What if you could put the toothpaste back into the tube?

Text: 2 Samuel 13:1-22;

Once upon

Maybe you can put the Genie back in the bottle-- the Old story: Maybe we can put the toothpaste back in the tube-- but can we put the butane back in the lighter:Deb

Everyday 

Maybe we can take difficulties from our past and put some potential back into circulation.

Maybe we can work back through our weaker moments and gain some perspective-- a longer view of what God has for us.. 

Problem, really is the baggage we carry and the discipline we lack makes us tentative and fearful.  The poet, Longfellow, had an interesting observation when he wrote,

“ No action, whether foul or fair, is ever done , but it leaves somewhere written by fingers ghastly; as a blessing or a curse, and mostly in the greater weakness or greater strength of the acts which follow it.” Longfellow

Certainly, it wasn’t all bleak

One day : Transition 

What David had going for himself 

He was forgiven Ps.32:1; Ps.51:12-13;

He had a refreshed spirit 

He had the hope of helping others

The immediate crisis had passed 

If it wasn’t all bleak for David, then it certainly isn’t impossible for us. We have the Gospel that changes our past/ present, the Scriptures which provide us the life skills to navigate, and the local assembly to provide the regular landing spot for our growth.

Because of This— But there would be areas that would prove gut-wrenching. But because I’m a half-full guy… maybe we can learn from David and put back some of the toothpaste into the tube…

4- areas to shore up when considering a fresh start-- David’s life, your life... everything in between 

The culture is no help in serving as basis for human behavior

The minute we start taking our cues for living from the culture, we’re headed into trouble. Apparent: that all of the institutional norms set in place on how we treat women, can’t remove the Jeffery Epsteins in the world.

Male- female relationships | our society, even OT society lacks a sterling record of treating women with dignity.| 

The foundational problem: Gen.3:16;

The best thing for rights of women: the Gospel:Gal.3:28;

A family dynamic that is healthy and productive: 2 Samuel 13:1-5;

Modeling masculinity that confronts temptation 

A consistent approach to boundaries 

Solving the dilemma of a blended family: David married Maacah--mother- Absolam & Tamar; Amnon eldest son- David/ Ahinoam. And then-- cousin Jonadab.

And what about proper companions: 

A concern for practical godliness 2 Sam.13:11-19;

If integrity defined is “who I am in the dark”, then how do I prepare those I love for a world where no one is looking… no one home.

Crafting character: we can’t evaluate what we don’t investigate. 

Tamar’s conduct under duress commendable 2 reasons 

Theological: -- This not done- Israel: out of character: Gen.34:7; Lev.20:8; Calling him back to a standard, still relevant. Subtle, but valid. Prodded towards righteousness. (Saving Private..)

Practical: I shamed, you- fool, another way? - 

Reminder: Rape more about power/ conquest than intimacy/ satisfaction.

A keener sense of personal spiritual responsibility: 2 Sam.13:20-22;

An objective view of ourselves and others.

Doting father: Septuagint : “He (David) did not trouble the spirit of Amnon, his son, because he loved him— for he was his first born”. David contented himself w/ being angry

Tough choices here to be sure, but to do nothing? Eccl.8:11;

Redpath offers this help then,

“That which happened in David’s home during these years was not in spite of the fact that God had forgiven him, but because God had forgiven him. The man whom God forgives sometimes has to drink very deeply of the well which sin has tapped.”

Because of this: apps

We may be in the culture but we do not belong to it, but live above the culture.

Men, your wife not someone to be commanded but a choice vessel to be loved. If David would have loved only one. 

Not conformed to the culture but transformed by the mind renewal that comes from coming to Christ and growing in Christ. Romans 12:2;

We may live in a place surrounded by unrighteousness, but live with an eye towards godliness.

Master temptation lest it master you.

Teach your children the skill, early... often.

Recognizing the need for righteousness under duress. [ So many times in the military where those skills needed]

We may live in a world swallowed up by enablement, but live pursuing a mission of Responsibility:

What are my responsibilities as a teenager? (Buehlers: )

What are my responsibilities as a young woman/ man? Parent?

MJC