OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE
Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.
Main Scripture: 2 Samuel 15, 16 & 17
Biblical Summary: Click here for a brief summary on the Book of 2 Samuel.
KNOW
Allow these questions to help you better understand what Scripture says contextually.
The events of 2 Samuel 15-17 contain heartache, drama, pain, deceit, and multiple sins. However, it all began with the initial sin of David lusting after and committing adultery with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11. David’s sin displeased the Lord but David didn’t listen to the conviction of the Holy Spirit or to his conscience. God then sends Nathan to speak to David.
- Read 2 Samuel 12:9-14.
- What will be the consequences of David’s sin?
- Notice David’s repentance and the Lord’s forgiveness in Verse 13.
In addition to his son’s death (2 Samuel 12:15–23) Nathan’s prophecy about David would come true in 2 Samuel 13, which leads to the events of Chapters 15–17 we talked about in today’s message. Look at 2 Samuel 12:14. Nathan says, “because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD.”
- Look at several different Bible versions of this verse to get a handle on it.
- How does the meaning of this phrase illustrate the effect of a believer’s sins on God’s name and how seriously do you think He takes this (Psalm 138:2)?
Sexual sin, including rape and incest (2 Samuel 13:14, 2 Samuel 16:22), Betrayal (2 Samuel 13:15-18, 2 Samuel 15:31), Family disunity ( 2 Samuel 13:22, 2 Samuel 14:28), Murder (2 Samuel 13:29), Manipulation (2 Samuel 15:3-6), Lies (2 Samuel 15:9-12), Political and social unrest (2 Samuel 15:13-14), Warfare (2 Samuel 18:6), Mass killing and death (2 Samuel 18:7-8) are actions that came to fruition in Chapters 15-18 all because of one man’s sinful choice.
- How does the reach of our sins extend beyond just ourselves?
- Have you ever witnessed or experienced this firsthand?
- How should this motivate us to walk daily in the Spirit to avoid the destruction that always follows sin (Galatians 5:16)?
2 Samuel 23:34 tells us that Ahithophel had a son named Eliam, and 2 Samuel 11:3 tells us that Bathsheba is the daughter of Eliam. This means Ahithophel is Bathsheba’s grandfather. (And we think skipping over the genealogies is no big deal…LOL!) David’s treatment of Ahithophel’s granddaughter gave root to and bred bitterness in Ahithophel.
- Read Ephesians 4:31–32 and Hebrews 12:15.
- What does God say about how to handle bitterness?
- True freedom comes from extending grace to others and forgiving others in the same way that God extends grace to us. Although easy to say, discuss the difficulty of living this out.
Notice and discuss how Ahithophel looks to inflict David with much of the same pain and suffering his family went through. For example:
- David commits adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3–5)… Ahithophel advised Absalom to sleep with David’s concubines (2 Samuel 16:20–22)
- David committing adultery with Bathsheba would have brought shame and dishonor to Ahithophel’s family (2 Samuel 11–12)… Ahithophel’s advice to Absalom brings shame and dishonor to David’s family. (2 Samuel 15–17).
- David conspires, betrays and kills Uriah (2 Samuel 11:6–27)… Ahithophel conspires, betrays and brings death to David’s family (2 Samuel 15:12– 2 Samuel 17).
As we think about the entire account of David, Absalom, and Ahithophel, sometimes good relationships go sideways, and a natural (and sinful) response is to share the situation with others in a way that ensures you are seen in the best light, and the other person in and unfavorable light. Absalom did just that, telling those with a grievance and seeking the king – “you are right, but unfortunately, the king isn’t listening…”! (2 Samuel 15:1–6).
- Read Romans 12:18–19.
- If you were Absalom, would you have been able to accept the inevitable (not becoming king), and reconcile with your father, King David? Why or Why not?
GROW
These questions are geared towards application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.
There are many verses in the Bible that tell us what actions to take in response to our sin. All echo the same instructions (Ezekiel 18:30, Ezekiel 14:6, Proverbs 28:13, Acts 3:19, Acts 26:20, to name a few).
- What are those instructions and why is obedience to God’s Word in this area so crucial?
This account from 2 Samuel reminds us that we shouldn’t fool ourselves into thinking that our sins will not have real life consequences. Although God always calls us to repentance and offers forgiveness, there may still be negative ramifications while here on earth because our sins bring differing consequences.
- Read Galatians 6:7. Have you ever dealt with the ramifications of your sin even after you repented and turned from it?
- Although the consequences of sin can be negative, how have you seen God use things for good?
In today’s text we see multiple people trying to take things into their own hands instead of submitting to and following God and His ways.
- What can we learn from this?
- Have you ever been tempted to take things into your own hands? What was the outcome of this?
As seen in today’s text, bitterness grows over time when we haven’t dealt properly with a situation.
- Has bitterness ever taken root in your life or in the life of someone you know?
- How does it affect actions and cause sin to flourish if not handled appropriately? Reference Hebrews 12:15 and Acts 8:23.
Discuss the following statement…
- When we deny forgiveness, we strengthen the root of bitterness in our lives.
GO
Take a next step and put your faith into action!
As you reflect on your life…
- Has bitterness toward someone taken root against anyone that you need to release to God?
- What would it look like for you to forgive the other person and extend grace, as God has shown you grace?
- Ask your life group to pray for your wisdom and healing in this area.
Read Ecclesiastes 12:14.
- How does this verse spur us on to righteous living?
Now read Deuteronomy 7:9. We know our salvation is certainly not dependent on our own actions, but God still wants our repentance and for us to turn from our sins.
- Based on this verse, what is the driving factor necessary to keep God’s commandments?
PRAYER
Pray for one another and bring your requests to God.
Small Group Prayer Requests: Take some time to gather prayer requests from the group. Have someone write these down to see how God moves and answers prayer.
Northwest Prayer Highlight: Please be in prayer for Lifewise Academy as God continues to allow them to expand and grow.