Peter Barnes | 2 Samuel 13:1-22
SERMON NOTES
LUST AND LOVE
2 Samuel 13:1-22
– the positive side in Proverbs 5 and the Song of Songs. D. L. Moody referred to lust as ‘the devil’s counterfeit of love’.
1. Recognise lust for what it is.
– 13:1-2. Amnon may be love-sick. But check that against 1 Corinthians 13:5-6, 11, 14. Love is holy, lust is not.
– there is no commitment on Amnon’s part – 1 Cor.13:7-8, 12-13.
– compare that to Amnon – 13:15. As Shakespeare put it: Past reason hunted and, no sooner had,/ Past reason hated.
2. Beware of evil counsel.
– 13:3-6. Calvin: ‘This is the fruit of human ambition between friends to gratify one another’s vices.’
– Carl Rogers’ counselling: one had the answer within.
– Jer.17:9.
3. Do not be naive.
– 13:7-10. Be aware of evil – Matt.10:16.
– she is left devastated – 13:16-19.
– 13:11-14; Lev.18:9, 11. Some commentators get all confused by 2 Samuel 13:13, but surely Tamar is stalling for time.
– There is not much here to inspire us, but plenty to warn us.