Sermon Lessons From Absalom

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[2] The title of the sermon today is “LESSONS FROM ABSALOM.”

Absalom Is The Third Son Of King David

• Today, I want to show you the story of Absalom in detail.
• I want you to see the many lessons we can learn from the life of Absalom.
• Absalom is the THIRD SON of King David.
• Now remember, King David had many wives (8 are mentioned by name).

[3] 2 Samuel 5:13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.

• So we see that David took more concubines and wives than the 8 mentioned by name.
• We don’t know for sure how many wives and concubines he had but there were many.
• King David for sure didn’t follow God’s commandment in that area.
• We all know that the Bible tells us to have one wife and be ONE FLESH with that wife.
• King David did evil in the sight of the Lord because of these multiple wives and concubines.
• And remember, the children are there to see these things.
• Keep that in mind that children are watching the parents and learning from the parents.

Absalom’s mother is Maacah who was daughter of Talmia, the King of Geshur.

• Absalom’s father is King David and mother is Maacah.
• Maacah was one of King David’s many wives.
• Absalom is first mentioned in 2 Samuel Chapter 3.
• We learn much more about him in detail starting in 2 Samuel Chapter 13.

[4] 2 Samuel 13:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.

• We learn here that Absalom has a beautiful sister named TAMAR.
• And this is HIS full blooded Sister. Same Father and same mother.
• We also learn right here that AMNON the SON OF DAVID loved TAMAR.
• Who is Amnon?

[5] 2 Samuel 3:2 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

• We learn that Amnon is David’s firstborn son.
• Amnon’s mother is Ahinoam the Jezreelitess.
• The oldest son is Amnon and the third oldest son is Absalom.
• Amnon is the HALF BROTHER of Absalom and the HALF BROTHER of Tamar.
• Keep in mind that TAMAR is very beautiful and Amnon loves her and wants to be with her.
• It’s his half sister, though. This goes against God’s laws.

[6] 2 Samuel 13:2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.

• Amnon decides that he’s going to keep this to himself and not act on anything.
• It bothered him so much that he fell sick for his sister Tamar.
• He thought about it but he decided not to do anything.
• But look what happens next. Amnon has a friend.
• So watch out for your so-called friends.

[7] 2 Samuel 13:3-4 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man. 4 And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king’s son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.

• Jonadab, this very tricky and deceitful friend, talks Amnon into deceiving Tamar.
• Jonadab is a cousin and is the son of David’s brother Shimeah.
• Amnon goes with the plan that his so-called friend came up with and it works.
• King David sends Tamar to help Amnon because Amnon says he’s sick.
• Tamar brings food to Amnon while he’s lying in bed.

[8] 2 Samuel 13:11-12 And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister. 12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.

• Amnon will not listen to Tamar and he does what he wants anyway.
• He forces her and then hates her afterwards.
• She couldn’t stop him because he was stronger than her the Bible says.
• And before this happened all the men were sent away so no one could hear.

[9] 2 Samuel 13:15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.

• Since he had done this to her, she doesn’t want to go away.
• She’s trying to do what she’s supposed to do.
• But he tells her to get out of here. He throws her out of the house.
• Amnon, as you can see, is a VERY WICKED and VILE person.
• This story is a very tragic story because TAMAR is a pure virgin and she gets thrown out like trash.

Tamar Gets Thrown Out Like Trash And She Didn’t Deserve That At All

That’s very sad for her to be treated like that. It’s a terrible story.

• But guess what? Those stories just like that are happening all around us every single day.
• Young men being deceived and young women being deceived by sick and nasty people.
• So remember, this sermon is about Absalom.
• This is his sister Tamar who is defiled by his brother Amnon.
• What about the Dad of all of them, King David? How did he feel about all of this?

[10] 2 Samuel 13:21 But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.

• King David was very mad but he doesn’t do anything about it.
• We read of no punishment to Amnon for doing this.
• Both Amnon and Tamar are David’s children and he does nothing about it.
• David doesn’t take care of the problem like he should have.

[11] 2 Samuel 13:22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

• Absalom HATES Amnon now and King David does nothing about this horrible wrongdoing!!!
• Does Absalom have a right to HATE Amnon? Oh yes he does.
• And we should all HATE Amnon for that nasty and sick act. It’s not okay in ANY WAY.
• Most churches around here would tell you that you shouldn’t hate Amnon because God made him too.
• WRONG!!! You can HATE Amnon with everything you have because he’s wicked!!!
• He has absolutely ZERO regret over it too. He throws her out like a piece of garbage.

