4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$

For by grace you are saved through faith, and 4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$ this is not from yourselves; it is God s gift ADULT LEARNER GUIDE not fromwinter works, 2010-2011 so that 1 & no 2 Kings one can boast. Questions of Truth and Consequence

4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$ Meet the Writer Morris Baker wrote these lessons based on the Books of 1, 2 Kings. He is director of the Baptist Student Union at the University of Mississippi and also serves as an adjunct professor of Leadership and Counselor Education. Morris grew up in a Christian home and became a follower of Christ at age six. He responded to God s call to ministry while in college and delights in helping college students discover and fulfill God s purposes for their lives. He and his wife, Darla, are members of North Oxford Baptist Church in Oxford, Mississippi. They have four children Drew, Nathan, Janna Kate, and Ellie. This is Dr. Baker s debut writing assignment for Explore the Bible materials. Explore the Bible: Adult Learner Guide (ISSN 1556-374X; Item 005075121) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. Copyright 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. For ordering or inquiries visit www.lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes e-mail subscribe@lifeway.com, fax 615.251.5818, or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, e-mail orderentry@lifeway.com, fax 615.251.5933, or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. The 2000 statement of The Baptist Faith and Message is our doctrinal guideline. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. The suggestions in this resource for pronouncing Bible names are from That's Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names by W. Murray Severance, Copyright 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission. ADULT LEARNER GUIDE This periodical is designed for adults using the Explore the Bible Series. VOLUME 4, NUMBER 2 Winter 2010-2011 PRODUCTION & MINISTRY TEAM David Briscoe Content Editor Pat Phillips Production Editor Dawn Rodgers Wyse Graphic Designer Brent Bruce Graphic Design Specialist Alan Raughton Lead Adult Ministry Specialist David Apple Adult Ministry Specialist Dwayne McCrary Editorial Project Leader Send questions/comments to Content Editor, Explore the Bible: Adult Learner Guide One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0175 Or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL Bret Robbe, Director Leadership and Adult Publishing Ken Braddy, Ron Brown, Ron Keck Managing Directors Leadership and Adult Publishing David Francis, Director Sunday School Bill Craig, Director Leadership and Adult Ministry Gary H. Hauk, Director Publishing, LifeWay Church Resources Printed in the United States of America Explore The Bible: Adult Learner Guide 3

Contents W I N T E R 2 0 1 0-2 0 1 1 A D U L T L E A R N E R G U I D E How to Become a Christian: Born Again.................................. 2 Editorial: To Whom Much Is Given...................................... 6 Daily Bible Readings..................................................... 7 Introduction to 1, 2 Kings................................................ 8 Biblical Illustrator Feature: Elijah, A Man of God........................ 114 UNIT 1: DOES MY CHARACTER COUNT? (1 KINGS 1:1 11:43).............. 10 Dec. 5 What Money Can t Buy................................................ 11 1 Kings 1:1 4:34 (2 Chron. 1:1-13) Dec. 12 Why Prayer Deserves Priority.......................................... 18 1 Kings 5:1 9:9 (2 Chron. 2:1 7:22) Dec. 19 Worship the King of Kings! *........................................... 26 Matthew 1:18 2:23 Dec. 26 Where Compromise Takes You........................................ 34 1 Kings 9:10 11:43 UNIT 2: DO MY DECISIONS MATTER? (1 KINGS 12:1 2 KINGS 17:41; 21:1 23:30)............................................................ 42 Jan. 2 Anatomy of a Grave Decision.......................................... 43 1 Kings 12:1 16:28 Jan. 9 A Hill on Which to Stand.............................................. 50 1 Kings 16:29 22:53 (2 Chron. 17:1 22:4) Jan. 16 Building a Culture of Life **............................................ 58 2 Kings 21:1 23:30 (2 Chron. 33:1 36:1) * Christmas Evangelistic Lesson **Sanctity of Human Life Lesson 4 Explore The Bible: Adult Learner Guide

