God Does Not Reward Treachery Series

GOD DOES NOT REWARD TREACHERY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Samuel 4:1-12

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 20:22, Romans 12:19, Psalm 101:7, Matthew 5:8, Galatians 6:7

INTRODUCTION:

Treachery may appear as a shortcut to favour or advancement in the eyes of men, but it is despised by God. In 2 Samuel 4, we see the tragic end of two men—Rechab and Baanah—who assumed that killing Ishbosheth would earn them honour from David. Their action was politically convenient but spiritually corrupt.

Instead of rejoicing over their deed, David condemned their act as wicked and had them executed. He understood that the kingdom of God cannot be built on treachery, murder, or self-promotion. God's principles are higher than political schemes, and righteousness must always guide our conduct.

This chapter teaches us that how we rise is just as important as why we rise. God's favour cannot be manipulated. He sees the heart, and He rewards those who walk in integrity, not in cunning. Treachery may open a door in the eyes of men, but it shuts the heavens against a person.

1. GOD SEES BEYOND RESULTS—HE WEIGHS MOTIVES

Not all “good news” is pleasing to God when it comes through evil means.

a) Rechab and Baanah thought they were helping David by killing Ishbosheth (2 Samuel 4:5–8)

They saw it as a political favour, not a moral failure.

b) God does not approve of shortcuts, even if they seem to support His plan

We must not do evil that good may come (Romans 3:8).

c) Motive matters in divine judgement—God evaluates the heart behind the action

Rechab and Baanah acted out of ambition, not righteousness.

d) Even in spiritual things, we must check our motives constantly

Only pure hearts will see God’s approval.

Biblical Example: Cain brought an offering, but God rejected it because of his heart (Genesis 4:3-7).

2. NEVER HELP GOD BY DISOBEYING HIS WAYS

God’s plans must be fulfilled by His methods, not by human manipulation.

a) Rechab and Baanah assumed they were fulfilling prophecy by removing Saul’s lineage

They used their hands to do what only God should have done.

b) God does not need our help through carnal means—He needs our obedience

The end does not justify the means in the kingdom of God.

c) When we try to force divine timing through fleshly action, we delay ourselves

David refused to kill Saul earlier, even when it was convenient (1 Samuel 24:6).

d) God will never violate His nature to accomplish His purpose

He is as much concerned about the process as the outcome.

Biblical Example: Uzzah touched the ark to steady it, but was struck dead (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

3. INTEGRITY MUST OUTWEIGH OPPORTUNITY

Opportunities must never override godly principles.

a) David did not let the political opportunity blind his sense of justice (2 Samuel 4:9-11)

He remembered that God is the righteous Judge.

b) Integrity means standing for righteousness even when it's unpopular or costly

David upheld the sanctity of life and refused to reward evil.

c) When leadership condones treachery, it sends a corrupt message to others

David’s reaction set a moral tone for his reign.

d) God promotes leaders who build with clean hands and upright hearts

Compromise at the foundation leads to collapse later.

Biblical Example: Joseph refused to lie with Potiphar's wife, choosing integrity over promotion (Genesis 39:8-12).

4. REVENGE IS A TRAP THAT DISQUALIFIES DESTINIES

Rechab and Baanah were sons of Rimmon, not sons of righteousness.

a) They took justice into their own hands—something David never did

They killed a man lying helpless on his bed (2 Samuel 4:7).

b) Revenge gives birth to more bloodshed and never pleases God

It is God's prerogative to avenge, not man’s (Romans 12:19).

c) Kingdom people do not take pleasure in the downfall of others

David mourned Saul’s death and now punished Ishbosheth’s murderers.

d) Beware of becoming instruments of judgment when God hasn’t sent you

Many lose favour by avenging themselves rather than trusting God.

Biblical Example: Moses missed the Promised Land because he acted in anger instead of obedience (Numbers 20:10-12).

5. GOD WILL JUDGE THE WORK OF EVERY MAN’S HAND

No act—good or evil—escapes the eyes of God.

a) David ordered the execution of Rechab and Baanah for their crime (2 Samuel 4:12)

He did not excuse evil under the banner of help.

b) God’s justice is impartial—He repays every man according to his deeds

There is a divine record of every secret work.

c) If we truly fear God, we will not engage in treachery, gossip, or sabotage

Your actions may impress men but can provoke divine judgement.

d) Every destiny must be built with purity, honesty, and reverence for God

Promotion without righteousness is a dangerous thing.

Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira were judged for deceit, though their gift was generous (Acts 5:1-10).