[12] Psalm 11:5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

• Since the King won’t do his job, this leads to Absalom taking matters into his own hands.
• His dad wouldn’t do anything about it so Absalom decides he’ll just be quiet and see what happens.
• Absalom is very patient and allows time for a punishment to Amnon.

[13] 2 Samuel 13:23 And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.

• So he waits to see what will happen for 2 FULL YEARS!!!
• Absalom is thinking, “I’ve given this enough time.”
• He’s still very angry with Amnon. He hates him for what he did. No punishment. He gets away with it.

King David Didn’t Do What He Should Have Done

• Did King David as a father and as a king do what he was supposed to do? Oh no he didn’t.
• How do we know he didn’t follow God’s rules? Let’s look to Deuteronomy Chapter 22.

[14] Deuteronomy 22:25-27 But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die: 26 But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter: 27 For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her.

• A betrothed damsel is one that is going to be married.
• So Tamar wasn’t going to be married to anyone but she’s being forced into this by Amnon.
• The matter of a man forcing himself on a woman is like a man murdering his neighbor.
• There was no one around to hear Tamar cry out either just as described in Deuteronomy Chapter 22.
• Remember, Amnon had sent all the men away so Tamar couldn’t be heard.

What Amnon Did Was No Accident

• He knew what he was going to do.
• Deuteronomy Chapter 22 says that man shall be put to death.
• But King David did nothing to Amnon. Nothing. No punishment AT ALL.
• Because of King David’s failure to punish his very own son for evil, Absalom heads a very bad direction.
• He’s beginning to rebel against his father. And he has a VERY good reason to start this rebellion.
• Absalom comes up with his own plan and wants Amnon to go with him to a feast.

[15] 2 Samuel 13:26-27 Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee? 27 But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him.

• Absalom has a plan to kill Amnon.
• He commands his very own servants to kill Amnon once his heart is merry with wine.

[16] 2 Samuel 13:28-29 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. 29 And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.

• Of course, this rapist man is also a drinker of alcoholic wine.
• You see: it’s much easier to trick people once they’re drunk.
• They don’t think as fast, and they can be taken advantage of much easier.
• Absalom’s servants do as he asked and they killed Amnon.
• King David hears of this from the slimy friend of Amnon that talked him into that horrible act.

[17] 2 Samuel 13:32 And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king’s sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.

• After Amnon is killed, Absalom flees.
• Where does he go?
• Remember that Absalom’s mother is the daughter of the King of Geshur.
• Talmai is the King’s name. So Absalom flees to his grandfather on his mother’s side.
• Absalom stays there for 3 years.
• And remember, King David lost a baby with Bathsheba and now he’s lost his oldest son Amnon.
• Then his third son, Absalom, ran away for 3 years.
• Ever since David’s great sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah he hasn’t had it easy.
• King David’s punishment continues.

Absalom Took Justice Into His Own Hands

I can understand why Absalom did what he did.

• He took justice into his own hands.
• His evil and wicked brother receives no punishment for his DEATH PENALTY crime that he commits.
• When you force a woman like Amnon did, the penalty should be death.
• At this point in time, I’m on Absalom’s side. Why can’t King David do what he’s supposed to be doing?
• He chooses to compromise and Absalom ends up doing something he shouldn’t.
• The King and the father of Amnon should have taken care of it.
• Absalom shouldn’t haven’t take it onto his own shoulders but guess what?
• That evil and wicked man is gone.
• Absalom sees all of the evil and wicked around him including HYPOCRISY and he got sick of it.
• He says, “Hey, I’m going to take care of this and get out of here.”

Do you know what’s similar to this in today’s world?

• Absalom seems to know right and wrong pretty well.
• He knew he had to do something about this wicked act to his sister who he loved very much.
• No one should get away with that like nothing happened.
• He knew he had to flee away once he had Amnon killed as well. He knew it wasn’t right.
• So Absalom has a pretty good head on his shoulders I would say. He knows right and wrong.
• Do you know what the root cause of the problem was, though?

WEAK LEADERSHIP IN HIS LIFE FROM HIS FATHER AND KING!!!

• He has a father who is weak and compromising because of the things he’s done in his life now.
• Absalom grows up and runs away from his family to an outside place in the world somewhere.
• That’s what happens to children, teenagers, and younger men and women all over this world.
• Children and teenagers grow up in a home where their father and mother have no consistency.
• Their parents are compromisers on everything.
• Their parents give the children rules but don’t even follow those same rules themselves.
• It’s like a police officer who pulls people over for speeding all day but speeds more often than the people he pulls over.
• Parents do the same things. They punish their children for things they are doing themselves.
• Do you know who else does the same things?

