Lifegroup Discussion Guide

The Making of a Rebel

Ps John Lindell

Scripture

1 Samuel 15:23a
Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft

2 Samuel 14:24a
But the king gave this order (concerning his son): “Absalom may go to his own house, but he must never come into my presence.”

2 Samuel 15:6
Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.

Read the full passage in 2 Samuel 13:13-15:12

Main Idea

Although tragic, the story of Absalom provides wisdom to help us avoid the sin of rebellion. Whether becoming a rebel ourselves or contributing to someone else becoming rebellious, this passage shows how it begins, takes root and grows, enabling us to benefit from the warning.

1. Rebellion Begins with a Passive/Indulgent Parent

If you are passive in not confronting sin, you will be passive in not developing your children’s walk with God.

Where might guilt, busyness, or fear keep you from setting clear, loving boundaries in your home or leadership?

2. Rebellion Takes Root & Grows

Rules without relationship create anger that festers and isolation increases.

How can you increase meaningful, consistent time with those you lead (family, friends, team) so isolation doesn’t open the door to rebellion?

3. Rebellion is Obsessed with Outward Image & Control

People will often use spiritual language – ‘God told me’ – to twist truth and manipulate situations to get what they want.

Where do you see the temptation to become more focused on appearance and/or seize control instead of trusting God’s timing, authority, and ways?

Call To Action

Reflect:

This sermon shows that rebellion develops through various influences. As you look over the points of the message, which of them are most important for you to consider personally?

Respond:

Colossians 3:17a says: “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.” Take a few minutes in prayer this week, pledging to put God first in any area of your life that passivity, indulgence, isolation, anger, image or control have led you away from honoring him in your words or actions.

Remember:

One person, fully devoted to God, can change a story’s outcome from a tragedy to a triumph. Ask the Lord to help you make that kind of difference wherever you go.

Care Form

If someone in your group needs care,

We want to be there for them. The James River Care team is designed to walk alongside people in every season – to celebrate life’s best moment and offer support through the challenging ones. We want to be there for the following life events:

Marriage
Births
Hospitalization and deaths
Questions or concerns.

Please submit a request at: jamesriver.church/care-form

Additional Leader Resources

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