Weekly Discussion Guide

Pastor Matt talked about the dangers of allowing ungodly ambition to push us toward our goals. We may still succeed, but might end up losing everything in the process.

MY STORY
When have you wanted something so badly that it didn’t matter how you got it as long as you did? Did you get it? What was the cost? Talk about what happened.

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
Absalom would say, “Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.” And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. (2 Samuel 15:4-6)

What motivated Absalom to be king? How did he go about grabbing that power from his father?

How did David drop the ball when it came to responding to Absalom? How can a person’s upbringing make them more or less susceptible to being driven by unhealthy ambition?

How do politicians steal the hearts of people today? Have you ever regrettably been the victim of this type of theft—from anyone?

Again, the devil took [Jesus] to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Matthew 4:8-11)

Who was Absalom focused on when faced with the possibility of usurping his Dad’s authority? Who was Jesus focused on when Satan tried to tempt him? What were the outcomes in both situations?

What can happen when unhealthy ambition takes a front seat in our lives, and starts driving our decisions? What is the usual impact of this on our relationships, especially with those who are close to us?

Who took care of Jesus when he resisted Satan? What conclusions can you draw from this of what happens to us when we the temptation to let ambition take the wheel?

What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and above questions, what “takeaways” do you think God has revealed to you?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
In your life right now, do you relate more to Jesus or Absalom in regard to your ambitions? What is the primary motivation behind everything you do?

Where should we turn to when making decisions, when being tempted, or when life situations seem murky? How can you know if what you’re doing is for the right reasons?

What does God want us to do? Flowing out of reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, call you to?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Prayerfully ask God to show you what parts of your life are led by unhealthy ambitions. Where do you need to refocus and surrender to God?

Every choice you make this week, ask yourself: “How does this bring Glory to God, or am I seeking that glory, security, power, or status for myself? You can start by doing its few times a day and then more often until it becomes a habit.

What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?