Churches are hypocrites.

• The pastors, leaders, preachers, and teachers will tell you what not to do, but they’re doing it themselves!
• Or, they’ll tell you what you should be doing but won’t do it themselves.
• Churches will tell you they follow the Bible, but won’t preach the Gospel to anyone in Church or outside of Church. OUR FIRST WORKS should always be preaching the Gospel. ALL OF US.
• Churches will tell you they believe the Bible is the perfect word of God but then says it has mistakes.
• And that’s just the beginning.
• There’s inconsistencies everywhere, there’s confusion in the churches, NOTHING makes sense.
• Churches confuse people and King David confused Absalom because of HIS WEAK leadership.
• Absalom waited TWO YEARS. He thought King David would do something to punish Amnon. He didn’t.
• King David became like a watered down preacher.

Watered Down Preaching From Churches

Churches all around here are so watered down they don’t even resemble a church any more.

• You want an example? All the BIGGEST CHURCHES around here exist to make the people happy.
• It’s not about making God happy. They’ll preach that it’s about God, but they don’t mean it.
• And the people are so in love with themselves that they support these churches.
• We should be REJECTING them so CHURCH is ONLY ABOUT MAKING GOD HAPPY!
• If someone wants to come to church so church can make them happy, they should hit the door.
• We need to understand that it’s all about GOD ALMIGHTY. We’re here to learn what He wants.
• But yet, you’ll see churches doing things like this:

[18] “You have your own style, and at Shelbyville First Baptist, you’ll find a church service that’s just right for you. Our contemporary service starts at 8:30 a.m. and features casual dress, contemporary music and an informal style. Our traditional service offers a more classical worship experience and begins at 11:00 a.m. If you enjoy hymns and the music of an organ and piano, this service caters to a more classic format. Whatever your style, you’ll find a spiritual connection that will enrich your week and your life.”

• You know what that makes me do when I read that? It makes me gag.
• And even that church (I think) gets the Gospel right. At least they do on their website.
• But they won’t go out into the community and preach the Gospel.
• They won’t stand up for God anywhere.
• Most everything they do is for THEM to get some benefit out of it.
• It’s not about God. It’s very clear on their website that it’s not about God.
• Their pastor says worship is about you experiencing God. What does that mean???
• They use some false corrupted bible version. It’s absolutely ridiculous.

Do you know what their latest sermon was on their site?

• Who is the ONE person you’re sharing the Gospel with?
• I’ve got news for them: “Hey, if you’re sharing the Gospel with one person this year, you’re failing!!!”
• I can go knock on a door and in 5 minutes share the Gospel with one person.
• That church has 1,000 members or more.
• If they all went out one weekend to share the Gospel, they could reach all of Shelby County.

If all the so-called Christian Churches in this area went out to preach the Gospel, it would be spread in less than an hour to the entire COUNTY.

• But what they do?
• They compromise and sit in their nice little comfortable seats to make themselves FEEL GOOD each week.
• That’s what Church is now. It’s somewhere to go to make you feel good about yourself.
• It’s a gathering of people who love themselves. They even have to have different services to please them.
• When are we going to figure out it’s not about making ourselves happy?
• It’s about God ONLY but all the churches are compromising just like King David compromised.

Children, teenagers, young adults see right through the compromise and the inconsistency.

• You don’t think they notice it when the leaders compromise?
• The churches, the teachers, the parents compromise and aren’t consistent.
• What’s this lead to? Rebellion just like Absalom. They don’t want anything to do with it.
• All they see is hypocrisy just like Absalom saw from David their leader.
• You see Absalom run away to the worldly things in Geshur. He’s no longer in God’s house.
• He sees the watered down form of Christianity in his own house so he’s out of there.
• His parents are saying, “I don’t know what happened to Absalom!!! We had him in a good school and took him to church and did everything we could.”

Is There Hypocrisy In Your Home?

HEY, MAYBE IT’S THE INCONSISTENCY AND THE HYPOCRISY IN THE HOME, IN THE SCHOOL, AND IN THE CHURCH!!!

• It’s telling your child to follow the rules and punishing them when they break the rules but you go and break them yourself.
• We better get this right or we’ll have children just like Absalom who rebel because of the HYPOCRISY!
• And some children will HAVE NOTHING TO DO with Jesus Christ because of the hypocrisy they see.
• They harden their hearts because they see so-called Christians blaspheming the name of God.
• We need to watch what we’re doing. Don’t follow in the footsteps of King David here.

[19] 2 Samuel 13:39 And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

• King David started to miss his son.
• Joab then tries to persuade King David through a woman but David sees through all of that.
• It’s been a few years and David tells Joab to go get Absalom.

