“The Cart Ain’t Smart” | Steve DeFrain

“THE CART AIN’T SMART”

Everybody likes to dream about life’s BIG MOMENTS, but I’ll argue that if you make much of the LITTLE ONES, the BIG ONES will take care of themselves. 

2 Samuel 6… ¹ David again brought together all the able young men of Israel—thirty thousand. ² He and all his men went to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark. ³ They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart ⁴ with the ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. ⁵ David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals. ⁶ When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. ⁷ The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. ⁸ Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. ⁹ David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” ¹⁰ He was not willing to take the ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. ¹¹ 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.

SHORTCUTS often create SETBACKS because they ignore God’s STANDARDS! 

Matthew 7… ^13-14 “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

You cannot get SACRED RESULTS using SECULAR METHODS…

IF YOU WANT SACRED RESULTS YOU HAVE TO USE SACRED METHODS…

(POINT ONE) YOU CAN’T HAVE GOD’S SPIRIT WITHOUT YOUR SUBMISSION

1 Peter 3…⁷ Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Mark 11… ²⁵ And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” 

Proverbs 3… ⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; ¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

(POINT TWO) YOU CAN’T DEVELOP GOD’S STRENGTH WITHOUT SOME STRAIN

James 1… ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Picture of Butterfly coming out of a Cocoon

(POINT THREE) YOU CAN’T HAVE GODLY SUCCESS WITHOUT SOME SACRIFICE 

2 Samuel 6… ¹² Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. ¹³ When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.

1 Chronicles 21… ²⁴ But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” 

Key Points:

• Summarize the main points or key messages of the sermon.
• Highlight any memorable quotes or phrases from the sermon.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Discuss the Bible passage(s) that were the basis of the sermon.
• Explore the context and significance of the chosen scripture.

Personal Reflection:

• Share your personal thoughts and feelings about the sermon.
• How did the sermon impact you? What resonated with you?
• Were there any moments of conviction, inspiration, or clarity?

Discussion Questions:

List a set of open-ended questions to facilitate discussion. These questions can help attendees engage with the sermon’s content on a deeper level.

Example questions:

1. What do you think the main message or takeaway was from the sermon?

2. How does the scripture relate to the sermon’s message?

3. Were there any practical applications or actionable insights that stood out to you?

4. Did the sermon challenge any of your beliefs or perspectives?

5. How can we apply the sermon’s teachings in our daily lives?

Group Sharing:

• Encourage participants to share their thoughts, questions, or personal experiences related to the sermon.
• Create an open and respectful environment for discussion.

Additional Resources:

• Provide information about any recommended books, articles, or further readings related to the sermon’s topic.
• Mention upcoming events or opportunities for Group members to explore the sermon’s theme further.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the key takeaways from the discussion.
• Emphasize the importance of applying the sermon’s teachings in daily life.
• Announce any follow-up actions or future discussions related to the sermon.

Closing Prayer:

• Take the time to ask members of the Group if they have any prayer requests.
• Conclude the discussion with a brief prayer, asking for guidance and wisdom in applying the sermon’s message to be on mission.