Confronting the Absalom Spirit: Unity Through Forgiveness
Summary
In today's message, we delved into the complex and destructive nature of the "Absalom spirit," a term used to describe a set of behaviors and attitudes that can cause division and destruction within families, churches, and communities. This spirit is not a literal demon but rather a manifestation of certain negative traits exemplified by Absalom, the son of King David. Absalom's story is a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked sin, unresolved offenses, and the dangers of harboring bitterness and resentment.
Absalom was a handsome and influential figure, traits that made him a potent tool in the hands of the enemy. His story is deeply intertwined with the sins of his father, David, whose actions opened the door for calamity within his household. David's sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of Uriah set off a chain of events that led to turmoil and rebellion in his family. The Absalom spirit thrives in environments where sin is unaddressed, and offenses are allowed to fester.
One of the key lessons from Absalom's story is the importance of dealing with the root causes of issues rather than just the symptoms. Sin, particularly hidden sin, can create openings for the enemy to wreak havoc. Moreover, unresolved offenses can lead to bitterness, which can be exploited by the enemy to cause division and destruction. Absalom's rebellion was fueled by his anger and resentment towards his father for not addressing the wrong done to his sister Tamar.
As leaders, it is crucial to care for those we lead, avoiding abuse and exploitation. We must also be vigilant in addressing offenses and seeking reconciliation. Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can prevent the enemy from gaining a foothold in our lives. However, it is equally important to confront offenders and hold them accountable, as their repentance can facilitate healing and restoration.
Ultimately, the Absalom spirit serves as a reminder of the need for humility, repentance, and vigilance in our spiritual lives. By addressing sin and offenses head-on, we can prevent the enemy from using these as tools to destroy what God has built.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Nature of the Absalom Spirit: The Absalom spirit is not a literal demon but a manifestation of destructive traits like rebellion and bitterness, often fueled by unresolved offenses and sin. It can cause division and destruction in families and communities. [00:46]
2. The Consequences of Sin: David's sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah opened the door for calamity in his household. Unaddressed sin can create openings for the enemy to wreak havoc, emphasizing the need for repentance and accountability. [06:11]
3. The Power of Forgiveness: Holding onto offenses can lead to bitterness, which the enemy can exploit. Forgiveness is crucial in preventing the enemy from gaining a foothold, but offenders must also be confronted and held accountable for their actions. [24:17]
4. Leadership and Responsibility: As leaders, it is vital to care for those we lead, avoiding abuse and exploitation. Addressing offenses and seeking reconciliation can prevent the enemy from using these as tools to destroy what God has built. [42:12]
5. Vigilance in Spiritual Warfare: The Absalom spirit serves as a reminder of the need for humility, repentance, and vigilance in our spiritual lives. By addressing sin and offenses head-on, we can prevent the enemy from using these as tools to destroy what God has built. [27:38]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:46] - Understanding the Absalom Spirit
[02:11] - Absalom's Influence and Character
[03:24] - The Root of the Absalom Spirit
[05:17] - The Role of Sin in Spiritual Warfare
[06:11] - David's Sin and Its Consequences
[07:25] - The Story of Amnon and Tamar
[15:20] - Nathan's Prophecy to David
[16:06] - The Calamity in David's Household
[17:18] - Amnon's Sin and Its Aftermath
[19:32] - Absalom's Hatred and Revenge
[21:15] - Absalom's Plan and Execution
[22:24] - The Danger of Offense
[23:32] - Confronting Offenders
[24:17] - The Power of Forgiveness
[27:38] - Spiritual Vigilance and Protection
[29:58] - The Role of Leadership in Addressing Offenses
[31:22] - Absalom's Rebellion and Its Impact
[34:16] - The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
[36:57] - The Consequences of Hatred and Bitterness
[38:38] - The Fulfillment of Prophetic Words
[40:37] - Lessons for Leaders and Believers
[42:12] - Addressing Offenses in Ministry
[44:19] - The Importance of Humility and Repentance
[45:35] - The Cycle of Offense and Rebellion
[51:40] - Open Discussion and Reflections
[01:02:10] - The Role of Leadership in Nurturing Potential
[01:12:27] - Personal Reflections and Experiences
[01:14:17] - Addressing Offenses in Leadership
[01:23:20] - The Danger of Taking Justice into Our Own Hands
[01:26:47] - Confrontation and Reconciliation
[01:27:45] - The Role of Confrontation in Healing
[01:38:00] - Closing Remarks and Blessings
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Samuel 11:1-27 - David and Bathsheba
2. 2 Samuel 12:1-15 - Nathan Confronts David
3. 2 Samuel 13:1-22 - Amnon and Tamar
Observation Questions:
1. What were the key events that led to the rise of the "Absalom spirit" in David's household? [06:11]
