Ii Samuel 17:23
The sermon teaches the dangers of pride and the importance of seeking God's counsel, using the story of Ahithophel as an example.
Chuck Smith discusses the tragic story of Ahithophel, a once-trusted advisor to King David who became a poor loser after aligning himself with Absalom. Despite his wisdom, Ahithophel's pride led him to make foolish decisions, ultimately resulting in his suicide when he realized the folly of his actions. Smith emphasizes that true wisdom is not just about knowledge but also about humility and recognizing one's mistakes. He warns against the dangers of pride and the misconception that material possessions can fulfill our family's needs. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Jesus Christ is the only true escape from despair.
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"A POOR LOSER"
Intro: Absolom the son of David had stolen the hearts of the people and
rebelled against his father who as the result fled from Jerusalem.
I. AHITHOPHEL THE COUNSELOR.
A. During the time of David's reign a trusted friend and advisor.
1. He had keen insight of human behavior.
a. He knew what actions to take to provoke
desired responses.
B. His counsel was as a oracle of God.
1. His wisdom seemed almost divine.
2. As though God was speaking His wisdom through him.
II. AHITHOPHEL THE OPPORTUNIST.
A. He had been a friend and advisor to David.
1. Psalm 55:12-14 David's reference to Ahithophel.
B. He saw the popular movement toward Absolom.
1. He decided to go with a winner.
2. He dumped David to ride on a rising star.
a. Nothing like a little trouble to help you
find out who your true friends are.
b. Many are inseparable companions in good times.
1. Let adversity arise and they are as
difficult to find as an igloo in
July.
Ill. HIS REJECTED COUNSEL TO ABSOLOM.
A. He desired to be commissioned to take 12,000 men and pursue
David immediately.
1. He proposed to kill only David and bring his
followers back in allegiance to Absolom.
2. His advice was wise and would probably have worked.
B. The conflicting advise of Hushai, David's friend.
1. He appealed to Absolom's pride, suggesting that he wait
and first gather all Israel and personally lead the
army against his father.
2. Absolom intoxicated by his own ego could picture
himself at the fore of a victorious army and chose
Hushai's advise over Absolom's.
3. This gave David what he needed most, time to group his
forces and establish defense positions.
IV. AHITHOPHEL THE POOR LOSER (vs. 23..
A. Though he was a wise man, he did dumb things.
1. His counsel was highly prized.
2. Even before suicide, "he set his house in order."
B. His suicide prompted by one of two reasons:
1. His own pride.
2. The discovery of his own folly.
a. He saw that he made a mistake in following
Absolom.
b. He could foresee Absolom's defeat by David.
V. AHITHOPHEL THE FOOL.
A. Thinking that he was adequately taking care of his family by
setting his house in order.
1. He actually denied them one of their greatest needs.
2. Any man is a fool who thinks that all his family needs
is material possessions.
B. By allowing his pride to destroy him.
1. A man is a fool when he allows his pride to lead him
into foolish decisions.
a. How many kept from Christ just because of
stupid pride.
C. By thinking suicide is an escape.
1. Suicide is one of the most selfish acts in the world.
2. A person thinking only of themselves.
3. Jesus Christ is the only true escape.
Sermon Outline
- I. Ahithophel the Counselor
- A. His counsel was as an oracle of God
- B. He had keen insight of human behavior
- II. Ahithophel the Opportunist
- A. He saw the popular movement toward Absolom
- B. He decided to go with a winner
- III. His Rejected Counsel to Absalom
- A. He proposed to kill only David and bring his followers back
- B. Absalom chose conflicting advise of Hushai
- IV. Ahithophel the Poor Loser
- A. He did dumb things despite being a wise man
- B. His suicide was prompted by pride or discovery of folly
- V. Ahithophel the Fool
- A. He denied his family's greatest needs
- B. He allowed his pride to destroy him
- C. He thought suicide was an escape
Key Quotes
“Nothing like a little trouble to help you find out who your true friends are.” — Chuck Smith
“Suicide is one of the most selfish acts in the world.” — Chuck Smith
“A person thinking only of themselves.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should seek God's counsel in all our decisions, rather than relying on our own wisdom or pride.
- Pride can lead us to make foolish decisions, and we should be aware of its dangers.
- True friends will stand by us in times of trouble, but we should not rely on them for our salvation or happiness.