Sermon Guide

Standing Strong: Lessons on Humility, Purpose, and Integrity

September 22, 2024
Dr. Allen Holmes

The story of David and Bathsheba highlights how even a person after God’s own heart can fall into sin when pride, boredom, and unresolved heart issues go unchecked. David’s downfall serves as a warning of the dangers of success, complacency, and losing sight of our dependence on God. To prevent similar failures, we must guard our hearts, remain humble, stay engaged in purposeful pursuits, and continually seek accountability and connection with God.

REVIEW: The Cost of Unchecked Desires

  • READ: Genesis 4:7 – “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
  • DISCUSS: David’s desire for Bathsheba led to a series of destructive choices. How do unchecked desires affect our decisions, and what can we do to bring our desires in line with God’s will?

REVIEW: Boredom and Purpose

  • READ: Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
  • DISCUSS: David fell when he was not where he was supposed to be and lacked purpose. How can a lack of purpose or boredom lead to poor decisions, and what can we do to stay engaged in meaningful pursuits?

REVIEW: Avoiding the Path to Failure

  • READ: 1 Corinthians 10:12 – “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.”
  • DISCUSS: Moral failure is a journey, not a moment. What small, seemingly insignificant decisions can lead us away from God, and how can we stay on the right path?

REVIEW: The Importance of Pursuing God

  • READ: Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
  • DISCUSS: David’s downfall began when he stopped actively seeking God. How can we prioritize our relationship with God in the busyness of life, and what practical steps can we take to keep pursuing Him daily?

  ASK:

What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?

  PRAY:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, asking for Your guidance to guard our hearts and keep us close to You in every season of life. Help us to remain vigilant against pride, boredom, and unchecked desires, and to seek You above all else. Strengthen us to walk in humility, accountability, and purpose, relying on Your grace each day. Amen.

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