2. How did Absalom's physical appearance and influence contribute to his role in the story? [02:11]
3. What was David's reaction to the sin of Amnon against Tamar, and how did it affect Absalom's actions? [21:15]
4. How did Nathan confront David about his sin, and what were the consequences declared by God? [15:20]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of David and Bathsheba illustrate the consequences of unchecked sin and its impact on family dynamics? [07:25]
2. In what ways did Absalom's unresolved anger and resentment towards his father manifest in his actions? [22:24]
3. How does the concept of the "Absalom spirit" serve as a warning for leaders in addressing offenses and seeking reconciliation? [42:12]
4. What role does forgiveness play in preventing the enemy from exploiting bitterness and division within a community? [24:17]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when unresolved offenses led to bitterness in your life. How did it affect your relationships, and what steps can you take to seek reconciliation? [23:32]
2. As a leader or member of a community, how can you ensure that offenses are addressed promptly and with humility to prevent division? [42:12]
3. Consider the role of forgiveness in your life. Is there someone you need to forgive, and how can you take steps towards that forgiveness this week? [24:17]
4. How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and repentance in your spiritual life to guard against the destructive traits of the "Absalom spirit"? [27:38]
5. Identify a situation where you might have been an offender. How can you seek forgiveness and make amends to facilitate healing and restoration? [23:32]
6. In what ways can you be vigilant in your spiritual life to prevent the enemy from using unresolved sin and offenses as tools for destruction? [27:38]
7. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with bitterness or unresolved offenses, and what role can you play in their journey towards healing? [24:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding the Absalom Spirit
The Absalom spirit is a term used to describe a set of destructive behaviors and attitudes, such as rebellion and bitterness, that can cause division within families and communities. This spirit is not a literal demon but a manifestation of negative traits exemplified by Absalom, the son of King David. Absalom's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked sin and unresolved offenses. His rebellion was fueled by anger and resentment, particularly towards his father for not addressing the wrong done to his sister Tamar. The Absalom spirit thrives in environments where sin is unaddressed, and offenses are allowed to fester, leading to division and destruction. [00:46]
2 Samuel 15:1-6 (ESV): "After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, 'From what city are you?' And when he said, 'Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,' Absalom would say to him, 'See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you.' Then Absalom would say, 'Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.' And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where unresolved offenses are causing division? How can you address these issues to prevent bitterness from taking root?
Day 2: The Consequences of Sin
David's sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah opened the door for calamity in his household, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of unaddressed sin. Sin, particularly when hidden, can create openings for the enemy to wreak havoc in our lives. David's actions set off a chain of events that led to turmoil and rebellion within his family, highlighting the importance of repentance and accountability. The story of Absalom serves as a reminder that sin must be confronted and dealt with to prevent further destruction. [06:11]
2 Samuel 12:9-10 (ESV): "Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife."
Reflection: What hidden sins might be affecting your life and relationships? How can you seek repentance and accountability to address them today?
Day 3: The Power of Forgiveness
Holding onto offenses can lead to bitterness, which the enemy can exploit to cause division and destruction. Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can prevent the enemy from gaining a foothold in our lives. However, it is equally important to confront offenders and hold them accountable for their actions, as their repentance can facilitate healing and restoration. By practicing forgiveness and seeking reconciliation, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the destructive power of bitterness. [24:17]
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 4: Leadership and Responsibility
As leaders, it is vital to care for those we lead, avoiding abuse and exploitation. Addressing offenses and seeking reconciliation can prevent the enemy from using these as tools to destroy what God has built. Leaders must be vigilant in dealing with the root causes of issues rather than just the symptoms, ensuring that sin and offenses are addressed head-on. By fostering an environment of accountability and forgiveness, leaders can protect their communities from division and destruction. [42:12]
1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."
Reflection: As a leader, how can you ensure that you are caring for those you lead and addressing offenses in a way that promotes healing and reconciliation?
