Note to Leaders: The scripture references (in parenthesis) are intended to support and inform the questions. However, you do not need to look up every verse. Use them as best fits you and your Circle.
Ice Breaker
What is the best or most unusual parade you have been to? Or what is your favorite parade you’ve seen on TV? What made it special?
Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23
- What is the Ark of God? (Exodus 25:10-22, 26:33; Judges 20:27; Hebrews 9:4)
- Describe the mood of David and the people with David. What was the reason for his joy?
- In what ways did David worship the Lord?
- Is there an appropriate way to worship God? (Deuteronomy 6:5; Psalm 149:1-5, Psalm 150:1-6) Is there an inappropriate way?
- Why do you think Michal reacted negatively to David’s worship celebration?
This week’s sermon was focused on David as an example of the Enneagram Type 7 – The Enthusiast. The following questions are to help us understand The Enthusiast, ourselves and God better.
From Sermon Notes: The Enthusiast reflects God’s joy. The Enthusiast wants to experience pleasure and avoid pain. The Enthusiast is able to bring and/or find joy in all situations.
JOY (שִׂמְחָה, simchah; χαρά, chara). Closely related to gladness and happiness, although joy is more a state of being than an emotion; a result of choice. Having joy is part of the experience of being a Christian. (Lexham Bible Dictionary, 2016)
- What gives God joy? (Luke 15:10, Hebrews 11:5-6, Proverbs 15:8, Psalm 149:4, 1 Chronicles 29:17)
- Much of the book of Psalms was written by David; from these verses how does David express his joy in the Lord? (Psalm 5:11-12; 16:11; 20:5; 27:6; 28:7; 33;1-3 and many more.)
- Where does our joy come from? (Ecclesiastes 2:26, Psalm 4:7; Jeremiah 15:16; Galatians 5:22)
- What are reasons Christians should express their joy to God? (Psalm 149:2; Luke 6:22-23; 10:20; Psalm 28:7; Acts 15:3; Romans 5:11; and others)
- What are ways you express your joy to the Lord?
From Sermon Notes: When Healthy, Enthusiasts: Are visionary, versatile and resilient, helping to inspire people and projects; Engaging and fun, desiring to make the world a more joy-filled place. The Enthusiast’s core need is to Be Free.
- From 2 Samuel 6:12-23 and from what you know about David and his psalms, how does he represent the Healthy Enthusiast?
- In what ways does the Enthusiast benefit the body of Christ?
From Sermon Notes: When Unhealthy, Enthusiasts: Pleasure dictates their life choices. Escape pain at all costs. Can become impulsive, reckless, and behave irresponsibly.
- Read 2 Samuel 11:1-17 – How do the events resulting in the death of Uriah the Hittite show that David as an unhealthy Enthusiast?
- How did David respond when Nathan the prophet confronted David with his sin? (2 Samuel 12:7-9, 13; Psalm 51:1-12)
- What should be our response when we make poor life choices and become impulsive, reckless, irresponsible and sinful? (Psalm 32:2-5, Proverbs 28:13, Matthew 5:23-24; James 5:16; 1 John 1:9)
From Sermon Notes: The Enthusiast’s core sin: Gluttony. The Enthusiast’s core fear is being deprived or trapped. How do you need to be real with self and God? Practice contentment by learning to reflect and thank God for what He has done.
- What is the value of godly contentment in our lives? (1 Timothy 6:6, Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:11-13)
How do I love an ENTHUSIAST?
- Give them lots of room to play.
- Recognize when they choose to deal with problems.
- Share how much joy they bring to your life.
- Join in the fun.
Praise God for Sevens because: You make church and ministry enjoyable. When healthy, you are able to bring or find joy in all situations. You see the possibilities and will pursue your vision freely and with enthusiasm. When necessary you will seek to release stress through humor and an optimistic point of view. You attract and encourage others to work to make the world a better place and you are content to do whatever role is required for the team.
The story of you only makes sense within the big story of God.