Sowing and Reaping
The sermon emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, where believers cannot escape reaping the kind of harvest they sow, as God is not mocked.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping through the story of David and Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:1-10. David's failure to recognize his sin and the consequences of his actions stemmed from his disconnection with God, leading to a harsh judgment against him. Nathan's confrontation served as a reminder of God's mercy and the inevitable sorrow that follows sin. Epp highlights that believers cannot escape the repercussions of their actions, as God sees all and the truth will ultimately be revealed. The sermon underscores the importance of acknowledging our sins and understanding the gravity of our choices.
Text
2 Samuel 12:1-10
David's harshness and lack of pity were due to his being out of touch with God. No wonder he failed to remember the judgment prescribed by the Law. At this point the Holy Spirit gave Nathan boldness to say to David, "Thou art the man" (2 Sam. 12:7).
Through Nathan, the Lord reminded David of His sovereign choice of David, of His protection of him through the years of Saul's bitter enmity, of his elevation to the throne and of the abundance of God's provision for him. In spite of God's mercies, David had despised God's commandment. God hid nothing from His servant. David was forced to face his sin.
Nathan's message to David not only reminded him of God's tender mercy, love, abundant gifts and honor but also warned David that, because he had sinned, he would reap a harvest of sorrow. "Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife" (v. 10).
The Lord made it very plain in the New Testament that believers cannot escape reaping the kind of harvest they sow. We cannot hide our sin; we will not get away with it. The secrets of the night are not hidden from God.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Gal. 6:7).
Sermon Outline
- David's Sin and God's Judgment
- God's Reminders to David
- Consequences of Sin
- The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
- Believers cannot escape reaping their sin
- God is not mocked
Key Quotes
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” — Theodore Epp
“The secrets of the night are not hidden from God” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Believers must be aware of the consequences of their actions and the kind of harvest they will reap.
- Despising God's commandment will lead to a harvest of sorrow.
- We must not deceive ourselves, thinking we can hide our sin from God.