[20] 2 Samuel 14:21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

• At this point in the story, we still don’t have much to blame Absalom for as he saw that justice was done to this wicked man Amnon.
• The drunkard who forces himself on women is now gone from the world. That’s brotherly love.
• Absalom gives his sister a place to live after all of that happened. He takes care of her.
• He runs off into the world because of what happened.
• Now he’s been spending time away from God’s house in a different city.
• This is where we see him begin to turn evil. He comes back home.
• Do you want to see why all of this is happening?

2 Samuel Chapter 11 is the story of King David, Bathsheba, and Uriah.

• King David is taking it easy up on the roof while all the other men are fighting all the battles.
• In other words, he’s being a lazy bum. He’s walking on the roof looking around.
• He’s sees this married woman on the roof taking a bath and he sends for this married woman.
• He sends servants to go fetch her like he can do whatever he wants because he’s King.
• And he does do what he wants. Then what does he do? He tries to cover it all up with his deception.
• Uriah, who is out FIGHTING FOR KING DAVID, and is one of the top fighters for David is betrayed.
• Think about this: Bathsheba becomes pregnant so King David tells Uriah to go home.
• David wants Uriah to go be with Bathsheba so everyone will think the child is Uriah’s.
• Uriah wouldn’t go back because he felt bad.
• He felt as if he would be taking it easy why all the others were fighting. King David didn’t seem to care.
• King David continues the deception and gets Uriah drunk in an attempt to get him to go back home.
• Uriah wouldn’t go home.
• King David then decides to kill Uriah off by placing him in the worst part of the battle. Uriah is killed.
• The prophet Nathan is sent to King David by God Almighty HIMSELF.
• Nathan begins telling King David a story and David believes it to be a true story.

[21] 2 Samuel 12:1-4 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: 3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. 4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.

• The poor man had one little lamb that he loved very, very much. That’s all he had.
• A traveler comes to the rich man who had many flocks and a HUGE herd.
• The rich man takes the one little lamb from the poor man to feed this traveler.
• He won’t take one of his own.
• When David hears this story, he’s very angry.

[22] 2 Samuel 12:5-6 And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: 6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

• King David gets so angry with the man who killed the family pet and says to KILL HIM!
• He says, “THIS MAN SHALL SURELY DIE!!!”
• And all the rich man really did was kill one little lamb and David wants him put to death.
• He also wants the poor man to receive four lambs from that rich man.

King David Would Have Put Himself To Death

• Why? Because that rich man did this to the poor man and HAD NO PITY. He didn’t feel bad about it.
• Think of the courage this next verse takes on the part of Nathan.
• I absolutely love God’s prophets in the Bible because they have no fear of any man. They have God.
• Watch what Nathan tells King David here.

[23] 2 Samuel 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

• Think what David just finished saying, “KILL THE MAN AND MAKE HIM PAY FOUR TIMES!!!”
• And that was over a little lamb. It wasn’t over a man’s life who had been fighting for him.
• How bad do you think David felt when Nathan said, “YOU ARE THAT MAN!”
• After this, God says to David: “I’ve given you everything. And I would have given you anything you asked.”
• “But no, you had to take from someone else. You had to take Uriah’s wife.”
• How does this all tie into the story of Absalom? Let’s see.

[24] 2 Samuel 12:11-12 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.

• God says he will raise up evil out of David’s own house.
• David did his act in secret but God will do this out in the open before all of Israel.

[25] 2 Samuel 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

• This is a picture of salvation through Jesus Christ as God put away his sin and forgave him.
• He won’t die for the horrible sin that he committed, but he will be punished evil for evil.
• But, he’ll get to keep his life here on this earth.
• He will PAY for his great sin FOUR TIMES. How do we know he paid FOUR FOLD for his sins?

King David Loses Four Sons

• 1) His baby, his son, with Bathsheba died.
• 2) Amnon his oldest child is killed by Absalom.
• 3) Absalom, his third son, is killed.
• 4) Adonijah, his fourth son, is executed.
• FOUR LAMBS. FOUR SONS. God says this will happen to King David because of his great sin.
• Why didn’t King David carry out JUDGEMENT on Amnon his son?
• Do you think some of it might have had something to do with his great sin that he committed?
• I would say 100% for sure that it did. The evidence is there.

Why do we as parents compromise and why can’t preachers get up and preach against sin?

• Because we’re living in sin too. The parents aren’t doing what they are supposed to be doing.
• The preachers of God’s word aren’t doing what they’re supposed to be doing.
• We MUST change this or we’ll face the things King David had to face. You don’t want that.
• Do you want your children to have a horrible life and die in front of you?