Day 5: Vigilance in Spiritual Warfare
The Absalom spirit serves as a reminder of the need for humility, repentance, and vigilance in our spiritual lives. By addressing sin and offenses head-on, we can prevent the enemy from using these as tools to destroy what God has built. Spiritual warfare requires constant vigilance and discernment, ensuring that we do not allow bitterness and resentment to take root in our hearts. By remaining humble and repentant, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the destructive power of the enemy. [27:38]
1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be more vigilant in spiritual warfare? How can you cultivate humility and repentance to protect yourself from the enemy's attacks?
Quotes
And one of the things that we need to understand, if you don't, you don't deal with the root of an issue. It doesn't matter how much you fight in it. You'll never win the battle. Mostly when you come to the enemy and knowing that the open door for the work of the enemy in anyone's life. [00:03:34]
The root of most of demon activity in the life of a believer is sin. The devil can never work in your life if you don't give him access. Anywhere you see the enemy working, for demonic activity in our life, family life, is always, always sin. [00:05:23]
And when you see what David was doing there it shows how the heart of men can be very wicked but David never done something like that before so what led him to that definitely a temptation I don't know if I'll say from the enemy because sometimes we say enemy just to kind of you know excuse our situation just to kind of water down what we have that it was an evil choice and he did that and he helped the guy kill executed in another battle and the way like I said the way it was done was very very very wicked and god from heaven can see that as much as god loved david but god hates him he hates him terribly and what david had done was what you know i will say trigger everything that happened to his life after that david life have never been the same again after that action after taking the wife and killing this innocent man his life have never been the same and part of the things that happen you know what part of the consequences of his action is this um absolute spirit that we're talking about today is this absolute spirit that we're talking about today that sometimes god arise allow rebellion to arise that sometimes god arise allow rebellion to arise to wake us up okay to bring us back to the right way to bring us back to where we were before to bring us back or to lead us into a place of repentance because sometimes it happens that we do things and we do them secretly that's the thing and mostly leaders leaders are very good leaders are expert in dissimulating their own i know some leaders that are so terrible they are so wicked in certain things that disappear no one knows what they do in secret and the thing is god can see everything and i came to realize that the spirit of abstinence sometimes is i would say 90 percent of the times it's something that god himself allows to wake the believers up to wake the leaders up so that they stop doing some of the wrong things they're doing and that they come back to the lord and repent [00:08:00]
And the Christian faith taught us to forgive. And because of that, we have spent an amount of time to convince the offended to forgive. And most of the time, we don't say anything to the offender. Okay. And we focus on the offended because yes, bitterness, offense for too long can give room for the enemy to use you. And that's what happened to Absalom here. [00:23:00]
And when God is speaking to say, I'm going to scatter you, I'm going to do this, what God does, he just removes some protection around you. Okay? God will just remove because you have no idea. You know? That protection. The plan and the amount of demonic activity around you that want to destroy you. You have no idea how many bullets and how many, you know, shooting, how many arrows the devil is setting your way. Be a knight. [00:26:25]
David lived a life, I won't say a holy life, but his faith in the Lord, mostly his worship. I think that's one of his powerful weapons. David is a worshiper. Even when he was going through this painful episode, the man was still worshipping. Okay. So David was a worshiper. And as much as he kept that connection with the Lord and his life was according to God's direction, that protection was always there until he messed up and then he opened the door for all of this. [00:35:07]
So if you hurt them, he will come for you. He will remind you that you are stepping out of your zone. You are doing something that is against my will and is against my purpose. So David is the primary for me. The sin of David is the primary root of this absolute spirit. So if anyone is standing and preaching, like I truly decided, if I hear somebody talking about it, I'm going to go to that person and say, you know what? You have an absolute spirit around you. Say yes. And I'll tell him the first thing you do before you fight, don't even try and fight it. Before you start, I want you to go. And I ended up, you know, and check your life. What is it that you have done in a secret? [00:28:25]
So when you deal with those kind of things, the first thing is sort out the offense. If it's, if it is, it is an absalom spirit, sort out the offense. First, because that was the open door. So you as an offender, even if you're not recognizing that you are an offender, you know, sort it out by humbling yourself and apologize. [00:44:45]
And I learned not to just accuse because I understood that, yes, this is a demonic force that take advantage of offenses between us where someone offended somebody by troubling them, taking advantage of them, and that person is fighting back. That's what it's all about. [00:45:54]
