BURNING AMBITION

1. "THEN ABSALOM SENT SPIES THROUGHOUT ALL THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, 'Absalom reigns in Hebron!' "
2. And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem, AND THEY WENT ALONG INNOCENTLY AND DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING."
   2 Samuel 15:10,11 (NKJV)

• Ambition could be all right if it were in line with God's plan for your life.
A DICTIONARY defines ambition THUS: Something you want to do or achieve very much. Also, the desire or determination to be successful, rich, powerful, etc.
YOU should be careful and wary of whoever may want to sentimentalize what such is presenting to you in order to get your support.

• The two hundred men WHOM overambitious Absalom took along with him as guests did not know the intention of Absalom, but they took the steps anyway, sheepishly (2 Samuel 15:11).

"MY SON, IF SINNERS ENTICE YOU, DO NOT CONSENT.
If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without a cause."
Proverbs 1:10,11 NKJV)

ABSALOM plotted to topple his father's government, he took some people with him who were not aware of his intentions.
HE planned all he wanted to do and carried it out by using the people with innocent HEARTS.
HE deceived those who came to his father for justice, and stole their hearts (2 Samuel 15:1-6).

• Whatever cause you wanted to support or give your time, should be properly understood, that you may not give support to what will cost you your life.

1. "DO NOT ENTER THE PATH OF THE WICKED, AND DO NOT WALK IN THE WAY OF EVIL.
2. Avoid it, do not travel on it;
   Turn away from it and pass on."
   Proverbs 4:14,15 (NKJV)

• Absalom's plans

• Absalom had the plan to make Himself the king in the place of his father (2 Samuel 15:1-12).
  HE also had a wicked heart, a vengeful heart, killed Amnon in revenge of what Amnon did to his sister, Tamar (2 Samuel 13:28-33).
  HE also destroy Joab's farm in order to get his, Joab's, ATTENTION (2 Samuel 14:28-32).

• Pray to know the mind of whoever you want to give your support in any cause.

• Do not be part of the conspiracy against God's ANOINTED servants.
  IF you get yourself involved in any conspiracy against the servant of God, you will be part of the curse that follows the conspiracy: "THE CURSE OF THE LORD IS ON THE HOUSE OF THE WICKED, But He blesses the home of the just" (Proverbs 3:33).
• In every assembly of people, there are always those who will be rebellious against the leadership or authority—those who want power, position, and fame.
  EVERY leader should be watchful and sensitive in his or her assignment.
  WHEN you sensed or perceived a sign of rebellion in any person, pray and let God deal with the person in order to stop the move—nip in the Bud.
• Ministry Leadership is not about title or position, its about having the eyes of an eagle to see farther, and being sensitive; having ability to be discerning, and having a good administrative skill.
  A LEADER should be watchful and prayerful!

• Why did David experience what he did experience from his own biological son?

• David spoiled his children, He does not reproof or REBUKE when they had done something wrong.

1. "Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king”; and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
2. (AND HIS FATHER [David] HAD NOT REBUKED HIM AT ANY TIME BY SAYING, “WHY HAVE YOU DONE SO?” He was also very good-looking. His mother had borne him after Absalom.)
   1 Kings 1:5,6 (NKJV)

• David was a success as the King of the whole Nation of Israel, but he failed as a father at home.
  WHAT Absalom did wrongly, Adonijah repeated it, YET the Man who is the head of the family, David, did not say anything about it.
• Headship at home is a grave responsibility which you have to work at—it is NOT by mouth, it is by being firm and taken necessary actions when needed (1 Timothy 3:4,5).
• A father is the leader or Head of the family, you are to mentor your children.
  DAVID'S leadership at home is WEAK, he did allow his children to do whatever they wanted without rebuking or scolding them: "HE WHO SPARES HIS ROD HATES HIS SON, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly" (Proverbs 13:24).
  A FATHER must be firm on biblical principles at home.
  YOU would need to put your foot down on certain issues, for your home to be what God intended it to be.

• In being a part of any move or cause, you have a responsibility for every decision or choice you make.
IF you decided TO join a Rebellious person, conspired against God's ordained AUTHORITY, you will suffer for it.

1. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.
2. FOR PEOPLE LIKE THAT HAVE TURNED AWAY FROM THE TRUTH, AND THEIR OWN SINS CONDEMN THEM."
   Titus 3:10,11 (NLT)

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.
Peace!