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In the last two lessons, we talked about the first stage in the progression of sin: Thoughts not halted. Today we will discuss the second stage, our words. The second stage occurs when our thoughts are not stopped. Reread 2 Samuel 11:1-3.
After David had thought about Bathsheba, what was the next thing he did according to verse 3?
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David chose to speak those thoughts out by inquiring about the woman. He wanted to know more about this beautiful woman so he took his thoughts one step further and asked about her. The thoughts in his mind turned into conversation. Had David been meditating on God’s Word, he would have been speaking God’s Word against his lustful thoughts. We have the privilege of living on the New Testament side of the cross. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, unlike the Old Testament believers. The Bible teaches that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Once we learn how, we have the ability to tap into that power when we face strong temptations. You see, we have everything we need to overcome these kinds of tempting thoughts. It’s just a matter of learning how to do so.
Joshua 1:8 says, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Right there is the prescription to prosper and have success! We are wise to think upon His Word day and night. What are some ways that we could meditate on His Word “day and night” in our busy world today?
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I like to write specific scriptures that speak to me on index cards and tape them around my house. Another is to sing praise songs that have scripture. You could listen to CD sermons or taped teachings that speak God’s truth into our lives. Each time we speak out the Word of God, we are sewing a seed. If we believe what God’s Word says about sewing and reaping, we can be sure that we will reap the good harvest from our spoken words.
Okay, let’s get back to the story. We were just getting to the point where David spoke his thoughts into existence. He inquired about Bathsheba. There is something very powerful with spoken words. For instance, God did not think the world into existence; He spoke it into existence (See Genesis 1:3-29). I have found that as women, we tend to use our own words against ourselves. We say negative things against our bodies instead of using our words to speak life over our bodies. We speak out negative words over our marriages, planting a negative seed to take root. We need to begin to use words that speak life over ourselves and not death. The Bible teaches that every word that comes out of our mouths can either sow life or death. Whatever kind of seed we sow, we will reap a harvest. I don’t know about you, but I want to reap a good harvest not a bad one! We need to begin sowing seeds of life over ourselves and reaping a harvest of life.
Getting back to David, do you believe God would still have helped David stop his sinful ways at this point even if he had spoken lustful thoughts into existence? Why or why not?
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If we know 1 Corinthians 10:13 then we know the answer.
1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has seized you except what is coming to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
How faithful is our God that he tells us He will always provide a way out when we are under temptation?! Write about a time when you were under temptation, you called upon the Lord and He provided a way out.
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Oh, how I wish I had called upon Him so many times that I chose not to. I would not have to live with the pain of my own sinful choices in my adult life had I just called on Him to provide a way out. Unfortunately I cared more about my own lusts of the flesh than considering the consequences.
What are some ways you think God provides a way out when we are tempted? There is no right or wrong answer.
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What are some things that may keep us from choosing God’s “exit?”
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Like David, we are likely to progress to the next stage of sin if we are unwilling to call upon our God. You have the Holy Spirit within you. He is not at some faraway planet. We can call upon Him and He is faithful to speak to us.
Our words can get us into so much trouble. Virtually all words spoken come from thoughts in our minds. Our words have tremendous power. Read what James 3:8 has to say about our tongues. “But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
How does this scripture speak to you?
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What are some ways your words have proven to be deadly poison?
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David’s tongue proved this to be true. We will see why tomorrow. Let’s pray.
Father, I thank you for stories like David’s in your Word. They teach us so many truths. Father, I ask you to help us begin to become aware of our thoughts that lead to spoken words that are not in line with your thoughts. May we become keenly aware of it when we are not in line with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. | 
