Absalom shows us the impossibility of real restoration without repentance. 

Here is the sermon for Sunday, May 10th. Click here for our sermon discussion questions or see them listed below. We highly encourage you to listen, think, and talk about the sermon with your loved ones.

Discussion Questions
1. In our passage today, we are told that Absalom was a handsome capable man, which probably helped him in his conspiracy against king David. Why is it that humans can be so enamored with outward appearances?  How can a person see beyond the external and discern what’s really inside a person?
2. Although Absalom had been forgiven so much, there was no humility in his response. FB Meyer said that “in Absalom, we see what would happen if sin could be forgiven, apart from repentance and regeneration. Justification (being declared ‘not guilty’) without sanctification (being made in the image of Christ), would turn heaven into hell.”  Elaborate on this and discuss why repentance is crucial to salvation.
3. How did Absalom steal the hearts of the people?  Who is to blame for this?  How are Absalom’s actions similar to the devil’s in the garden of Eden?
4. Pastor Dan said that stories like this one about Absalom, are meant to be checkpoints and mirrors for our own souls.  How is it possible to be kissed by the king, offered restoration, be brought near, and to even offer your sacrifices and your vows and your so-called worship, and yet still be so far away?  Check your own hearts this morning.  Hold up a mirror to your own soul.  Where is your heart in relation to the King?  Do you desire to be close to the King?  Or is your desire to be sovereign?
5. Parents have a high calling to love their children but not be infatuated with them.  What do you think this means?  How can parents ensure that they raise their children rightly and not superficially?