alongside people in every season – to celebrate life’s best moment and offer support through the challenging ones. We want to be there for the following life events:
- Marriage
- Births
- Hospitalization and deaths
- Questions or concerns
Please submit a request at: jamesriver.church/care-form
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