Sermon Tone Analysis

Text: 2 Samuel 17, Exodus 15

Introduction

opening Illustration - man asked what I think would happen if he jumped

in front of the Marta

Tonight we talk about Ahiboleth, his life, his heart, and his death.

It is a Portrait of Bitterness

There are 7 accounts of suicide in the Bible.

In each we learn something

about man.

When dealing with sin their is a common sequence.

(1) cause of sin

(2) consequence of sin

(3) the cure of sin

The road of bitterness leads to death.

Because it is the way of sin.

You may think you can take a short walk on it but unless something miraculous happens you never will get off that road.

I. Prescription for Bitterness

A. What is bitterness?

1. Bitterness: unresolved violation of your justice system (brings hurt

and anger)

2. It can manifest itself in a horizontal or vertical fashion.

a) Maybe problem isn't with God; but it is with my boss, my sibling, my parents, that divorce, that mean abusive family member, that former pastor.

b) Maybe you don't think your problem is God but you are mad at someone and you don’t know who.

Well that is most likely God.

3. It can come in big and seemingly noble ways (my dad) and in small and petty ways (like you and the lack of a handshake)

B. Opportunities are out, don't look for them.

1.

When you come to Bitter And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.

Exodus 15:23

2. Three days without water comes with the expectation of water, which comes with a look for water, then a look for someone to solve our water problem.

3.

You may not notice it as a root, but just wait.

Lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.

Hebrews 12:15

C. A decision is made in this moment that will lead you down a path.

1.

When the seed of offense lands in the soil of your heart, you can respond either Biblically or sinfully.

a. Unkind words

(1) Sticks and stones may break the bones...

(2) Many times the “insufficient” compliment hurts more than

the critic.

b.

Unexplained loss

(1) We are constantly doing inventory on life and deciding what we can and cannot live without.

(2) Story: Tyler realization “anyone can die at anytime” and no one except our God can stop this.

Unjust actions

(1) We thing we understand fairness but we know nothing of

justice.

(2) The Psalmist struggled with envy because they couldn't see

life from God’s perspective.

Unfilled expectations.

(1) Ever had a sick heart?

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.

Proverbs 13:12

(2) The number one cause of bitterness in marriages.

D. Simple, but powerful.

1. God told Moses to show him a tree.

And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, Exodus 15:25

a) This is the work of every counselor or friend when helping someone with bitterness.

b) This is the easiest thing to do but one of the hardest things to do when we are bitter.

(1) Why?

Because it takes root.

It has found a place in our lives.

(2) It has become part of our worldview and that is, without the

work of God, impossible to change.

The result here immediate and effective.

Exodus 15:25 which

when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet:

II.

Portrait of Bitterness

A. When the ‘unjustice” is not dealt with properly it will show back up with vengeance.

1.

David was very close to him.

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 41:9

2. Bathshebas grandfather.

a) Bathsheba is Eliam’s daughter And David sent and inquired after the woman.

And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 2 Samuel 11:3

b) Eliam is Ahithopel’s son. 2 Samuel 23:34

B. Bitter people can be found serving in ministry and be good at it.

was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

1.

He was an incredible counselor.

2 Samuel 16:23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

a) Sobering knowing he could do such a “good job” with a bitter heart.

b) Spoke the “oracles of God” and helped others.

2. Gave counsel to Absalom on two occassions.

a) Take concubines on the roof.

17:21

(1) Gave bad military counsel when David was weak.

(2) Motivated by a desire to humiliate David.

(3) Fulfilled prophecy of 2 Samuel 12 told by Nathan.

b) Divide up into groups and go get David.

(1) Good advice from a military perspective, but was ignored.

(2) Hushai appeals to Absalom’s ego and is listened to.

C. Bitter people find bitter people.

1. Absalom knew Ahiboleth would join him.

11 And with Absalom

went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel. 2 Samuel 15:11-12

D. Bitterness causes you to direct all your energy and decision to correct you unresolved violation of your justice system.

As an older man he wanted to lead an army and personally kill David himself.

His bitterness was showing.

When he realized he could not set things straight he took his own life.

And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.

2 Samuel 17:23