5/4 “Moving the Ark – Motives Matter”

Title:  “Moving the Ark – Motives Matter”

Texts: Especially 1 Sam. 5:1-7:2; 2 Sam. 6:1-11; 12-16; 1 Chron. 13:1-14; 15:1-16:42;  N.T. Romans 12:1-2; Rev. 22:17-19; Gal. 1:6-10

IN A NUTSHELL:  “The joy of including God in our victories is not enough in our worship.  Arrogance cost dearly, fear may lead to humility or to alienation!  David tried to bring the Ark to Jerusalem twice; first time was tragic, second time was glorious!  Trying to find your significance in a furnishing or tradition rather than in your relationship with God is confusing, useless and ultimately tragic.”

 Ice Breaker: Do you recall as a child a particular piece of furniture in a church building which held some mystery or a sense of extreme respect?  Was the thought of touching it scary?  Did you ever touch it?

CONNECTING WITH THE TEXT:

1. Read 1 Sam. 5:1-7:2 – How was the Ark perceived by the Philistines and the Irealites?  Why did Isreal mourn? 7:1-2
2. Read 2 Sam. 6:1-16
3. What significant “tidbit” was mentioned to David that seemed to get him “fired up” about moving the Ark to the City of David?
4. Who was Uzzah? How had he been related to the Ark and for how long?  Vss. 1-7
5. What two emotional reactions does Samuel mention David having toward God once Uzzah had died?
6. Read 1 Chron. 13:1-14; 15:1-16:42 – What are some key elements of the story mentioned in 1 Chronicles but left out of the 2 Samuel text? Vice versa?
7. Who was Uzzah? How had he been related to the Ark and for how long?  1 Chron. 13:1-7
8. Who was consulted these two different times?  1 Chron. 13:1; 1 Chron. 15:2,13,14
9. Read Romans 12:1-2 – How does the pattern of this world tend to affect our concept of worship?  How are we able to “test and approve” what God’s will is in our worship?
10. With what level of caution, honor and respect are we to regard the truths of Scripture?  Rev. 22:17-19; Gal. 1:6-10

REFLECTING ON YOUR LIFE: 

1. Avoiding the temptation to be too legalistic, what might be some signs that a person is too excited about religious traditions or church “things” and not respectful enough of God’s will?
2. How do you know when your religious worship is more patterned after the world, than after God’s will?
3. Is your “offering” a legitimate gift if you will only give it if your name is published with it?
4. What are some signs that a person might be worshiping for selfish reasons?

CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHURCH:

5. How can we guard the church from becoming idolatrous with our facility and furnishings?

ONLINE RESOURCES:

• The Value of Genealogies in the Bible
• “The Search for Significance” by Robert S. McGee
• The Open Bible on “False Doctrine“
• Dealing with Anger 
• Anger Self Assessment

CARE GROUPS:

Typically CARE groups change their schedules for meeting from May through August because of summer schedules.   Please notify Doug or Dawn if you would like to continue to have CARE Sheets printed.

Keep in mind that summer can be a good opportunity for you CARE group to participate in some Community Service activity.   It will require you to be intentional, but you need to stay in contact somehow.

 
Parents with your Children: What about your Mothers?  What will you do that says, “We love you, respect you and appreciate your sacrifices for us?”

Next Weeks Chronological Readings:

• May 5 Ps 1‐2, Ps 15, Ps 22‐24, Ps 47, Ps 68
• May 6 Ps 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, 132
• May 7 2 Sam 7, 1 Chr 17
• May 8 Ps 25, Ps 29, Ps 33, Ps 36, Ps 39
• May 9 2 Sam 8‐9, 1 Chr 18
• May 10 Ps 50, Ps 53, Ps 60, Ps 75
• May 11 (Sunday) 2 Sam 10, 1 Chr 19, Ps 20 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 66L.L.—1 Samuel pg 42
• The Story—pgs. 160-165
• N.T.:Mark 7:10-12; Luke 2:51,52; Col. 3:19-20