Group Check-in

1. What was the best part of your week?
2. What was the most difficult part of your week?

What’s 1 Samuel 5–6 About?

In these chapters, the Philistines learn the hard way that God is not a trophy to be won. After capturing the Ark of the Covenant, they place it in the temple of their god Dagon. But the next morning, Dagon has fallen face down before the Ark. The following day, he’s fallen again—this time with his head and hands broken off. What begins as pride quickly turns into panic. Plagues break out across their cities. Everywhere the Ark goes, tumors and terror follow.

The Philistines eventually realize they can’t keep the Ark and send it back to Israel with an offering. Even the Israelites, upon receiving it, mishandle its holiness and face judgment. What started with arrogance ends in awe.

These chapters show us something vital about God’s character: He is holy. He won’t be used, mocked, or contained. God may have allowed the Ark to be taken, but He didn’t need Israel to defend His name—He defended it Himself.

This story is a call to humility. Whether we’re outsiders like the Philistines or insiders like the Israelites, we all must approach God with reverence. His presence isn’t casual. His power isn’t symbolic. It’s real. And when we forget that, we risk missing out on the joy that comes from walking rightly with Him.

When we honor His holiness, we’re drawn into deeper awe—and that awe shapes how we live.

Key Verse

“Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?” — 1 Samuel 6:20

SOAP for the Week

Passage: 1 Samuel 5:1–12

Ice-Breakers

1. What’s the weirdest or most unexpected souvenir you’ve ever brought home?
2. If you could make one object in your house ‘magically powerful,’ what would it be?
3. Have you ever had a moment where you realized you were taking something sacred too lightly?

Group Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think God allowed the Ark to be captured in the first place?
2. What does this story reveal about God’s power and sovereignty?
3. How do people today treat spiritual things like lucky charms or symbols rather than sacred?
4. What does it mean to truly honor the holiness of God in everyday life?
5. How can fear of God be a good thing—not just fear of punishment, but reverent awe?
6. In what area of your life do you need to shift from casual to reverent when it comes to your faith?

Practical Takeaway

God doesn’t need us to defend Him—but He invites us to honor Him. When we approach Him with reverence, we find peace, power, and purpose.

Prayer

Holy God, we confess that we often take Your presence lightly. Forgive us for treating You casually or carelessly. Teach us to walk in awe of who You are—not with fear that pushes us away, but reverence that draws us closer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.