The Invisible War

Deliverance Boot Camp

Introduction• The REASON why there are so many DIFFERENT

MINISTRIES, and so many DIVISIONS of MINISTRY, is because of the OPPOSITIONAL RELIGIOUS SPIRITS which INFLUENCE personalities and foster INSUBORDINATION in the Body of Christ. Distorting the true intent of the Church, these SPIRITS cause people to ignore the UNITY of the BODY of CHRIST seeking their own ministry, doing it their own way (Ephesians 4:1-16). When someone does this, it CROSSES the LINES of the Word of God and BRINGS a CURSE on their own authority (1 Peter 2:13-17; Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 5:21). Remember that DEMONS of any kind OPERATE on WEAKNESSES and IMMATURITIES. This is why we must BE STRONG in the LORD and GROW up in GRACE and the KNOWLEDGE of the LORD JESUS Christ (Ephesians 6:10; 2 Peter 3:18).

Introduction• Like the JEZEBEL SPIRIT, the ABSALOM SPIRIT

is a divisive RELIGIOUS SPIRIT polluting the Church. The ABSALOM SPIRIT manifests in CHURCH LEADERSHIP and has HIDDEN AGENDAS. It is a very SELF-CENTERED SPIRIT and is UNABLE to SURVIVE very much TESTING in his relationship with the senior leader, but will eventually BETRAY the senior leader at an OPPORTUNE TIME when it appears to be to his own advantage. Sooner or later he will attempt to seize the opportunity to trump the senior leader’s authority. Let’s expose the ABSALOM SPIRIT and his plan to USURP the senior leader’s AUTHORITY.

The Person of Absalom• ABSALOM was the THIRD SON of DAVID, and

his only son by Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3), born about 1000 B.C. He was known for his VOLUPTUOUS APPEARANCE- “In all Israel was no one as handsome as Absalom” (2 Samuel 14:25) and BODACIOUS HAIR (v. 26). One day, David’s eldest son, Amnon, violated ABSALOM’ S sister, Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1-19); note Maacah was the mother of Absalom and Tamar.

The Person of Absalom• According to Eastern customs, the duty of

avenging a sister’s wrong falls upon a brother. Therefore, ABSALOM took TAMAR and kept her SECLUDED in his own house, saying nothing to AMNON “either good or bad” (vv. 20-22). Waiting upon an opportunity for REVENGE, after two years, he invited all his brothers, including Amnon, to a sheep-shearing in Baal-hazor, and, to lull suspicion, requested the presence of his father, David, also. Amid the feast, the SERVANTS of ABSALOM killed AMNON (vv. 23-29).

The Person of Absalom• Fearing his life, ABSALOM fled to his

grandfather Talmai and remained there three years (vv. 34,37-38). Yearning for his son Absalom (v. 39), DAVID yielded to the scheme of JOAB and permitted ABSALOM to return to Jerusalem, but not in the king’s presence (2 Samuel 14:1-24). After two years in Jerusalem, ABSALOM sent for JOAB, who refused to see him until Absalom’s servants BURNED his BARLEY FIELD (vv. 28-33). After a total of five years, DAVID and ABSALOM seemingly reunited (v. 33).

The Person of Absalom• Nevertheless, ABSALOM proved himself FALSE

and FAITHLESS (2 Samuel 15:1-6). He secretly PLOTTED a REVOLT, winning over the people by his CHARM, WITS, and LOOKS. He also FOSTERED DISCONTENT among the people by INSINUATING his father’s lack of concern, because of his age and time, to individual complaints (vv. 3-6). When the REVOLT was RIPE, after four years, ABSALOM pretended to GO to HEBRON, to pay a vow; however, he had SECRETLY PLANNED to TAKE the KINGDOM from his father, DAVID (vv. 7-11).

The Person of Absalom• Having Ahithophel, David’s counselor, on his side, he

secured his RISE to POWER (2 Samuel 15:12; 2 Samuel 16:23). Once DAVID heard of the REVOLT, he fled to MAHANAIM beyond the Jordan (2 Samuel 15:13-17); at which point, ABSALOM entered JERUSALEM (2 Samuel 15:37; 2 Samuel 16:15-19). Through the advice of Ahithophel, ABSALOM publicly took POSSESSION of the HAREM of David remaining in the city (2 Samuel 16:20-23). This ACT was to GAIN the unreserved SUPPORT of the PEOPLE, from the ASSURANCE that any RECONCILIATION between ABSALOM and DAVID would thereafter be IMPOSSIBLE (vv. 20-22).

