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Absalom Stole the Hearts - Pastor Stacey Shiflett

Writer's picture: Pastor ShiflettPastor Shiflett

Absalom Stole the Hearts

2 Samuel 15:1-16

 

Intro: It seems like it is a full-time job today for people to keep their hearts where it ought to be.

Our hearts is one of Satan’s number one target; that and our mind.

The devil is working overtime to steal the hearts of God’s people away from their King.

Absalom succeeded in stealing the hearts of the whole nation. SEE verse 6 “TO ALL ISRAEL.”

Keep in mind several things about David:

A. He was Picked by God –anointed twice: 1 Samuel in 2 Samuel 5:3

B. He was Preserved by God – Goliath, see also chapter 8:13, 14

C. He was Passionate about God – 2 Samuel 7:1-3; a man of vision and passion for God

 

Bottom line: David was a man after God’s own heart.

The question begs, how can a kingdom so quickly forget their king and allow their hearts to be stolen?

 

Absalom was a Renegade; a Rebel; a Reproach.

Yet, he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. How did he do it?

The same way that Satan steals the hearts of God’s people away from their King!

 

I. He Impressed Them – vs. 1

 

Absalom made an impressive entrance.

Everywhere he went, it was a grand, theatrical show of power and wealth.

It was designed to make him look far more important than he really was.

It was designed to cause others to look at him and want what he had.

The world spends billions of dollars trying to impress God’s people.

They will stop at nothing to make you and I feel like we have been deprived and left out.

 

NOTE: This has always been Satan’s tactic.

·        Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

 

·        James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

 

Satan tried that with Jesus in Matthew 4:

·        8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

·        9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

 

II. He Intercepted Them – vs. 2

·        2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

 

BEWARE! Satan can steal your heart WHILE you are trying to do the right thing!

When they had a controversy, he intercepted them as they were going to the right person.

These men were going to the right place.

They were doing the right thing.

BUT!  You’d better be careful!!

·        He will come after you when you are on your way to church.

·        He will come after you when you are on your way to read your Bible.

·        He will come after you when you are on your way to pray.

·        He will come after you when you are in a Christian School.

·        He will come after you when you are in Bible College!

 

How much more can he intercept you if you are not even trying to do the right thing?

NOTE: Absalom got up early!!

No matter how sincere you are, how committed you are, how intent you are, Satan is even more so!

 

NOTE: Absalom “stood beside the way of the gate.”

This is important!!

He cannot stop you from getting to the King!

You can walk by him.

You can choose to ignore him.

He cannot block

 

III. He Indoctrinated Them – vs. 3

 

A. With Flattering Attention

·        2 Samuel 15:3a And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right;

 

There’s nothing that will turn a man’s heart any more than being told he’s right.

He is coming to the king with a controversy, and before the story has been told, his position is confirmed.

The Bible says that men will be turned away from the truth HAVING ITCHING EARS.

Satan will always have someone tell you what you WANT to hear rather than what you NEED to hear.

 

B. With False Accusations

·        2 Samuel 15:3b …but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.

Are you telling me that there were no judges in the land?

There was no one to go to for justice when there was a controversy?

One of the biggest lies of Satan is that there is NO ONE to hear thee, but him.

Nobody cares about you.

Nobody is concerned about you.

Why do you think the suicides rates are sky high?

People are hopeless.

 

C. With False Assertions

·        4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

 

The Devil is a liar. He will make promises that he never intends to keep.

Remember: Absalom wasn’t interested in helping people; he was only intent on hurting David.

Remember the conversation between Satan and God in Job 1?

You are just a pawn on the chess board for Satan.

He will tell you anything to pit you against God.

 

D. With Fleshly Appeal

·        2 Samuel 15:5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

 

He always garnishes his lies with seduction, fleshly appeal and that usually seals the deal!

 

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