Hidden Hurts #8 - Betrayal
2 Samuel 15
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund
Part of Hidden Hurts—January 7 - February 26, 2023
February 24, 2023

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Group Study Guide

Date: February 25-26, 2023
Speaker: Dr. Kurt Bjorklund
Series: Hidden Hurts
Message: #8 - Betrayal

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Scripture

1 In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. 2 He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, “What town are you from?” He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” 3 Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.” 4 And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.” —2 Samuel 15:1-4 (NIV)

13 A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.” 14 Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, “Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword.” —2 Samuel 15:13-14 (NIV)

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
1 Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”

3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. 4 I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.

5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. 6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

7 Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.

8 From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. —Psalm 3:1-8 (NIV)

42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” —Luke 22:42 (NIV)

Notes

2 Things

  1. God is
    Reveal Answer
    of my confidence

  2. God is
    Reveal Answer
    when I cry out

Study Guide

Step One: Open
Read 2 Samuel 15:1-14 and pray to open your time together in God’s word.

Step Two: Icebreaker (Optional)
Since February came and went without hardly any snow, can you guess what percentage of the US population has never seen snow in person? (Answer below)

Step Three: Discuss

  1. What stood out to you the most in this weekend’s teaching? What was challenging, encouraging, or confusing to you?

  2. 2 Samuel 15 tells the story of how Absalom, David’s son, betrays him. Share a story of your own about a time you felt betrayed. In what ways did you handle it well? Poorly?

  3. Read Psalm 3. This is a prayer David prays shortly after Absalom betrays him and forces him to flee the city. What do you notice in David’s cries to God that should give us the confidence to know that we can also run to God when we experience betrayal?

  4. Read Luke 22:42. This is a prayer Jesus prays shortly after Judas betrays him. How does this one sentence prayer show us the depth of Jesus’ trust and confidence in God the Father, despite experiencing betrayal?

  5. To the best of your knowledge of scripture, in what other ways did Jesus handle betrayal?

  6. Read Luke 15:11-32. This is the story of the Prodigal Son. What does this parable teach us about God’s heart toward each of us despite our personal betrayal toward him?

  7. How could a heart transformed by the Gospel impact the way Christians approach betrayal differently from the way the world approaches it based on today’s conversations?

Step Four: Close in Prayer

Icebreaker Answer: 54% - according to iheart.com survey