A Christ-less Gospel: Ahimaaz's Awful Answer for the King
- CONGREGATIONAL READING: 2 Samuel 18:1-33 *
I. INTRODUCTION FROM THE TEXT'S HISTORY
David's Kingdom in Disarray
- 1. David commits adultery, deceit, murder, 2 Sam 11
- 2. David confesses his sin, 2 Sam 12
- 3. David's sons conspire to molest & murder, 2 Sam 13
- 4. David's son comes home to Jerusalem, 2 Sam 14
- 5. David's son commits treason to seize the throne, 2 Sam 15
- 6. David's situation cursed by Shimei, 2 Sam 16
- 7. David's sinful counselor hangs himself, 2 Sam 17
Death of Absalom Brings Dismay
- 1. The cry of the king's people, 2 Sam 18:1-5
- 2. The cursed death of Absalom upon a tree, 2 Sam 18:6-18
- 3. The couriers sent to bring the king news, 2 Sam 18:19-33
--- a. sent message to the king (vv19-21)
--- b. swift messenger allowed to run (vv22-29)
--- c. sad mourning of the king (vv30-33)
II. INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS
Divine Application for Christ's High Way, 2 Sam 18:29
- 1. the failure of Ahimaaz's message
--- a. tumult was all he saw
--- b. truth was elusive to him
- 2. the foolishness of Ahimaaz's flesh
--- a. empty desire
--- b. enthusiastic futility
--- c. expedient vanity
- 3. the faithfulness of the Cushite's message, 2 Sam 18:31-33
--- a. personal encounter, Acts 4:11
--- b. powerful news, Gal 3:13
--- c. profound response, Zech 12:10