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