Battle For The Kingdom

How can love and justice exist together? Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we consider the answer from 2 Samuel 18–19.

Sermon Discussion

1. Why are love and justice often perceived to be at odds today? Which quality are you more prone to adopt?
2. What is one takeaway from the sermon and one question that you had after hearing the sermon?
3. Read 2 Samuel 17:14; 18:6–8. How are these verses in chapter 18 a “foregone conclusion”? What do they teach us about how God is at work today?
4. Read 2 Samuel 18:17–18; Joshua 7:22–26; 8:28–29. What connection is the biblical author making with the book of Joshua? What does this reveal to us about God’s perspective on Absalom? What can we learn from this about faithful living today?
5. Read 2 Samuel 18:18; Genesis 11:4. What is Absalom’s desire in building this monument? What is the end of those who seek to exalt themselves? Read Genesis 12:2; 2 Samuel 7:9; Philippians 2:9-11. In contrast, what are God’s plans for a “great name”?
6. Read 2 Samuel 18:33; 12:13. What is the heart behind David’s grief? How does an inability to forgive yourself reveal an unbelief in grace and the gospel?
7. What part of this text that you will apply to your life this week?