This past Sunday we continued our series “Exposing Religious Spirits” by addressing one of the most dangerous and divisive influences that can creep into the life of a church—the Spirit of Absalom. While the spirit of religion wears a mask of self-righteousness, the spirit of Absalom is far more deceptive. It works in whispers, builds alliances in the shadows, and seeks to undermine God-given authority for the sake of ambition and personal influence.
1. Who Was Absalom?
Absalom was the son of King David, and Scripture tells us he was admired for his charm, appearance, and ability to connect with people. But beneath that charisma was rebellion, pride, and bitterness. In 2 Samuel 15:1–6, we see Absalom standing at the city gate, intercepting those who came to the king, and subtly turning their hearts toward himself.
He didn’t confront his father directly at first; instead, he worked behind the scenes, sowing seeds of discontent and drawing people away from David’s leadership. Eventually, that spirit led to open rebellion and a civil war that nearly destroyed Israel.
2. How the Spirit of Absalom Operates Today
The same manipulative and divisive spirit is still at work in the Church today. It often looks like this:
Whispering criticism against leadership instead of addressing concerns biblically.
Forming cliques or alliances to gain influence or control.
Offering “better” counsel than leadership to draw loyalty.
Operating in offense or bitterness instead of seeking reconciliation.
This spirit doesn’t start with outright rebellion—it begins with subtle dissatisfaction, unhealed wounds, or unchecked ambition. If left unaddressed, it can fracture relationships, drain momentum, and bring confusion into the Body of Christ.
3. Recognizing and Resisting the Spirit of Absalom
How do we guard against this in our own lives and in the church?
Guard your heart against offense. Offense is often the seed that gives the spirit of Absalom ground to operate. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Walk in humility. True spiritual authority is not about grabbing influence but serving faithfully. Philippians 2:3 tells us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
Stay submitted to God’s order. Hebrews 13:17 reminds us that spiritual leaders are given to watch over our souls. Submission isn’t blind loyalty—it’s trusting that God works through His established authority.
Be quick to reconcile. Don’t allow bitterness to take root. Matthew 18 gives us clear instruction to address conflict directly and biblically, not through gossip or manipulation.
4. The Call to Unity and Honor
The opposite of the Absalom spirit is the spirit of unity, humility, and honor. Psalm 133 says that when God’s people dwell together in unity, His blessing flows. The enemy knows this, which is why he works so hard to sow division through spirits like Absalom.
Our calling as the Church is to be a place of healing, trust, and honor—where authority is respected, where grievances are dealt with openly and lovingly, and where Jesus remains the true Head.
Closing Thoughts: Choose Relationship Over Rebellion
The spirit of Absalom thrives in the shadows of bitterness, pride, and offense. But the Spirit of Christ thrives in love, forgiveness, and humility.
This week, I encourage you to pray:
“Lord, reveal any offense or pride in my heart.”
“Help me walk in humility, honor, and unity.”
“Let me be a peacemaker, not a divider.”
When we expose and resist the spirit of Absalom, we make room for the Spirit of God to move in freedom and power.
With love and discernment,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"