Most preachers who won’t preach against sin are either living in that sin themselves OR

• They don’t want to lose any visitors and members who pay their paycheck every week OR
• They think it’s not loving to preach against sin which is the exact opposite of the definition of love.
• Same thing with parents. Why are we not teaching our children the right ways?
• Is it because we’re doing the same things?
• Or do we allow the world to dictate what’s right and wrong? Think about that.

[26] 2 Samuel 14:23-24 So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24 And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king’s face.

• Absalom is brought back to Jerusalem after being out in the world for a few years.
• King David doesn’t want him to see his face.
• This could be as a punishment and because King David knows he’s to blame himself as well.

[27] 2 Samuel 14:25-26 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. 26 And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year’s end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king’s weight.

• Absalom is a beautiful man without blemish. There was nothing wrong with him at all.
• When it says, “He polled his head” what does that really mean?
• Sheep are polled. It means to cut your hair very short.
• Absalom had lots and lots of beautiful hair. He did it once per year at the end of the year.
• So throughout the year he has very long hair.
• 200 shekels of hair is about 5 pounds of hair and hair is very light.
• I watched a woman weigh her hair on You Tube that goes below her waist and it weighed ½ pound.

Absalom Rebelled With His Long Hair

• So you could imagine how thick and how long Absalom’s hair was.
• [28] This is probably a couple of pounds of hair.
• So you have this pretty boy with long hair that decides he’s going to do what he wants.
• He only cuts his hair once per year because of it’s weight. It’s heavy.
• He begins to rebel and his long hair is one of the first things he does in his rebellion.
• He’s back home now, but he’s going to start going his own way.

[29] 2 Samuel 14:27 And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

• Absalom names his ONE DAUGHTER TAMAR after his sister who he loved.
• But Absalom continues to live in Jerusalem and never sees his father, King David.

[30] 2 Samuel 14:28-29 So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king’s face. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.

• It’s been 2 years and King David won’t see Absalom.
• Absalom sends for Joab but he wouldn’t come to him.
• Joab is following the King’s orders to shun Absalom.
• So what happens? Let’s see.

[31] 2 Samuel 14:30-31 Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab’s field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

• Look at this. The father is ignoring his son.
• So the son does something to get his father’s attention. Does that sound familiar?
• Happens all the time. If you’re not going to care about me, I’ll do something to make you care.
• Joab says, “Why did you set my field on fire?”
• You see the rebellion inside of Absalom now. And it started with the long hair.

[32] 1 Corinthians 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

• But Absalom doesn’t care any more.
• Now he’s going to start vandalizing and destroying other people’s things.
• And Joab is the one who was on his side too and trying to help him. Absalom turns on his friends.

[33] 2 Samuel 14:33 So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.

• As a reward for Absalom’s rebellion and burning Joab’s field, the King kisses Absalom.
• Do you reward that type of behavior? I guess so. We do it all the time in this life too.
• We like to reward prisoners and give them things because we think this is Godly love.
• Oh no, that’s not Godly love. That’s worldly love to make ourselves feel better. That’s self love.
• “Look what I did. I rewarded the murderers by taking them gifts for Christmas. They won’t murder anyone any more because of the gift I gave them for Christmas.”

You Can’t Forgive Someone Unless They’re Sorry For What They Did

• That’s the logic we’re using now. “I showed them real forgiveness from God.” No you didn’t.
• That’s what happened here with David. Does it help Absalom to change his ways and get better?
• Let’s see if that type of so-called love works.
• And keep in mind that the Bible says punishment for doing evil should take place immediately.

[34] 2 Samuel 15:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

• Directly after King David brings Absalom in to kiss him and make peace with him, this happens.
• Absalom goes and gets fifty men and chariots and horses. He starts building an army.
• And that’s not all Absalom does. Now, he’s really turning into a wicked man. Watch what he does next.

[35] 2 Samuel 15:2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

• Absalom starts to stop people before they reach King David with their controversy.
• He tells them that he will take care of it for them.
• He thinks he’s the judge of the land now and it taking this job from King David.
• And look what he does. He charms all of the people coming to him.

[36] 2 Samuel 15:5-6 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. 6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

• This reminds me of all the churches in this area.
• Just like the one we talked about earlier. They charm the people to make them happy.
• They take them and make them feel good about themselves and this tricks people.
• Those people follow those people in churches because they make them feel good about themselves.
• And they stay loyal to that church no matter if they preach the word of God or not.
• Why? Because their feelings tell them to do so.

