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II SAMUEL 17:23

"SETTING YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER"


Intro: Ahithophel one of David's counselors, so wise and sharp like
       consulting oracle.

I. SET HIS HOUSEHOLD IN ORDER AND HANGED HIMSELF.
        A. A man can be so wise in some fields yet a fool in others.
        B. Men devoted themselves to understanding the secrets of the
           Universe.
                1. Some have built telescopes, launched rockets, studied
                   vast  immensity of space.
                2. Others developed microscope, examined mystery of cell.
                3. Others still delved where neither telescope or
                   microscope could  go; devised theory of atomic
                   structure and proved theory.
                4. Each man when pursuing his field, comes to that place
                   when he  seeks the ultimate answer to the secrets
                   either bows his head and  worships God or avows
                   ignorance.
                        a. Becoming conscious of the Universe in which you
                           live; how  can you explain it without God?
                        b. You say "well, you start with a cell."
                5. Men have become so wise in the fields of science. yet
                   many of  these same men totally ignorant concerning
                   own spirit.
                        a. Sought to explore and conquer space when within
                           their  own being a vast unexplored and
                           unconquered area.
        C. Men today seeking to order their homes.
                1. They desire to provide their families security.
                        a. Security by insurance policies.
                        b. Seek most gainful employment to provide better
                           things... proper food , proper shelter...proper
                           clothes. Spirits are  starved, dwelling naked
                           in the wilderness or vacuum.
                        c. We take such pains to care for body
                           comforts - but totally  neglect spirit. "Damn
                           my parents."

II. "SET HIS HOUSEHOLD IN ORDER AND HANGED HIMSELF."
        Strange paradoxes  of homo sapiens.
        A. Men very diligent on their jobs.
                1. Would not think of stealing from employer yet they
                   steal from God.
                2. They listen ever so intently during briefing sessions
                   yet fall asleep  when eternal vereties are being
                   proclaimed.
                3. Meticulous in their savings program yet laid up
                   nothing for eternity.

III. SET HIS HOUSEHOLD IN ORDER AND HANGED HIMSELF.
        Folly of purely human reason.
        A. Cast lot with Absolom human reasoning.
                1. Did not reckon with God's will for David.
        B. He saw great mistake in going with Absolom.
                1. Determined only one way out; suicide.
                2. Did not reckon with God's grace.