So if you don't learn to settle people, then we will not see the end of it because it become a pattern. If you do it with one, you'll do it with others. So you'll be doing it all the time and you'll see, like, there's a ministry that I know, it's like every six months, they have this thing. Every six months, this thing keep coming, coming, coming. Why are you praying against this thing all the time? No. [00:46:15]
And when you are silent you don't know much you must keep quiet and stuff and people are holding on for this and I know people that have been badly abused when I say abuse it's like you see it's like what I'm going to do to tamer know when people say no keep quiet you know don't worry about this and people have been years for years and the day they had enough when they stand up they'll bring everything down everything down and a man or woman that had been hurt for years had nothing to lose the day he decided or he decided to put justice in her own hand as much as it's not the the the the ideal way to deal with things but as human we're all human and also something happened to me some some some weeks back some month back where someone I respected was very rude and abusive in the way he spoke to me it was very bad and and I remember that day I couldn't sleep I couldn't sleep I was so angry I was I could feel my heart you know you know there's this there's there's a heartbeat when you're anxious there's a particular heartbeat when you're you know you're fearful and there's another heartbeat when you're angry and that's a very dangerous one because that's the one if he's not controlled something bad gonna happen and and feeling that way it's never is there's nothing wrong with that but holding on to it for too long that's what caused the problem and that they are new but now how do I deal with it yes I'm gonna talk to the person but you see them a bit bully mostly some of our leaders can be very bully and and then I said no let me deal with the offense let me deal with what's going on inside of me first and I remember that night I went to the lounge and I think I prayed for almost three three four hours with this thing and what word that's I I didn't even know how to pray it out and I said love them as I say and the Holy Spirit whispered to me he said pray and thank God Holy Spirit flash this out of my system flash this out of my system and that's what I was I was saying for almost three four hours Holy Spirit flush this out of my system and and by the time I got to 5 00 a .m in the morning I went back to bed just for a few minutes again in bed but when the sun broke that day oh the offense was going on my heart because no more it's like it never happened before and I'm like okay so that's one of the things also we need to bring to the Holy Ghost we need to bring it to God to begin let's get we have to deal with our friends I'm not saying don't deal with it but let us pray because many times knowing our cultural uh circumstances um sometimes the offender might not deal with it the way it should and I will say also if the offense is becoming something very persistent it's happening all the time all the time then I will advise you to find a way of you know disconnecting from that place whatever it is okay this is not just limited to Ministry um whatever this place is you know find a way because end up doing something that is not beneficial to you it's not beneficial to that place and at the end of the day you're all going to become a loser because the thing with this absalom yeah at the end absalom died david came back there was a war that he wanted to fight i think he wanted to exterminate his father with the advice of his his advices because they know david is very powerful so when he takes power he felt like he need to go and you know kill all his father's soldiers and kill all destroy his father and there was a war day but david when he come to war you cannot beat him david is very good as much as he didn't go to that war when everybody was killed he gave them instruction don't kill my son please don't kill absalom please don't kill absalom but joab make sure he finish him you know he finish him he killed him but killing the killing of absalom is a victory it's not a victory because david was even crying like i said earlier david knew that what his son was doing is the result of his own actions he got me so he knew whatever the child was doing it was the result of his action there's a prophetic word going and the word was getting fulfilled one by one so this boy was just being used by those things to fulfill that so he really wanted his son to be spared he would love to go kissing your love maybe to even confess to his son what he has done i feel like david would have loved to sort out this problem even before he got so better anyway but when absalom was killed um it was not a victory for david as much as that allowed him to come back and rule he was actually crying job had to come and tell him off and say hey this son of you was coming to destroy everybody here you know so nobody wins when the spirit of absalom you know um start creating havoc no one wins even you that is being used by the fn at the end of the day you'll be a loser too you will lose too as much as you're revenging you're trying to establish justice you're trying to make a statement [00:55:17]
So, about to say he hated Amon. I don't blame him for hating him. Yes, I believe we can't hate, but when somebody do something like that, you're angry. And I always say sometimes anger or unforgiveness is a cry for justice. Because Amon did this, but we don't see his father doing anything. We don't see David punishing him, putting him in jail, or doing something. Just to teach him a lesson. He does nothing. [00:20:49]
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