The Man Who Would Not Forgive

Notice four things about Ahithophel’s life and his unforgiving spirit...

1. His GREATNESS (16:23)

A. He was great because of his position.

1 Chronicles 27:33

Psalm 41:9

Psalm 55:12-14

B. He was great because of his posterity.

Son: Eliam (one of David’s mighty men)

Granddaughter: Bathsheba (future queen)

The lesson we learn: You are never so spiritual or so godly that you are immune to an unforgiving spirit.

2. His GRIEF (Various)

What caused him grief?

A. Seduction: David seduced Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11:2-5)

B. Murder: David had Uriah killed (2 Sam. 11:14-17)

C. Cover Up: David married Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11:27)

The lesson we learn: A deep hurt will not destroy us, but how we handle it will.

Matthew 5:12

3. His GUILT (Various)

A. He left his place of service (2 Sam. 15:12)

B. He disregarded David’s repentance (2 Sam. 12:13; Ps. 51:3-4)

C. He joined the Absalom conspiracy (2 Sam. 15:31)

D. He gave vengeful counsel (2 Sam. 16:22; 17:1-4)

The lesson we learn: While we might be the victim of someone else’s sin, our reaction can also make us become the assailant.

4. His GRAVE (17:23)

A. His defeat commenced when he refused to forgive even when God did.

B. His defeat continued as he sought revenge.

Romans 12:19

C. His defeat consummated when his counsel was rejected.

2 Sam. 17:5-7, 14, 23

The lesson we learn: Possessing an unforgiving spirit can lead to a disastrous consequences.

What should our reaction be?

Ephesians 4:32

Romans 12:19