Big Idea: God is both more dangerous and more good than we realize.

            2 Samuel 6:1-3a, 5-7

God’s presence is far more dangerous than we think.

            2 Samuel 6:8-10

The presence of God is far more good than we think.

            2 Samuel 6:11-12a

To worship God, we must come to him with humility and boldness.

            2 Samuel 6:20-23

            Hebrews 4:16

Message Questions

We’re in a year-long journey through the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, tracing the rise, reign, and legacy of Israel’s most famous king. We’ll see the story of how God works through real people with real flaws to accomplish his purposes. This week we are in 2 Samuel 6, and the big idea is: God is both more dangerous and more good than we realize.

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do.

1. Have someone read 2 Samuel 6:1-5. David and 30,000 men are celebrating with music and a "new cart" to transport the ark. While the atmosphere was joyful, why do you think sincerity and excitement aren't always enough when it comes to approaching a God who is "more dangerous" than we realize?
2. Have someone read 2 Samuel 6:6-10. When Uzzah touches the ark to steady it, he is struck dead, leaving David both angry and afraid. How does this "outburst" challenge our modern view of God as a "safe" or predictable deity, and why was David’s fear a necessary step before he could bring the ark to the city?
3. Have someone read 2 Samuel 6:11-15. After seeing Obed-edom’s family blessed, David brings the ark to Jerusalem with even more intense dancing and sacrifice. How does the contrast between Uzzah’s death and Obed-edom’s blessing help us understand the sermon’s point that God’s presence is both fearsome and incredibly good?
4. In the sermon, we see David dance "with all his might" in a linen ephod, choosing to humble himself even more to honor God despite Michal’s criticism. In what specific area of your personal worship or obedience do you need to grow in choosing to focus on the Lord’s approval rather than how you are honored by others?
5. The sermon notes that to worship God, we must come to him with "humble boldness." Using the example of David’s rejoicing and the promise in Hebrews 4:16, how can you go and reach out to a friend who feels they are too "unclean" for God, sharing how they can approach his throne of grace to find help and mercy?