This message explores the complicated final episode of David’s life, which includes sin within his children that David fails to deal with adequately, betrayal by his son, flight from the kingdom, accusations from those who do not like him, and the eventual restoration to power. What can we learn from David’s complicated legacy?
(2 Samuel 13-20)
Sermon Outline
“Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” (Psalm 107:2)
Tracing the Cracks in David’s Legacy
- Crack 1: David’s daughter, Tamar, is taken advantage of and David’s sons, Amnon and Absalom, imitate David’s sin (2 Samuel 13-14)
- Crack 2: David’s own son, Absalom, starts an uprising and David is exiled from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15-19)
- Crack 3: David returns to Jerusalem to find his rule threatened by another, Sheba ben Bikri, who leads the tribes of the north away (2 Samuel 20)
Living the Real-Life Pursuit of God
- Letting go of idealism for faith-filled realism
- Living in reality about God, ourselves, and others
- Experiencing the joy of repentance
- Entrusting ourselves to the God who is God
- Following Jesus the Messiah full of grace and truth
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Who are the most influential people in your life and why?
- This week we continue our sermon series, “The Pursuit of God” by looking at a big stretch of David’s story 2 Samuel 13-20. We won’t read all of this, but certain excerpts. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through the Scripture.
- Read 2 Samuel 13:1-38 and 14:23-33 about problems within David’s family. What stands out to you from this difficult story about Amnon and Tamar and Absalom? What do you think David did well or poorly in this story?
- Now read 2 Samuel 15 and 18 about the conflict between Absalom and David. What stands out to you about this story?
- Next read 2 Samuel 20 about the rebellion of Sheba son of Bikri and conflicts within David’s own army. What do you think David may have felt when this situation happened?
- How does all we have read so far in David’s story relate to Nathan’s word to David recorded in 2 Samuel 12:7-12?
- What have been some of the most defining moments of your life? How have you responded well or poorly in those defining moments?
- What is one thing you sense God speaking to you personally through this week’s study? In small groups, discuss this with together and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
- This week take time to read or listen to all of 2 Samuel 13-20. What stands out to you about the flow of action, each character, and who God is in this? What is God speaking to you through these chapters of David’s story?
- Consider this exercise to reflect on your life:
- What are the key events of each chapter? Who are the people who influenced and shaped your life? What are the most significant circumstances that have affected your life direction?
- What have been the most painful moments in your life?
- Now divide your life into a series of chapters, as if in a book. What would the title of each chapter be?
- What are the life lessons God has taught you about life in general, life with God, or about God Himself in each chapter of your story?
- Pray about all of this or share it with someone afterwards.
- Explore some or all of these resources:
- Gene Edwards, A Tale of Three Kings
- Bible Project, “The Books of Samuel”