LETTING GO OF PERSONAL AMBITION FOR GOD’S AGENDA
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Samuel 3:1-39
Supporting Texts: James 3:14-17, Philippians 2:3-8, Proverbs 16:2, Psalm 75:6-7, Romans 12:10
INTRODUCTION:
Ambition in itself is not evil. However, when personal ambition is allowed to override God's agenda, it leads to division, betrayal, and destruction. In 2 Samuel 3, we witness a turning point in the conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. Although David was walking in God’s will, others around him, particularly Abner and Joab, were driven by pride, rivalry, and political interest.
This chapter reveals the inner workings of human motives, and how God’s sovereign plan often unfolds despite people’s manipulation. Abner, once a strong supporter of Saul's dynasty, switches sides for personal advantage. Joab, David’s commander, seeks revenge in the name of justice but acts out of selfish rage. Through it all, David models restraint, submission, and a refusal to allow selfish ambition to shape his leadership.
In ministry, leadership, and life, we must be careful not to confuse personal ambition with divine assignment. God's purpose must take precedence over pride, revenge, or opportunism. When we let go of our own agenda and submit to God's, He brings His will to pass in ways that glorify Him and preserve our testimony.
1. GOD’S AGENDA ADVANCES DESPITE HUMAN AMBITION
While men were manoeuvring for power, God was establishing His chosen king.
a) There was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David (2 Samuel 3:1)
Yet David grew stronger, not because of political tactics, but because of God’s favour.
b) Abner switched allegiance to David out of personal offense (2 Samuel 3:6-10)
Though his move aligned with God’s plan, his motive was rooted in pride, not revelation.
c) God can use flawed human decisions to serve His divine purpose
Even when people act out of ambition, God's sovereignty prevails.
d) Our job is not to manipulate outcomes, but to stay aligned with God’s timing and truth
Let God do the lifting; don't force open the door.
Biblical Example: Joseph’s brothers acted out of envy, but God used it for preservation (Genesis 50:20).
2. PERSONAL OFFENSE SHOULD NEVER DRIVE SPIRITUAL DECISIONS
Abner felt insulted and used it as a reason to realign—but the motive was impure.
a) Ishbosheth’s rebuke over Abner’s relationship with Saul’s concubine triggered division (2 Samuel 3:7-8)
A moral confrontation exposed the root of rebellion.
b) Pride turns correction into betrayal when the heart is not submitted
Abner’s loyalty was shallow—his ambition deeper than his commitment.
c) True alignment to God’s will must be born out of revelation, not retaliation
Otherwise, the fruit will eventually turn corrupt.
d) Offense clouds discernment and leads to unwise decisions
We must guard our hearts when hurt, lest we shift away from divine purpose.
Biblical Example: King Uzziah became proud after his success and lost favour with God (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).
3. LEADERSHIP MUST REFUSE TO BE CONTROLLED BY VENGEANCE
Joab’s response to Abner was driven by bitterness, not justice.
a) Joab secretly murdered Abner in revenge for his brother’s death (2 Samuel 3:27)
Though Abner had changed allegiance, Joab’s bitterness blinded him to progress.
b) Vengeance corrupts leadership and undermines God's process
Joab’s action could have derailed the fragile peace being formed.
c) David publicly dissociated himself from Joab’s act and pronounced a curse (2 Samuel 3:28-29)
He showed spiritual maturity by separating himself from bloodshed and self-will.
d) Great leaders do not protect wrong actions for the sake of loyalty or politics
They uphold righteousness above all else.
Biblical Example: Jesus rebuked Peter for drawing a sword against the soldier, choosing submission to God’s will (John 18:10-11).
4. EVEN IN TRANSITION, CHARACTER MATTERS MORE THAN POSITION
God was transitioning David, but his actions still needed to reflect integrity.
a) David honoured Abner with a proper burial despite Joab’s actions (2 Samuel 3:31-32)
He mourned with sincerity and led the people in grief.
b) David’s response won the hearts of the people (2 Samuel 3:36)
They saw that he was not driven by politics, but by righteousness.
c) Influence gained through character is deeper and more enduring than position gained through ambition
God entrusts more to the pure in heart.
d) David's leadership in this moment was spiritual, not just administrative
He handled conflict, betrayal, and pain with discernment and grace.
Biblical Example: Daniel maintained excellent character even in the palace of pagan kings (Daniel 6:3-5).
5. SPIRITUAL LEADERS MUST CHOOSE GOD’S WAY OVER PERSONAL ADVANTAGE
Every opportunity must be filtered through the lens of God’s will.
a) David could have endorsed Abner’s manipulation and Joab’s vengeance—but he didn’t
He remained above the schemes, proving he was ready for the throne.
b) Not every opportunity is from God—some are traps to test your heart
Discernment is key in leadership transitions.
c) We must surrender our ambition and embrace God's timing, even when tempted to rush ahead
True leadership is found in restraint, not control.
d) Let the cross kill your pride before the crown is placed on your head
Only the broken can be trusted with power.
Biblical Example: Jesus humbled Himself even to the point of death before God exalted Him (Philippians 2:5-11).
CONCLUSION:
2 Samuel 3 is a powerful reminder that God’s plan cannot be fulfilled by carnal ambition. We must surrender our personal motives and desires for influence or revenge, and allow God’s timing to bring His will to pass. David succeeded not by force, but by character and spiritual alignment.
In a generation where ambition is often disguised as vision, may we walk the narrow path of humility, patience, and total submission to God's agenda. Let us lead by example, love without bias, and allow God to lift us in His way and time.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from every selfish ambition that opposes Your will.
2. Father, help me to discern and reject opportunities that are not from You.
3. Grant me the grace to respond to correction with humility, not offence.
4. Lord, purge my heart from vengeance and pride—let love lead me.
5. Father, form in me the character needed to fulfil my divine assignment with integrity.
