Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 90)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. Thankfully, the Scriptures reveal a great amount of information that will help us to remain free from the world's stains. 3. We can learn much by studying God's dealings with Bible characters. 4. In this lesson we are examining the mistake of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:1-15). Discussion: I. LET US FIRST CONSIDER SOME IMPORTANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A. (Exodus 25:10-15) God told Moses how the Ark of the Covenant was to be built. 1. Rings were to be located at each corner. 2. Poles, placed through the rings, were to be used for transporting it. B. We learn from Numbers 7:9 that "the sons of Kohath" were responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant; however, touching any "holy thing" was forbidden (Numbers 4:15). C. (1 Samuel 4:10-11) The Philistines took the Ark of the Covenant when Eli was priest. D. (1 Samuel 6:13-15) After the Philistines suffered from a plague, they sent the ark to Bethshemesh. E. The people of Bethshemesh were punished because they looked into the ark (1 Samuel 6:19), and it was taken to the home of Abinadab in Kirjathjearim where it remained 20 years (7:1-2). II. LET US ALSO CONSIDER PASSAGES IN 1 CHRONICLES
A. We learn from 1 Chronicles 13 that: 1. David and the leaders of Israel decided to move the ark (vs.1-6) 2. the ark was transported on a new cart driven by Ahio and Uzza (vs.7) 3. David and the Israelites celebrated (vs.8) 4. God was displeased when Uzza touched the ark to steady it (vs.9-12) 5. David took the ark to the home of Obededom where it remained 3 months (vs.13-14). B. We learn from 1 Chronicles 15 that: 1. David prepared a place for the ark (vs.1) 2. David realized that God had given instructions for transporting the ark (vs.2) 3. David assembled the Levites, including "the sons of Kohath" to move the ark (vs.3-12) 4. David realized that God's will had been disobeyed (vs.13) 5. the ark was finally moved as God had instructed Moses (vs.14-15). Conclusion:
1. Uzzah allowed himself to be spotted by the world when he touched the ark [David and the people also moved the ark in a way that God had not prescribed]. 2. David and Uzza probably had the best of intentions when they did what they did. 3. However, their good intentions were no substitute for obeying God's will. 4. David and the Israelites had a true reason to rejoice after they complied with God's instructions (1 Chronicles 16:1-4).
