"THE POWER STRUGGLE"

Picture a pizza party where everyone has their own favorite toppings. One friend insists on anchovies, while another can’t stand them. Instead of bickering over the perfect combination, they decide to create a ‘unity pizza’ with half topped with anchovies and the other half with pepperoni. In the end, they all enjoy a slice and learn to appreciate each other’s tastes. This is how unity works; it brings out the best in us, even if we are different!

Proposition - Christ calls believers to seek unity in the face of conflict, instructing us how to navigate conflicts and power struggles through love and reconciliation.

Interrogative Question - How can you actively seek to resolve conflicts in your friendships instead of letting them escalate?

1. Continual Power Struggles -

2 Samuel 3:1–5 NASB95

1 Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually. 2 Sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3 and his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; 4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5 and the sixth, Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These were born to David at Hebron.

Logos AI - You could focus on the prolonged conflict between Saul’s house and David, emphasizing how persistent division caused unnecessary strife. By illustrating this struggle, you can suggest to teens the importance of addressing conflicts early before they escalate, mirroring Christ’s message of reconciliation and love over division.

2. Continual Conflict -

2 Samuel 3:6–11 NASB95

6 It came about while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul. 7 Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?” 8 Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hands of David; and yet today you charge me with a guilt concerning the woman. 9 “May God do so to Abner, and more also, if as the Lord has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him, 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.” 11 And he could no longer answer Abner a word, because he was afraid of him.

Logos AI - Perhaps emphasize Abner’s shift in allegiance as a pivotal moment in the narrative, representing betrayal's role in worsening conflict. This can serve as a lesson about the destructive power of changing loyalties. Encourage teens to seek integrity in their relationships, reflecting the steadfastness of Christ’s love and commitment to His people.

3. Continual Pursuit of Peace -

2 Samuel 3:12–21 NASB95

12 Then Abner sent messengers to David in his place, saying, “Whose is the land? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” 13 He said, “Good! I will make a covenant with you, but I demand one thing of you, namely, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see me.” 14 So David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, to whom I was betrothed for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.” 15 Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband, from Paltiel the son of Laish. 16 But her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” So he returned. 17 Now Abner had consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you. 18 “Now then, do it! For the Lord has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’ ” 19 Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin; and in addition Abner went to speak in the hearing of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin. 20 Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. 21 Abner said to David, “Let me arise and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

Logos AI - Maybe examine David’s attempt to unify the tribes through Abner’s allegiance, showcasing the power of reconciliation. Encourage teens to take active steps toward peacemaking in their circles. As David sought unity, so can they seek harmony and shared goals, inspired by Christ’s example as the Prince of Peace.

4. Continual Contention -

2 Samuel 3:22–30 NASB95

22 And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought much spoil with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. 23 When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they told Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.” 24 Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why then have you sent him away and he is already gone? 25 “You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive you and to learn of your going out and coming in and to find out all that you are doing.” 26 When Joab came out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know it. 27 So when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the belly so that he died on account of the blood of Asahel his brother. 28 Afterward when David heard it, he said, “I and my kingdom are innocent before the Lord forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29 “May it fall on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; and may there not fail from the house of Joab one who has a discharge, or who is a leper, or who takes hold of a distaff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.” 30 So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon.

Logos AI - Consider reflecting on Joab’s vengeful actions towards Abner as a warning against letting anger dictate actions, which can cause lasting damage. Suggest that teens look to Christ’s forgiveness as a model for overcoming betrayal and controlling destructive emotions, promoting healing and restoration in their relationships.

5. Continual Pursuit for Unity -

2 Samuel 3:31–39 NASB95

31 Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and gird on sackcloth and lament before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier. 32 Thus they buried Abner in Hebron; and the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept. 33 The king chanted a lament for Abner and said, “Should Abner die as a fool dies? 34 “Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters; As one falls before the wicked, you have fallen.” And all the people wept again over him. 35 Then all the people came to persuade David to eat bread while it was still day; but David vowed, saying, “May God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun goes down.” 36 Now all the people took note of it, and it pleased them, just as everything the king did pleased all the people. 37 So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the will of the king to put Abner the son of Ner to death. 38 Then the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? 39 “I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah are too difficult for me. May the Lord repay the evildoer according to his evil.”

Logos AI - Focus on David’s public mourning for Abner as a demonstration of valuing unity and justice, even after betrayal. Maybe suggest this as a model for how teens can respect others and seek justice. Highlight that Christ's kingdom is about values that transcend personal conflicts, guiding them to a life of love and peacemaking.

SO WHAT?

The question is how do we reach unity?

It is through love, and reconciliation -

Ephesians 4:1–3 NASB95

1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

In what ways can you demonstrate love and patience in your friendships to maintain unity?

How can you use the example of the ‘unity pizza’ to encourage others to appreciate differences within your friend group?

What steps can you take to actively seek reconciliation when conflicts arise among your friends?

How might you respond to situations where you feel betrayed, following David’s example of mourning rather than seeking revenge?

What does it mean to walk in a manner worthy of your calling when you face disagreements in your relationships?

Can you think of a time when a power struggle occurred in your friendships? How did it affect your group dynamics?

In what practical ways can you promote peace and unity in your friend circles after experiencing conflict?

How would you apply the message of reconciliation from your sermon in your school environment?

What can you learn from David's public mourning for Abner that can help you in addressing difficult situations with friends?

Reflecting on the story, what personal changes could you make in order to ensure you contribute positively to group harmony?