How do we reclaim faith in exile?

-Lament [not distance or despair]

-Surrender [not control]

-Courageous action [not inaction]

-Dependence [not self-reliance]

1. Sin impacts us and everything around us

2. The problem of sin starts with us (the sickness is myself) 

3. God can free us from sin and bring healing

-13:1-19 Amnon, filled with lust, takes and rapes his half-sister Tamar, then discards her.

-13:20-29 Absalom and David hear of Amnon’s sin against Tamar; Absalom kills Amnon

-13:30-38 David grieves, Absalom flees

-14:1-24 Joab devises a plan to get Absalom back to Jerusalem

-14:25-33 Absalom arranges reunion with David

Surrendering a broken heart

1. We must recognize our helplessness.

2. We must ask God for help.

3. God transforms his people through relationship with Him.

4. Right relationship with God strengthens our community.

5. God delights in our sacrifices when they flow from right relationship with Him.