The Power of Self-Control Podcast

“The body is the only medium through which the mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of character.” EGW

“But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” (1 Samuel 13:14). The prophet Samuel is speaking to King Saul who was stubborn and disobedient regarding the end of his rule over Israel. And the “man after His own heart” refers to David.

“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” (1 Samuel 16:13 NIV). Scholars estimate that David was 15 years of age when he was anointed. Yet, he did not become king until 15 years later. During that time, David lived as a fugitive and a warrior because Saul sought to take his life due to a jealous spirit. Even so, God was preparing young David for the tribulations he would face as ruler over Israel.

The Surrender of the Mind and Soul to Evil

Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof, he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? (2 Samuel 11:2-3)

As the story progresses, David willingly gives in to his raging desires and abuses his power as king. We can only imagine how Bathsheba feels, fearful and violated. In biblical times, refusing the king’s desires meant death for the person refusing to obey. Consequence: “And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, ‘I am with child.'” (2 Samuel 11:5).

Still, the story becomes more diabolical. “In the morning it happened that David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. And he wrote in the letter, saying, ‘Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die.'” (2 Samuel 11:14-15). When we give in to evil, there is no endpoint. King David used Uriah to deliver his letter of death to Joab.

Confrontation, Confession, and Consequences

In 2 Samuel 12, God sent the prophet Nathan to tell the King through a parable that God was aware of his sins and the punishment. “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.'” (2 Samuel 12:11-12).

So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die. (2 Samuel 12:13-14)

Seeing Sin Through Spiritual Eyes

One of the most deplorable effects of the original sin of Adam and Eve was the loss of humanity’s power of self-control. The greatest enemy is within. We fight against our flesh–our carnal desires daily. It is our nature to rate sin on a scale of least to worst, but God says all sin is the transgression of His law. We may not commit sexual sins or premeditated murder but our unholy desires [habits] and wilful plans are always against God. ” For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight…” (Psalm 51:3-4).

Many believers hold their own concept of what truth is. The most shocking are the believers who study the scriptures and still disobey God. Yes, these individuals knew the truth and were once led by the Holy Spirit but followed their desires and did whatever it took to bring their passions and plans to fruition. “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15 ESV).

The pursuit of relationships and marriages, starting a business, purchasing homes, vehicles, investments, etc., without God’s approval and blessing will produce a different outcome than expected. “Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15).

Repentance and Divine Intervention

David is forgiven by God’s mercy [yes, this is the Old Testament God]. Read his confession and repentance in Psalm chapter 51. Although the first baby died from the adulterous union of David and Bathsheba, Solomon was born to become the next king over Israel. Yes, out of the chaos, King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived.

Satan’s deception continues as he portrays God as unfair to humanity.
The decision is sure to bring consequences for those who never study the Old Testament, complete with stories of humanity’s disobedience, defeats, and victories from God’s divine intervention. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). The Old Testament contains the scriptures that Mary taught Jesus, and He studied when on this earth. The history of God’s supernatural power and mercy upon human beings provides knowledge of God’s love and His character.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise. (Psalm 51:17). All Scriptures are from the New King James Version unless indicated.

Prayer: God, we pray for forgiveness of our self-will and disobedience. We ask that you reveal your plans for our lives and anoint us with the Holy Spirit. Give us strength as we prepare for Jesus’ soon coming. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.