The Person of Absalom• Usurping protocol and authority, ABSALOM

was formally ANOINTED KING (2 Samuel 19:10). To permanently secured the throne, he crossed over Jordan in pursuit of his father to kill him (2 Samuel 17:25-26). The BATTLE was FOUGHT in the FOREST of EPHRAIM (2 Samuel 18:6). The ARMY of ABSALOM was DEFEATED, twenty thousand were slain by the sword, yet the FOREST devoured more than the SWORD (vv. 7-8).

The Person of Absalom• That day, ABSALOM died with his HEAD

caught in the OAK TREE suspended between Heaven and earth, killed by three javelins to the heart and multiple stabs wounds (vv. 9,14-15). Jewish tradition says one dart represented the betrayal of his brother, the next his father and thirdly the nation. Consider ABSALOM set himself up as the HEAD, and by his HEAD, he was judged.

The Spirit of Absalom• The LIFE and CHARACTERISTICS of ABSALOM

reveal the SPIRIT of ABSALOM at work in the earth. The ABSALOM SPIRIT is a SPIRIT that causes DIVISION, REBELLION, and plants DOUBT about the Church, the Senior Pastor, Church Leadership. This spirit creates confusion and chaos while causing ministry pain. The ABSALOM STRATEGY of the enemy is BRILLIANT. This SPIRIT is FUELED by HUMAN WISDOM, complaint, GOSSIP, and a desire to PROVE one’s self RIGHT and to use that information to force SELF-PROMOTION to the top.

The Spirit of Absalom• Whenever people attempt to satisfy legitimate desires

or needs via MANIPULATION, that is WITCHCRAFT. Absalom is drunk on the spirit of witchcraft. The drive is EMPOWERED by a DEMONIC SPIRIT. The ABSALOM SPIRIT has its OWN AGENDA. It stirs the feelings of others to JOIN HIM and RISE UP against SENIOR LEADERSHIP and CHURCH LEADERSHIP with his COMMENTS, COMPLAINING, and CONDEMNING. An ABSALOM SPIRIT is REBELLIOUS and that rebellion will often INCREASE and grow like a cancer (2 Samuel 14:30-32). An ABSALOM SPIRIT subtly works to MARGINALIZE the sincere leader.

The Spirit of Absalom• In time, he maneuvers to DEMONIZE the LEADER,

betraying him by KILLING his INFLUENCE among the Church (2 Samuel 15:4). An ABSALOM SPIRIT works at IMPRESSING and STEALING the HEARTS of the PEOPLE who are under authority. His GOAL is to “DETHRONE” and REPLACE the one in AUTHORITY (v. 4). ABSALOM is a MASTER MANIPULATOR; he assures people, “I love you more than the pastor loves you”; “I will spend the quality time with you that you’re missing from the pastor”; “The pastor doesn’t care about you like I do”; “The pastor is out of touch, I know what is real and what is not”.

The Spirit of Absalom• The ABSALOM SPIRIT seeks OPPORTUNITIES

for SELF-ADVANCEMENT at the expense of others. He will NOT WAIT on the LORD to PROMOTE him; therefore, he SEEKS to MAKE a NAME for himself. He questions almost ALL the DECISIONS of LEADERSHIP and UNDERMINES the concepts to the PEOPLE (v. 4). ABSALOM feeds his followers with his FAULT FINDING and CRITICAL SPIRIT; such things like: church finances, leadership choices, styles of leadership, approaches to challenges, etc. (v. 4).

The Spirit of Absalom• The ABSALOM SPIRIT is a DIVISIVE

THIEF, stealing the hearts and loyalty of people through PRETENTIOUS LOYALTY- disguised loyalty (v. 6). Sadly, because the ABSALOM SPIRIT is SELF-CENTERED, he can NO LONGER receive any SPIRITUAL FOOD or DIRECTION from leadership. His own HEAD CLOUDS his JUDGMENT.

The Spirit of Absalom• “Pride goes before destruction, and a

haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:5-6).

The Spirit of Absalom• “The sentence is by the decree of the

watchers, the decision by the word of the Holy Ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the Kingdom of Men and gives it to whom He will and sets over it the lowliest of men” (Daniel 4:17). “Promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He puts down one, and sets up another” (Psalm 75:6-7).