Don’t Follow Your Feelings

• I’ve got news for you today!!! Your feelings will trick you and deceive you and lead you to hell!!!
• God NEVER says to follow your feelings and your emotions. Where’s that at in the Bible?
• When you follow your feelings and emotions, you end up deceived like Eve in Genesis Chapter 3.
• And that’s what churches are doing to people today, and that’s what Absalom did right there.
• Absalom makes buddies and friends with all the people by telling them what they want to hear.
• He’s STEALING THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!

[37] 2 Samuel 15:7 And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.

• Absalom continues for forty years stealing the hearts of the people.
• You have this perfect and pretty man with long hair stealing the hearts of the men and women.
• He’s so beautiful. He tells us what we want to hear. He’s so good looking. “WE LOVE HIM!!!”
• [38] Reminds me of a Backstreet Boys concert with all the people worshipping the pretty boys.
• “Oh, we worship you Absalom. We love you!”
• Absalom has this huge following now sort of like Southeast Christian and the Backstreet Boys.
• [39] They’re similar. Look at the hair.

King David leaves Jerusalem with his servants because he’s not going to fight Absalom.

• It’s kind of like these cult followings around here with these churches who follow their idol leaders.
• They never even attempt to follow God and their idol leaders sure aren’t going to say anything.
• They love the worship they that get. They love their huge following and the money being raked in.
• It’s a business to them. It’s not about God. It’s sickening, vile, nasty, and wicked.
• David knows Absalom has this huge following so he just leaves. But there’s more to come to this story.

[40] 2 Samuel 15:14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

• But King David leaves something behind.
• He leaves TEN WOMEN, his concubines behind.
• They are left to keep the house so it doesn’t get of hand. That makes a lot of sense, right?

[41] 2 Samuel 15:15-16 And the king’s servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. 16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.

• King David is out of there. He just gives it over to Absalom and leaves.
• They go out into the wilderness.
• King David tells many to not leave Jerusalem and they stay there as his spies to see what happens.
• Remember, David’s ten concubines are also still there.

[42] 2 Samuel 16:21-22 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father’s concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong. 22 So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

• Absalom asks counsel of Ahithophel and does what he says.
• This is a sick, nasty, and vile act that Absalom does. This is against God’s law.
• Look at all the churches around here that are sick, nasty, and vile.
• They preach against God’s law every Sunday. They pick and choose verses to make people feel good.
• That’s their whole purpose. They never even preach the GOSPEL IN CHURCH!!!

This Sick Act Of Absalom Fulfills A Prophecy

• This sick act of Absalom also fulfills God’s punishment in which David’s wives would be taken and defiled out in the open.
• Absalom decides he’s now going to go after David and attack him, destroy him, and kill all of them.
• They want to get rid of David for good.
• I’m going to skip ahead to Chapter 18.

[43] 2 Samuel 18:5 And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.

• King David has 3 groups of men being led by these 3 men: JOAB, ABISHAI, and ITTAI.
• And let me tell you about Joab, you don’t mess with Joab. Read your Bibles. Don’t mess with Joab.
• King David has all of these experienced men of war there with him.
• And remember King David is a rather amazing warrior himself.
• These people of Israel don’t really know what they’re going up against here.
• But look what King David says there, “Deal gently with the young man Absalom.”
• He still thinks there’s hope for Absalom. All the people heard what King David said.
• But look what happens in the battle.

[44] 2 Samuel 18:6-7 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim; 7 Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.

• They are battling in this thick forest.
• The servants of King David are slaughtering all the people of Israel. 20,000 that day.
• But look at what the next verse says.

[45] 2 Samuel 18:8 For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

• The woods devoured more people that day than the sword.
• So who do you think God was with that day? King David. He is the King.
• God forgave King David of his sins.
• Let’s see what happens with Absalom.

[46] 2 Samuel 18:9 And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.

• Picture this: Absalom with his long and beautiful hair that is a shame to man is ripped off his mule.
• His hair is caught in a tree and he hangs there as his mule rides away. Smart mule.
• God says, “Hey, you want to rebel with your long hair. Have this.”
• Sticks him in a tree hanging from that beautiful hair.

[47] 2 Samuel 18:10-11 And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. 11 And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.

• Joab wanted Absalom dead.
• He was in the heat of the battle and was serious.
• He probably wasn’t too happy about Absalom burning his field and rebelling against David.

[48] 2 Samuel 18:12-13 And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom. 13 Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.

• This man doesn’t kill Absalom because he heard what King David asked.
• He asked them to take it easy on the young man Absalom.
• But Joab didn’t listen. Watch what he does.

