"Responding to God's Presence"

Proposition - As we look to 2 Samuel 6 we will see how David responds to God’s Presence. We will see how you and I are believers should respond to God as well. We will examine 4 points: 1) Celebrate Collectively, 2) Worship Respectfully, 3) Dance Devotedly, and 4) Express Enthusiastically.

Interrogative Question - How can you balance joy in worship with a sense of reverence for God's holiness?

Logos AI - Summary: 2 Samuel 6 recounts the story of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, celebrating with joy and dance, which demonstrates the importance of worship and the proper reverence for God’s holiness.

Application: This passage encourages teens to express their joy in God's presence and to understand the balance between celebration and reverence. It can help them process their feelings about worship and discover how to honor God authentically.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that true worship is not only about attitude but also about action. It invites teens to reflect on how they can express their faith and how God's presence can transform their ordinary lives into extraordinary experiences.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, the Ark symbolizes God's presence and holiness, pointing forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence among humanity—Emmanuel, God with us.

Big Idea: Joyful worship stems from a heart that recognizes God's holiness and presence, encouraging young people to celebrate their relationship with God wholeheartedly.

1. Celebrate Collectively -

2 Samuel 6:1–5 NASB95

1 Now David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him to Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim. 3 They placed the ark of God on a new cart that they might bring it from the house of Abinadab which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new cart. 4 So they brought it with the ark of God from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Ahio was walking ahead of the ark. 5 Meanwhile, David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets and cymbals.

What has happened in the last chapter?

What region is David now king over?

How many people are with David according to vs. 1?

What is the Ark of God?

What do they do with the Ark of God?

CSB Study Bible: Notes (Chapter 6) 6:3 The people set the ark … on a new cart instead of carrying it on poles as the law prescribed (Ex 25:12–15). The people of God did no better than the pagan Philistines had done (1Sm 6:7). This decision would have disastrous consequences (2Sm 6:6–7).

Why do you think that they put it on a new cart? (according to the OT how are they to move the Ark of God? - Numbers 4:15)

Faithlife Study Bible (Chapter 6) 6:3 on a new utility cart They violate the law, which demanded that the Israelites carry the ark using poles. Their violation results in tragedy. See Exod 25:13–14; 2 Sam 6:7.

Logos AI - You could explore how David and his people gathered to bring the Ark to Jerusalem with great fanfare, music, and celebration, emphasizing the communal aspect of joyful worship. Perhaps stress the importance of celebrating God's presence joyfully and with others, as it can strengthen community bonds and personal faith. This collective action demonstrates that God's presence is not just an individual blessing but a communal one, inviting teens to express their faith vibrantly in their community.

2. Worship Respectfully -

2 Samuel 6:6–11 NASB95

6 But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. 7 And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God. 8 David became angry because of the Lord’s outburst against Uzzah, and that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day. 9 So David was afraid of the Lord that day; and he said, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” 10 And David was unwilling to move the ark of the Lord into the city of David with him; but David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 Thus the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household.

What does Uzzah do in vs. 6? Why do you think he does this?

What does it mean “anger of the Lord burned...”

The ESV Study Bible (Chapter 6) 6:6–11 and God struck him down (v. 7). The death of Uzzah resembles the outbreak against Beth-shemesh in 1 Sam. 6:19. Touching the ark was a direct violation of God’s law (Num. 4:15). Even though Uzzah’s motive was clearly to prevent desecration, his fault was occasioned by the earlier mistake in the mode of transporting the ark (see note on 2 Sam. 6:3–4). afraid of the LORD. This incident was a dramatic reminder to David of God’s holiness and of the necessity of approaching God only according to his revealed instruction, so much so that David was afraid even to bring the ark back to Jerusalem.

What happened to Uzzah? What is the reason according to vs. 7 -

Why was David “afraid of the Lord...?”

Why do you think that David was unwilling to move the ark of the Lord? (vs. 10)

Logos AI - Maybe focus on Uzzah’s fatal mistake as the Ark was mishandled, highlighting reverence and respect for God's holiness. It's a poignant reminder about the seriousness of God's presence. While God invites joyful expressions of worship, this event teaches us that reverence and respect must accompany joy. Encouraging teens to recognize how their actions in worship—while joyful—should also reflect awe and respect for God's holiness.

3. Dance Devotedly -

2 Samuel 6:12–15 NASB95

12 Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, on account of the ark of God.” David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. 13 And so it was, that when the bearers of the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. 14 And David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouting and the sound of the trumpet.

What does David do in verse 12?

What did David do as the ark was being brought to Jersualem?

What actions does David show in verse 14? (How has believers misused this verse?)

How did the people respond as the ark was brought into Jersualem?

How do you respond when you hear about the Bible, the Church and or biblical things?

Logos AI - Perhaps share how, after a tragic event, David resumed the Ark's journey with renewed understanding, blending reverence with uninhibited worship through music and dance. This renewal highlights how mistakes can lead to deeper, more genuine worship. Encourage young people to learn from their experiences and struggles, recognizing that true joy in worship comes from a heart aligned with God’s holiness and presence.

4. Express Enthusiastically -

2 Samuel 6:16–23 NASB95

16 Then it happened as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart. 17 So they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent which David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. 18 When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offering, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. 19 Further, he distributed to all the people, to all the multitude of Israel, both to men and women, a cake of bread and one of dates and one of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed each to his house. 20 But when David returned to bless his household, Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel distinguished himself today! He uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants’ maids as one of the foolish ones shamelessly uncovers himself!” 21 So David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel; therefore I will celebrate before the Lord. 22 “I will be more lightly esteemed than this and will be humble in my own eyes, but with the maids of whom you have spoken, with them I will be distinguished.” 23 Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.

What is happening in these verses?

Who is Michal? (who is she connected to in verse 16?)

Why was she upset with David?

What did she accuse David of doing?

Logos AI - Discuss how Michal’s disdain for David’s public display of worship reflects the danger of being critical or dismissive of others’ genuine expressions of faith. You could suggest learning from David's willingness to worship exuberantly despite criticism, encouraging teens to embrace their unique worship style, understanding that worship is about honoring God, not pleasing people. This can free them from the fear of judgment, allowing authentic worship.

SO WHAT?

What does the Ark of God symbolize in the context of David's celebration?

What were the main reasons behind David's joy as he brought the ark to Jerusalem?

How did David's actions demonstrate both joy and reverence during the celebration?

What tragic event occurred when Uzzah touched the Ark, and why was this significant?

What lesson about worship can we learn from Michal's reaction to David's dancing?

How can you incorporate collective celebration in your own life as a way to honor God?

In what ways can you show respect for God's presence when participating in worship?

How can you express your devotion to God in a way that feels genuine to you?

What do you think it means to worship enthusiastically, and how can you apply that to your own worship experiences?

How can you balance your personal joy in worship with seeking to honor God and respect others around you?