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The SPIRIT of ABSALOM is IMMATURE in the

WAYS of the LORD. (You’re only young once, but you can be immature forever). The ABSALOM SPIRIT believes that his way is BETTER than what the LEADERSHIP has to offer, so he tries to PERSUADE LEADERSHIP to do it his way. Even though he puts on a SHOW of being SUBMITTED to LEADERSHIP, he is NOT SUBMITTED in his heart. This is most likely what happened when Absalom went before King David to plead his case (2 Samuel 14:33).

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The ABSALOM SPIRIT is HIGHLY

SENSITIVE, so he gets his feelings hurt easily. If leadership does not follow his suggestions or teach his doctrinal beliefs or share his passions, the ABSALOM SPIRIT becomes offended. Once he is offended, he begins to suspiciously QUESTION every DECISION or spiritual INSIGHT that the leaders bring forth.

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The SPIRIT of ABSALOM uses his OWN IDEAS as

CRITERIA for JUDGMENT of all DECISIONS of leadership. Because he believes that he is the STANDARD, all leadership teachings and decisions are questioned. This critical ABSALOM SPIRIT believes he is the ANSWER to the current dilemma, yet he LACKS EXPERIENCE.

• The ABSALOM SPIRIT is SELF-LOYAL, displaying false servanthood. This is caused by an independent spirit (Philippians 2:20-21). His REBELLION fuels his LACK of OBEDIENCE (2 Samuel 15:1-12).

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The SPIRIT of ABSALOM maneuvers for

RECOGNITION and the PRAISE of MEN. The first move is share his SAD STORY as to why he being HELD BACK from being in ACTIVE LEADERSHIP MINISTRY. Absalom stood by the gate where he could be seen and ministered a flattering word to the people as they passed by (2 Samuel 15:2). He LOVES to be SEEN. He is INSULTED and VENGEFUL when NOT RECOGNIZED.

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The ABSALOM SPIRIT UNDERMINES

LEADERSHIP among the people. He is DIVISIVE. The ABSALOM SPIRIT moves among the people and DISTORTS not only the teaching, but the decisions of the leadership. Progressively discrediting and tearing down leadership is the only way in which Absalom can JUSTIFY his REBELLION in the eyes of his potential followers (2 Samuel 15:3).

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The SPIRIT of ABSALOM DISCREDITS

LEADERSHIP. His LACK of SUBMISSION blinds him into THINKING that HIS WAY is BETTER. Sadly, he “steals away the hearts of the people” and some began to follow him (2 Samuel 15:4-6). His brazen behavior DISHONORS his father, his father’s house, and his father’s accomplishments.

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The ABSALOM SPIRIT GATHERS FOLLOWERS to HIMSELF. Initially he promotes these gatherings as FELLOWSHIP TIMES built around a Bible study, prayer or dinner, but his real purpose is to provide an OPPORTUNITY where he can begin CRITICIZING LEADERSHIP.

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The SPIRIT of ABSALOM feeds their followers on

their CRITICAL and FAULT FINDING SPIRIT. Absalom’s criticisms all begin with little things that he personally doesn’t like or agree with. Then the ABSALOM SPIRIT leads the group into demonic criticisms like, “I don’t like the direction the church is going” and “I see cultic activity starting to develop” or “I think he’s in sin” or “He just lets people get away with anything”, etc. Then Absalom counsels his followers to leave the church and follow him in his new Bible study/prayer group, etc. (2 Samuel 15:6).

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The ABSALOM SPIRIT of ABSALOM targets the

STRONG and the WEAK. The ploy is to POSITION himself as potential leader by gathering INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE around him. For example, Absalom went after Ahithophel, who was David’s right-hand man and wise counsel (2 Samuel 15:10-13).

• The SPIRIT of ABSALOM is CHARMING. His tools are love, kindness and favor. Who wants to resist that? Absalom caused division by sweetness, “stealing the hearts of David’s followers”.

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The ABSALOM SPIRIT of ABSALOM is a COMPETITIVE SPIRIT. Everything he does produces OUTSTANDING RESULTS. “Moreover Absalom would say, ‘Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice’” (2 Samuel 15:4).

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The SPIRIT of ABSALOM has a HIDDEN AGENDA. He is sneaky and does things behind your back. Absalom builds a team for revolt and self-promotion. He secretly engages others who have no idea they are being included. Don’t forget that Absalom is very intelligent. He knows how to play psychological games.