Joab Kills Absalom

[49] 2 Samuel 18:14-17 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. 15 And ten young men that bare Joab’s armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him. 16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people. 17 And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

• Joab kills Absalom. He’s not yet dead when he’s hanging in the tree by his beautiful hair.
• 10 young men take Absalom and slew him.
• Then Joab blew the trumpet and they all stopped fighting against Israel because the rebellious leader was now dead.
• Do you see what the rebellion lead to? A lot of people getting hurt and many people dead.
• Let’s look to where King David finds out that Absalom is dead.

[50] 2 Samuel 18:31-32 And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee. 32 And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.

• King David learns that his son in now dead.
• Cushi the messenger brings him the news.
• This is a very tragic story and it’s very sad.
• Absalom started out as an amazing young man who wanted justice done to his evil brother.
• It was never done because of King David’s past sin and his weak following of God’s rules.
• And it leads to the death of Absalom and much more pain and hurt for others and for King David.

[51] 2 Samuel 18:33 And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

• Look here, King David would have died for Absalom.
• Even after all that he did against him, he would have died for him.
• Does that remind you of anyone you know today?
• That’s right, the Lord Jesus Christ. All that we do against Him and He went and died for us.
• Jesus died even for those Backstreet Boys who need Him more than ever.
• So, we might laugh at the people who are rebelling against God but they are a generation of Absalom’s.
• The end will not be good.

People and Churches today are rebelling against God in every way possible.

• As the world turns to trash more and more so are the churches.
• The churches are compromising to make people happy.
• They won’t preach against sin because they want to make people happy.
• The churches won’t preach the Bible because it might offend someone.
• People won’t say that it’s a shame for a man to have long hair. The Bible says so.
• Why? Because we don’t want to offend anyone.
• I probably offended Kyle Idleman today. You think? If he ever hears this, which I highly doubt because he’s too busy writing books to lead people away from actually reading the Bible, he will be offended.
• But I don’t care because that man needs to wake up. Learn the Gospel and start preaching the Bible.
• I don’t care who he thinks he is.
• He needs to offend some people with God’s word. He needs to get to GOD’S WORD!!!
• I’m sick of the so-called churches that are rebelling against God.
• Your end will be like Absalom’s. God will take care of all of you just like He did with Absalom.

You got people who want to do whatever they want that makes them happy.

• The churches who are the largest today are the ones who allow all of that.
• Churches MODEL themselves after the biggest and most “SUCCESSFUL” churches.
• Where does the Bible say to do that?
• How about using the BIBLE as your guide to your churches?
• Instead, we’ll read books like the 7 Marks to A Successful Church written by some man.
• How about we understand what the word of God is and USE IT!!!
• Why are churches following man and not God??? It’s not a church.

Southeast Christian Church In Louisville, KY Is A Cult And Not A Church

Southeast Christian is a cult. It’s not a church. Turn to God and become HIS CHURCH.

• Go to someone’s door and it’s like the Southeast Christian members are Catholic now.
• They say, “Oh, I don’t need to hear anything from the Bible. I’ve got Kyle Idleman.”
• It’s true. They don’t think they need God. They have their false god idol in Kyle Idleman standing there.
• Why did he become the pastor? How do they choose pastors there?
• Popularity contest. There’s no other requirement. Popularity. Guess what?
• The best preachers sure aren’t going to be popular. Most people will hate them.
• But guess who will like the actual good preachers? God’s people.

Kyle Idleman doesn’t even know the Bible!!! He uses corrupted bible versions.

• Southeast Christian has 20,000 to 30,000 members and maybe more now.
• Think of what they could do for God if they actually preached the GOSPEL!!!
• In 2 visits to 2 doors on a Saturday, their members could reach all of Shelby County with the Gospel.
• In 15 minutes, the entire county could be given the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• You know? THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT thing for every person to hear. That’s the GOSPEL.
• But yet, there’s 7 of us working right here on our own to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this county.

Why won’t they preach the Gospel? Why won’t they go out to people?

• It’s too much work. 15 minutes is too much work on a Saturday.
• If you preach the Bible, you won’t grow as fast. You’ll lose people.
• People won’t want to hear that homosexuality is an abomination and punishable by death.

[52] Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

• Why do people not want to hear the word of God?
• Because they haven’t taught their children the Bible.
• They’ve sent them into public schools to be indoctrinated and confused.
• They haven’t followed the Bible themselves.
• They’ve allowed them to watch TV and movies that program their brains with lies.
• And their children are turning into homosexuals and transgenders and ABOMINATIONS.
• Children are rebelling against their parents just like Absalom. Why? Because the word of God isn’t there.
• Parents don’t even sit and eat dinner with their children and have a conversation with them.

