“Don’t let it bother you!”

2 Samuel 11:25 David has committed adultery with Bathsheba and now plots to destroy Uriah (her husband). ( 1-5 ) David seeks to cover it up ( 6-12 ) David sends a letter to Joab to see to Uriah’s death ( ) “Don’t let it bother you!”

2 Samuel 11:25 David receives word of defeat and Uriah’s death ( ) When David hears of his death he writes back to Joab saying, “Do not let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another…” “Don’t let it bother you!”

“Don’t let it bother you!” 1 Sam. 11:25

True – at times! Don’t worry Matt. 6:25-34 – God knows what we need! About things you cannot change Worry doesn’t change the situation God is in control “Don’t let it bother you!”

True – at times! When you have done all you can do but still fail. One rejects the gospel invitation (cf. Lk. 8:5,12; Matt. 10:11-15, etc.) “Better to try and fail than to not try at all” “Don’t let it bother you!”

True – at times! When you are criticized unjustly! People attack those that expose their sins Jesus, Paul, etc. Matt. 5: Corinthians – written to answer such accusations! “Don’t let it bother you!”

When it is a problem! All the previous examples show one who did what they could. In our context, David sought to justify his answer, “men die in war all the time.” Was that honest? Was it applicable in David’s circumstance? Was Joab innocent? ( cf. 2 Sam ) “Don’t let it bother you!”

When it is a problem! We too are at war! 2 Cor. 10:3-4, Eph. 6:11-12 Satan is claiming souls on a daily basis! 1 John 5:19 Are we by action or inaction placing souls in jeopardy? Do we seeks to minimize this by saying, “Don’t let it bother you”? “Don’t let it bother you!”

When it is a problem! Preachers! When brethren won’t endure sound doctrine! 2 Tim. 4:3-4 Isa. 30:8-11, 5:20; Jer. 6:13-14, 23:16-17 We must STILL preach the word – 2 Tim. 4:2, Acts 20:27 “Don’t let it bother you!”

When it is a problem! Preachers! When error is being taught. Far too many today refuse to expose error – morality, MDR, etc. Eph. 5:11 We are doubly accountable – Jas. 3:1 “Don’t let it bother you!” What man says to me should not matter. What God thinks of me does! Matt. 10:28

When it is a problem! Elders! Their work is not easy! Accountable – Acts 20:28, 1 Pet. 5:2, Heb. 13:17 They are entitled to honor and respect – Heb. 13:7, 1 Tim. 5:17 “Don’t let it bother you!”

When it is a problem! Elders! When members fall away! A soul is in danger – Lk. 15:4, Jude 22 To not deal with this is to endanger the church with impurity - 1 Cor. 5:4-5 “Don’t let it bother you!”

When it is a problem! Elders! When error is being taught or tolerated Titus 1:9-11 When error is taught it ought to bother all of us, especially our leaders! “Don’t let it bother you!”

When it is a problem! Members! When our life is contrary to His will, we should be bothered! When we are committing sin! 1 John 3:4-9 “Don’t let it bother you!”

When it is a problem! Members! When we habitually neglect the work of the church – Eph. 4:11-16, Heb. 10:14-15 When we are not growing spiritually – 1 Pet. 3:18, Heb. 5:12-6:1 “Don’t let it bother you!”

When it is a problem! Members! When brethren are overtaken in a trespass – Jas. 5:19, Gal. 6:1 When we fail to be concerned about the lost around us – Acts 17:16, 2 Cor. 5:10-11 “Don’t let it bother you!”

Often times, “Don’t let it bother you” really means: “Don’t take responsibility for your failure to act properly” “Don’t let it bother you!”

From time to time we need to examine ourselves! 2 Cor. 13:5 IF we find fault, we ought to be bothered. ARE we bothered enough to change? “Don’t let it bother you!”