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  DAVID'S SIN, SO ADMONITORY TO US WEAK MEN
  by Clement of Rome
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Summary: David's sin with Bathsheba serves as a cautionary tale for
Christians to live a righteous life and avoid the dangers of unchecked
desire.

Topics: "Temptation And Sin", "Spiritual Accountability"
Scripture References: 2 Samuel 11:2

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Clement of Rome warns about the dangers of lust and temptation using the
example of David, a man after God's heart who fell into sin after being
captivated by Bathsheba. He emphasizes the consequences of giving in to
passion, highlighting how even the most righteous individuals can be led
astray. Clement urges believers to be cautious in their interactions
with women, especially those who have taken vows, reminding them to
avoid situations that may lead to temptation and sin.

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CONTENT
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Does not the case of David instruct you, whom God found a man after His
heart, one faithful, faultless, pious, true? This same man saw the
beauty of a woman-- I mean of Bathsheba-- when he saw her as she was
cleansing herself and washing unclothed. This woman the holy man saw,
and was thoroughly captivated with desire by the sight of her. See,
then, what evils he committed because of a woman, and how this righteous
man sinned, and gave command that the husband of this woman should be
killed in battle. You have seen what wicked schemes he laid and
executed, and how, because of his passion for a woman, he perpetrated a
murder-- he, David, who was called the anointed of the Lord.

Be admonished, O man: for, if such men as these have been brought to
ruin through women, what isyour righteousness, or what are you among the
holy, that you consort with women and with maidens day and night, with
much silliness, without fear of God? Not thus, my brethren, not thus let
us conduct ourselves; but let us be mindful of that word which is spoken
concerning a woman: Her hands lay snares, and her heart spreads nets;
but the just shall escape from her, while the wicked falls into her
hands.

Therefore let us, who are consecrated, be careful not to live in the
same house with females who have taken the vow. For such conduct as this
is not becoming nor right for the servants of God.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/clement-of-rome/davids-sin-so-admonitory-to-us-weak-men/
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