Authentic Worship - 2 Samuel 6:12-23
August 21, 2024

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Authentic Worship

2 Samuel 6:12-23
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: In David, we see an example of authentic worship in both attitude and action.

2 Samuel 6:12-23
12 And it was told King David, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing.13 And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.22 I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor.”23 And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod.15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn.16 As the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, 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 And they brought in the ark of the LORD and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.18 And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts19 and distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed, each to his house.20 And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”21 And David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the LORD—and I will celebrate before the LORD.

I. Authentic Worship in Attitude

A. Bringing the Ark into Jerusalem was an occasion for celebration and worship. But David’s first attempt was disastrous because he failed to heed God’s Word and take seriously God’s holiness. Rather than give up, David adjusts his approach, bringing the Ark into Israel’s capital in a manner that honors God’s Word and brings joy to His people (v. 15).

B. We see authentic worship has an attitude of:

1. Humility before the Lord (vv. 12-14; Ps. 24:7-10) – David’s worship reveals an appreciation of God’s holiness and glory
Psalm 24:7-10
7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah

2. Heart for the Lord (vv. 14, 20-22) – David was not ashamed of his extravagant display of worship. His focus was on the Lord, not on pleasing others.

C. Michal’s contempt for David’s worship shows that she didn’t share David’s humility and heart for the Lord. She is looking at worship from a worldly perspective. David, however, is looking at worship from a heavenly perspective and, as such, he was willing to humiliate himself if God was exalted in the process.

II. Authentic Worship in Action

A. Worship can be understood as a reverential response to the glory and majesty of God. To worship God is to love Him and exalt Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Ultimately, worship is an action that reveals our heart.

B. We see authentic worship in action through:

1. Rejoicing and reverence (vv. 12-14; cf. Heb. 12:28-29) – We see a rejoicing and praise born from reverence and awe.
Hebrews 12:28-29
28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe29 for our God is a consuming fire.

2. Celebration and sacrifice (vv. 13, 17-19) – Worship should spark in us both celebration of God and generosity toward Him and toward others.

C. In David’s example, we see what it means to worship not just in words, but in action as well. God is worthy of all our praise, and He deserves our very best as we recognize His amazing grace and mercy as revealed through Messiah Jesus (cf. Rev. 5:11-12).
Revelations 5:11-12
11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”