What makes God’s love so abounding, grace so amazing, and mercy so able? Holiness. You can’t have true, life-altering love, grace and mercy without a holy God. As Christians, there is a danger that these holy gifts become normal, everyday and commonplace. They can become mere artifacts in our lives instead of the active pursuit of our lives. - Pastor Dave
Open: Describe things that were once exceptional and rare but are now overly familiar and commonplace in your life:
Read: 2 Samuel 5-6; 1 Peter 1; Exodus 25
Discuss:
1. Describe the importance of the “ark of the covenant.” What did it represent? Why were David and the people of Israel bringing the “ark of God” to Jerusalem? Why wasn’t the ark in Jerusalem already?
2. Why did God act so strongly against Uzzah for doing what seemed to be a helpful deed? How does this affect our definition and understanding of holiness? How do we tend to make love, grace and mercy the opposite of holiness? How are these things uniquely connected when it comes to God?
3. After the death of Uzzah, David takes 90 days to ponder his mistake. Contrast the difference between David’s first attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem with his second. What differences stand out to you? Why was the second attempt so meticulous?
4. Do you believe Christians are living holy lives? Why or why not? How should the gospel motivate and inspire holy living? How is holiness different than perfection? In what ways do we act ignorant to our call to holiness?
5. How does the story of David model the truth that direction trumps intention? Why are good intentions not enough? What holy things in your life have become common things?
Pray: Pray that you would be continually amazed by God’s holiness and consistently reflect His holiness in all that you do.
Memorize/Meditate: As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16
