We see the tragedy of vanity in the abrupt end of Absaloms rebellion.

Here is the sermon for Sunday, June 7th. 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. Some might say Absalom had it all - looks, money, fame, intelligence, royal bloodline - and yet he still wanted more. What causes a person to always want a little bit more?  How can a person keep his/her heart content with what they have?

2. In spite of everything Absalom had done to hurt his father and steal his throne, David still loved his son with all his heart. What do you think motivated David’s love for his son? Do you think it was a rational or irrational kind of love, coming from David, the man after God’s own heart? 

3. In spite of Absalom’s ability to steal the hearts of the Israelites and to crown himself king, he dies utterly alone, helpless, hopeless, and abandoned by his own army.  What lessons do we learn about the kind of “power” Absalom had? Contrast this with King David, who in the midst of his exile, had a loyal army and followers who would die before they would allow their king to enter harm’s way. Why such a contrast between Absalom and David?

4. Absalom had it all, including the unconditional long-suffering love of his father the King.  Yet he rejected that love and lost everything because of his selfish self absorbed desires.  How do you see yourself in Absalom? What can you do right now to avoid the disaster that befell Absalom? 

5. Pastor Dan said that the gospel promises forgiveness but also requires repentance.  People often want forgiveness and the promise of heaven, but they don’t really want God. These people are self-centered rather than God centered.  What kind of person are you?  How do you know?  How would those closest to you describe you - self centered or God centered?