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The ABSALOM SPIRIT has a CONTRARY

VISION in comparison to leadership. He sees a need for something and fixates on it. While this may be a valid need, it may not the current need or emphasis. Note all churches aren’t assigned or gifted for an immediate task. Absalom will not come under the vision of the house or leave his focuses on the shelf. He is IMPATIENT; he will NOT WAIT on GOD.

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit•The SPIRIT of ABSALOM is DISENGAGING. He is a falsified team player. His agenda is most important. Absalom shrinks back from participation because he is disgruntled, and because of his need to be pampered into participation.

The Characteristics of the Absalom Spirit• The ABSALOM SPIRIT is SELF-CENTERED. His narcissist attitude blinds him from unity. This behavior makes it difficult to correct him. His self-centeredness will drive into a place of disfavor. He will eventually come to a place of such brazenness as sleeping openly with his father’s wives.

Twelve Stages of the Absalom Spirit• There are basically TWEVLE STAGES that

people will encounter when they are INFLUENCED by the ABSALOM SPIRIT of REBELLION and DISLOYALTY. Here are the TWEVLE STAGES:

1. An INDEPENDENT SPIRIT- An attitude of independence emerges when the person no longer wants to serve the leadership but seeks recognition and a reputation.

Twelve Stages of the Absalom Spirit2. SELF-PROMOTION- The person

will maneuver for the praise of men. In 2 Samuel 15, Absalom stole the hearts of the people.

3. SPIRITUAL PRIDE- As people recognize and praise the deceived individual, he begins to believe that he is more spiritual than the leaders.

Twelve Stages of the Absalom Spirit4. An OFFENDED SPIRIT- Absalom

falls into an offended spirit because of spiritual pride. When his ideas and gifts are not promoted by the leadership as he believes they should be, he becomes highly offended. Often he will seek others that will agree with him in his offense.

Twelve Stages of the Absalom Spirit5. A CRITICAL SPIRIT- Almost all the decisions

of the leaders are questioned and undermined to the people. Sadly, with this critical spirit, Absalom no longer can receive any spiritual feeding or direction from the leadership.

6. A COMPETITIVE SPIRIT- Absalom sees himself in competition with the church leadership and begins to distort and misrepresent the decisions and directives the leaders are giving.

Twelve Stages of the Absalom Spirit7. SOWING STRIFE and DIVISION- Absalom

will take his offenses to many individuals in the church and spread his discontent through various means.

8. ACCUSING the LEADERSHIP- Absalom feeds his followers through his critical spirit and fault-finding. Believing that it is his time, he asserts himself because he believes that he is held back. His immaturity shows that he doesn’t know that promotion belongs to God.

Twelve Stages of the Absalom Spirit9. OPEN DISLOYALTY and DIVISION-

Absalom feels that many are following him so he boldly brings his disloyalty out into the open. At this point, the leaders become aware of his discontented splinter group. Now the people are forced to make a choice between the leaders of the church and the Absalom who has deceived them.

Twelve Stages of the Absalom Spirit10. A BOLD CONSPIRACY- Absalom

justifies his conspiracy to everyone by focusing their attention on all the minor issues that he has found fault with in the leadership.

11. A CHURCH SPLIT- Absalom leads a naive splinter group out to the birth of a new church or ministry. Declares a new vision, eliminating the foundation.

Twelve Stages of the Absalom Spirit12. GOD’S JUDGMENT on the

REBELLIOUS CHURCH- The Scripture tells us, “if the fruit be evil, the whole tree will be evil” (Matthew 12:33). Every church or ministry that is birthed by an ABSALOM SPIRIT will be full of rebellion, disloyalty, and continual church splits.

Conclusion• Like every “SPIRIT” that goes against GOD, there will

be a JUDGMENT placed upon their lives. Those who ALLOW themselves to be USED will be DEALT with by the LORD, they will be CRUSHED just as the SERPENT’S HEAD was CRUSHED by JESUS (Genesis 3:15; Colossians 2:15). The ABSALOM SPIRIT is DEMONIC, and continues to lead a REBELLION against God. That means that the ABSALOM SPIRIT will continue its REBELLION against leadership even within any new group. This will continue until the new group and everyone in it is consumed in much the same way that ABSALOM was (2 Samuel 18:1-9). The only deliverance for those involved with the ABSALOM SPIRIT is to REPENT before God, church leadership and even the congregation. Unless this REPENTANCE takes place, they will not come into all that God has for them.

The Invisible War

Deliverance Boot Camp