What’s the way back? Turn to God. Turn to HIS WORD. Not to some false preacher like Kyle Idleman.

• Not to some false church like Shelby Christian who gives a sermon on tithing every week.
• I’m sick of it. Do you think God’s going to put up with this trash? No, he’s not.
• Don’t be like King David when Amnon did that to Tamar.
• When something deserves a punishment, do it. Don’t let the children by with things.

[53] Proverbs 23:13-14 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. 14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

• King David should have taken care of Amnon. WITHHOLD NOT CORRECTION the Bible says!!!
• Lead your children in the right direction.
• You might say, “Well, what’s the right direction?”
• YOU SEE THIS BIBLE RIGHT HERE? This is the right direction. Read it. Use it every day.
• Draw a line in the sand. This side is right. This side is wrong. Follow the right.
• If you have to question if something is good or not, mark it up as bad. Get rid of it from your life.
• There are no gray areas like King David had.

Absalom Was A Young Man Who Needed Guidance

Absalom was a young man who was let down by his father, his mother, his King, his grandfather, his church, his pastor, his teachers, his friends.

• They let him down. And he took it and went with it.
• Don’t let sin go. Don’t compromise.
• Don’t say, “Well, it’s not that bad!!!”
• “Well, God made them too so we should love them.”
• GOD DOESN’T COMPROMISE. GOD REPAYS EVIL WITH EVIL.
• If you’ve done something wrong, admit it. Tell your children you messed up and to not be like that.
• Don’t just act like it didn’t happen. They saw it. Ask for forgiveness from God. He is just to forgive.
• Then don’t go back and do it again. Change your ways through the Spirit and the Word of God.

Absalom was taken up between the heaven and the earth.

• He was just hanging there in the balance.
• Which way are you going to lead the people in your life?
• Are you going to just hang there in the middle? Or, are you going to choose GOD?
• Are you going to confuse people with your ways, or are you going to go 100% with God?
• Absalom could have been a great man of God.
• But he ended up hanging there. Let’s not do that with our children.
• And look, this sermon was written by me but you can know that it’s for me too.
• I don’t want my children to see a weak leader and a weak Christian and a weak follower of God.

Do you know what most children are looking for?

• They are looking for something REAL. They can see through the fakeness of these churches.
• Watch what happens to the children who grow up in most of these churches.
• They rebel because of weak leadership and watered down Christianity.
• GOD IS NOT WATERED DOWN. GOD IS NOT A WEAK LEADER!!!
• Understand that today. Stand up for God and make an actual difference.
• Church isn’t about checking off your visit for the week.
• It’s not about picking up the Bible for a minute or two each week.
• Children see the FAKE in the churches! So they go to the world to try to find TRUTH somewhere else.

What am I trying to say with this sermon?

• Let’s be a REAL CHURCH! Let’s be a church that actually follows GOD.
• We’re not going to preach like this and then go do the opposite.
• Stop the hypocrisy. Let’s be real.
• Look, if I’m going to be a preacher, I better eat, breathe, and sleep with this BIBLE!
• If I’m going to be a preacher, I better live the HOLINESS that I’m preaching.
• I better do the best I can with everything that I have. I better let God take over in my life.
• Is that just for preachers? Oh no. That’s all Christians.

Don’t Create An Absalom

Let’s lead the way. Let’s not pick and choose what we want to obey from God’s word.

• Let’s take it all and do what He says to do. Why do we need to do this?
• I don’t want to create an Absalom who needs to rebel because of my hypocrisy!!!
• I don’t want let people down who are counting on me. I want to show people the true love of God.
• And the love of God is not accepting everything no matter what.
• The love of God is following His commandments!

[54] 1 John 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

• The love of God is not making everyone in the world happy.
• David said he would have died for his son Absalom.
• If you truly have the love of God, you would die for your children and your brethren.

[55] 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

• And what does that mean right there?
• “We ought to lay down our life for the brethren.”
• That means giving up all the worldly trash and following the Lord Jesus Christ.
• That’s what’s best for you, for your family, and for everyone around you.
• Love is doing what’s best for others. Following God’s commandments will always turn out best for others.
• Lose your life for Jesus Christ. Do what He says!!!
• This means get rid of trashy TV. Get rid of trashy music. Get rid of all the trash out of your life.
• Replace it with the word of God before it’s too late.
• You can read this book 100 times and you’ll learn more each time. It never gets old.
• I PROMISE you that you won’t miss the worldly trash at all.
• God will bless you, and He’ll take care of you.

Let’s pray.