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The Enthusiast

“And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns. But as the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she was filled with contempt for him. They brought the Ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes. When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, ‘How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!’ David retorted to Michal, ‘I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the LORD, so I celebrate before the LORD. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!’” 2 SAMUEL 6:14-22 NLT

The Enthusiast…

Reflects God’s joy

“‘This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, ‘Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’” NEHEMIAH 8:9-10 ESV

“For everything there is a season, and la time for every matter under heaven, a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;” ECCLESIASTES 3:1,4

Motivation: Pursue pleasure and avoid pain

When Healthy:

“Live as those who are free and not as those who use their freedom as a pretext for evil, but live as God’s servants.” 1 PETER 2:16 VOICE

When Unhealthy:

“For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” PHILIPPIANS 3:18-19 ESV

How the Enthusiast can to be real with Self:

“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have… I have learned the secret of living in every situation… For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13 NLT

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy,… and self-control.” GALATIANS 5:22-23 NLT

How the Enthusiast can to be real with Others:

“And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.” 1 SAMUEL 20:17 NLT

How the Enthusiast can to be real with God:

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” PSALM 16:11 NLT

How to Love an Enthusiast:

Prayer for the Seven:

God help me to run to you and not from pain or toward all pleasure. Help me develop deep and lasting friendships with people who want to have fun, but that can keep me grounded. Help me to have the tough conversations real life requires and remind me to be thankful for what you have done!

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few minutes to slow down, setting aside all of the busyness of the day. Linger here for as long as you need to; perhaps focus on your breathing, taking deep, slow breaths, releasing the events and stressors of the day as you exhale. When you are ready, take inventory of the things in your life. What things bring you joy? List them below. What areas of pain or discomfort do you find yourself avoiding? List these as well. Next, invite God into your list. Thank him for the joy-giving aspects of your life. Invite him, also, into the painful, uncomfortable areas. Imagine sitting in that space, uncomfortable as it may be, with God by your side. Focus on his presence—not his ability to fix, not his answers to your “why” questions; simply visualize him sitting with you in the midst of your situation. Write down what this experience was like for you, and share with the group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. LEADER’S NOTE: Take the first 5-10 minutes of group time to have everyone do the Personal Reflection Guide (linked on the sermon notes). You may want to set a timer, play some soft music, etc. Once you notice people finishing up, transition to group discussion time with a short prayer, then open by asking people to share what that experience was like, if they feel comfortable.
  2. REAL WITH SELF: Sometimes we can tend to “check out” and avoid painful or difficult situations; where have you missed out on God’s blessings because you didn’t allow him to work through your pain? What fears emerge as you consider confronting these difficult areas in your life?
  3. REAL WITH OTHERS: Who are the people in your life that help you see a better future and cheer you on? How can you do this for others?
  4. REAL WITH GOD: Read Nehemiah 8:10 NLT. What is keeping you from having this kind of joy? What role does fear play in holding you back?
  5. REAL WITH GOD: Where is pleasure dictating your choices? What would it look like to learn to say no in this area? Describe a time in your life when saying no (even to good things) benefited you.
  6. ACTION: Read Philippians 4:11-13 NLT. List the good things in your life, focusing on what God has given you. Consider what you do have over those things, attributes, etc. that you don’t have. What are some areas of your life for you to grow in your contentment? Take steps this week to focus on these good things, asking God for contentment in those areas where you struggle comparing what you have with what others have.