David’s initial mistake was that he didn’t turn away from temptation but entertained it instead (v. 3). Then he made it possible to act on his temptation by calling for Bathsheba to be brought to him (v. 4). Finally, at least in this initial part of David’s sin, he gave in to temptation and slept with her (v. 4). In this account, we see the truth of what James later wrote in James 1:14–15. David was enticed by his evil desire, allowed it to conceive, and it gave birth to sin, and, as we will see later, death.

Many of us see David as a hero of Goliath proportions, which is why this account is so important. We need to remember that every person in Scripture – save Jesus – was a sinner in need of salvation. Even David, the giant-slayer. And thanks to God’s kindness, mercy and grace, that salvation has been provided for people in Christ Jesus.

What steps can you take to fight against temptation before it even begins?