Personal Purity vs. Immorality 2Samuel 13:1-39 Experience is often the “best” teacher. But its lessons can be very costly. Obviously, it is much better if we can benefit from the experience of others without bearing the brunt of the cost first-hand. This is, in some ways and by definition, Wisdom.

Personal Purity vs. Immorality 2Samuel 13:1-39 I. Introduction and Background to the text -It goes back to David & Bathsheba. -One of the punishments for their sin of adultery was the death of the child, 12:14 -Another was “the sword” 12:10 -But a third punishment was “evil against you from your own household” 12:11

Personal Purity vs. Immorality 2Samuel 13:1-39 I. Introduction and Background to the text While this punishment has primary application to Absalom in 16:20-22, it seems also to apply to our text here in chapter 13.

Personal Purity vs. Immorality 2Samuel 13:1-39 II. Introduction and Overview of the Characters Tamar -sister of Absalom and daughter of David by Maacah, 3:3 -blessed with the curse of beauty, v.1 -a virgin; had kept pure, v.2 -“loved” (Heb. “ahab” meaning to have affections for, sexually or otherwise.

Personal Purity vs. Immorality 2Samuel 13:1-39 II. Introduction and Overview of the Characters Amnon -half-brother to Tamar being the son of David and Ahinoam, 3:2 -thought he was in “love”… -but was really in “lust” cf. vv.1-2 > 4b -frustrated by a situation which had no lawful solution, Lev.18:6-11

Personal Purity vs. Immorality 2Samuel 13:1-39 II. Introduction and Overview of the Characters Jonadab -was a first cousin to Amnon, v.3 > 1Sam.16:9 -was a “friend” to Amnon, v.3 > 1Cor.15:33 -described as “shrewd”; or mischevious; abusive as well as ominous and dangerous (Webster).

Personal Purity vs. Immorality 2Samuel 13:1-39 III. The Situation or Circumstances Amnon lusted after his half-sister Tamar to a great degree, Matt.5:28 James 1; There was no lawful recourse, Lev.18:11. However, he had a “friend” with a plan, Prov.13:20.

Personal Purity vs. Immorality 2Samuel 13:1-39 IV. The Story Unfolds 2Samuel 13:4-39

Personal Purity vs. Immorality 2Samuel 13:1-39 V. Lessons for Us: While Amnon had “help” and his sister was “beautiful,” neither of these absolve him of his guilt. He violated God’s word and will be judged by it, 2Cor.5:10. If we desire to do evil, there are usually “friends” who will help, 1Cor.15: There is a big difference between “love” and “lust” vv.2, 11-13, 15-18, Eph.5:25.

Personal Purity vs. Immorality 2Samuel 13:1-39 V. Lessons for Us: Never be naïve to the point of ignoring illogical or unreasonable requests, vv Try not to put yourself in situations in which you give up partial or complete control over your person, vv Don’t put yourself into, or allow yourself to be put into circumstances which encourage immoral behavior, vv.2-10 > Rom.13:13-14.

Personal Purity vs. Immorality 2Samuel 13:1-39 V. Lessons for Us: Finally, remember that purity- whether lost or given away, can never be fully regained, vv.13. We have an opportunity here to learn from the mistakes of David, Tamar, Amnon, and Jonadab without have to make them ourselves… let’s take advantage of that!