Neto Gregório Neto Gregório

The Blessing of the Presence (Sermon Outline)

Sermon Outlines
The Ark of the Covenant (Reproduction)
Reproduction
The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household. 2 Samuel 6:11

Introduction:

  • God commands the construction of the Ark with wood and gold and places inside it the Law, the Manna, and the rod that budded.
  • Moses declares he will not move toward the Promised Land without the presence of God.
  • The people remain almost a year at Mount Sinai, where they build the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant — the symbol of God's presence.
  • God continues to speak with Moses face to face in the Tent of Meeting.
  • The Ark leads the people through the Jordan River as they enter Canaan.
  • The Tabernacle is set up at Shiloh, where Phinehas tends the Ark.
  • During Eli's time in Shiloh, the Ark is taken into battle against the Philistines and captured.
  • After being returned by the Philistines, the Ark is taken to Abinadab's house and remains there for about 60 years, forgotten — Saul does not seek it.
  • David attempts to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, but Uzzah dies when he touches it.
  • The Ark remains for three months in the house of Obed-edom.
  • Finally, David brings the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration.

What blessing is: the presence, goodness, and divine favor upon someone, bringing spiritual, material, and relational prosperity.

1 – God's Presence cannot be manipulated according to your own will (the people of Israel).

2 – The Presence is judgment for the wicked (the Philistines).

3 – The Presence will do nothing where there is indifference (Abinadab).

4 – The Presence must not be handled carelessly (Uzzah).

5 – The Presence brings blessing, but blessing does not mean the presence (the Rich Young Ruler).

  • The disciples are astonished because it is hard for a rich person to enter heaven.

6 – It is not the Presence or the blessing. It is the blessing that flows from the presence.

  • You don't need to be poor to be full.
  • You don't need to be rich to be full.

7 – The Presence must be celebrated (David).

8 – God's Presence is in this house, and it brings with it a blessing.

Conclusion: The Presence of God is the only thing that matters. Everything else is a consequence of it.

Exodus 33:
Then Moses said to the Lord: "You have told me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people."
The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"