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Learning God’s heart through the lineage of Jesus. 

Read Matthew 1:1-6 

We learned last week that there are three timeless truths revealed in the lineage of Christ. 

Timeless truth # 1- God is the author of History. 

• We don’t get to pick our families.
   
• Jesus did, so it reveals the heart and vision behind his coming. 

Timeless truth #2- Jesus is King. 

• He is of Abraham—the chosen father of nations.
   
• He is of Isaac—the chosen son.
   
• He is of the line of King David—the chosen royal line.
   
• He is the Messiah—the King of Kings. 

Timeless truth #3- God does not show favoritism.  

• His lineage includes both Jews and Gentiles.  Acts 10:34-35
   
• His line includes both the faithful and the faithless.
   
• His line includes the likely and the unlikely.
   
• His genealogical account has an atypical inclusion of five women. 
  • Tamar- a prohibited relationship. (3) 
  • Rahab- a shame-filled past. (5) 
  • Ruth- a gentile 
  • Bathsheba- an affair that included deceit, murder, and great consequence. (6) 
  • Mary- a humble and unlikely choice. (16) 

Last week in Rahab’s story we get a story of grace that weaves a crimson thread that mirrors the story of how the Gospel story plays out in each of our lives.   

Today we will look at the story of Bathsheba whose story reveals to what extent will God forgive. 

Read 2 Samuel 11:1-17 

• You have an adulterous affair. 
  • Bathsheba could be a victim, or she could be complicit.   

• Deceit was tried twice by David. 
  • Bring Uriah home to be with his wife. 
  • Get him drunk to manipulate him towards his wife. 
  • Necessary to do so because Uriah was loyal to his fellow soldiers. 

• Murderous plot to have him killed was initiated by David. 

Nathan tests David with a parabolic riddle.  2 Samuel 12:1-4 

God renders his judgment of David’s sin.  2 Samuel 12:9-14 

• Internal family conflict.
   
• A plot to overthrow him will be led by a son.
   
• The child born to him, and Bathsheba will die.
   
• In response to David’s repentance, God forgives him. 
  

Forgive (def)- to release from the guilt or penalty of one’s error.  

What was David’s response? 

How to respond when sin is revealed in you.  Psalm 51:1-13 

• Confess.
   
• Repent- acknowledge God’s justice, holiness, and your need for help.
   
• Seek forgiveness.
  

• Ask for restoration- new spirit, new heart, renewed joy.
   
• Teach others about God’s heart of forgiveness. 

God’s forgiveness is truly complete in how he goes forward.  2 Samuel 12:24 

• God blesses David and Bathsheba with a son whom He loves deeply.  
• No curse of the relationship. 
• Chosen to be part of the lineage of Christ. 
• Penalty was paid for. 
• Consequences remained. 

God’s heart of forgiveness is at the core of how the gospel operates and is what we are to teach.   

The Rhythm of the Gospel in a Person’s Life.   

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 

1. Truth revealed.
    
2. Confess sin.
    
3. Repent of the pattern.
    
4. Seek God for restoration.
    
5. Proclaim the forgiveness of God to others.   

Luke 24:46-47 “He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” 

Pray 

Benediction: 

Colossians 1:9-14 “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[e] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”