Jan. 23 Sick of Greed?......................................................... 66 2 Kings 1:1 5:27 Jan. 30 Right Not to Remain Silent............................................. 74 2 Kings 6:1 8:29 Feb. 6 Danger! Unbridled Passion............................................ 82 2 Kings 9:1 10:36 Feb. 13 U-Turn Here and Now!.............................................. 90 2 Kings 11:1 17:41 (2 Chron. 25:17-24; 28:5-8) UNIT 3: WHERE S MY FUTURE HEADED? (2 KINGS 18:1 20:21; 23:31 25:30)........................................................... 98 Feb. 20 Got to Have Hope..................................................... 99 2 Kings 18:1 20:21 (2 Chron. 29:1 32.33) Feb. 27 Keep Hope Alive...................................................... 106 2 Kings 23:31 25:30 (2 Chron. 36:2-21) ABOUT THE COVER Statue of Elijah on Mount Carmel (Todd Bolen/BiblePlaces.com) Explore the Bible Series Study Plan FALL WINTER SPRING SUMMER *2010-2011 Ephesians 1, 2 Kings (2 Chron.) Philippians, Jeremiah, (What s the Plan?) (Questions of Truth Colossians, Lamentations and Consequence) Philemon (Anchored in (Move Forward, Faith) Please) **2011-2012 Romans Numbers, Luke Joshua, (Good News for) Deuteronomy (The Truth Judges, Ruth You!) (Life on the Edge) About Jesus) (Character at the Crossroad) *Each Fall quarter this chart will be updated to reveal an additional year of the study plan. **Access a copy and description of all eight years of the new cycle at www.lifeway.com/curriculumguide/ Explore The Bible: Adult Learner Guide 5

To Whom Much Is Given Have you ever tried to imagine what it would be like to be a king or queen? In the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman with five daughters, yearns for a king-like life in the unforgettable song, If I Were a Rich Man. Tevye croons that all the important townspeople would surely come to him for advice as though he were wise King Solomon. He continues that it wouldn t matter if he answered his questioners right or wrong because when you re rich, people think you know whether you do or not. Our fallen human nature is such that we tend to crave the benefits of royalty without the weighty responsibilities. However, Jesus taught that the divine principle Much will be required of everyone who has been given much (Luke 12:48) applies to kings and citizens alike. This quarter s study of the Books of 1, 2 Kings will show that only a handful of Israel s kings were godly rulers. Most of them fell woefully short as leaders, and God held them accountable. As the kings went, so went the people in most cases. Thus these books end with only the slightest glimmer of hope that God s people had a future. Thankfully, we also hear the words of faithful prophets who help us not only learn the hard lessons of history but also look to the future when God would send His Messiah-King to redeem His lost and broken people. So c mon. Let s confront the tough questions of truth! David Briscoe CONNECT GROW SERVE GO A COMMITMENT TO BALANCED SPIRITUAL HEALTH Throughout Explore the Bible Series materials, look for ideas and resources identified by the following icons. These icons indicate the idea s/resource s major emphasis relating to balanced spiritual health. CONNECT highlights the importance of worship, prayer, and fellowship. It s about connecting with God and with others in positive, long-lasting relationships. GROW is about knowing God s Word, growing as a disciple, and seeing His Word come alive in your life daily. SERVE focuses on finding your place of service in the Lord s church and exercising your spiritual gifts as the Holy Spirit empowers and guides you. GO moves you outside the church walls into every part of your community and the world. It s about taking the good news of Jesus with you wherever you go. 6 Explore The Bible: Adult Learner Guide

Daily Bible Readings December 1. Numbers 6:22-26 2. Ephesians 3:17-21 3. 2 Timothy 1:9-14 4. Jeremiah 33:1-3 5. 1 Peter 3:13-15 6. 1 Peter 5:8-10 7. James 1:5-8 8. 1 John 3:1-3 9. Psalm 24:1-5 10. Deuteronomy 10:12-14 11. John 3:14-17 12. Romans 5:6-10 13. Acts 1:6-9 14. Acts 4:13-21 15. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 16. John 1:10-18 17. Isaiah 9:1-7 18. Isaiah 11:1-5 19. Matthew 1:18-21 20. Luke 1:1-4 21. Luke 1:26-33 22. Isaiah 60:1-3 23. Luke 1:46-56 24. Matthew 1:18-21 25. Luke 2:8-10 26. Matthew 2:1-6 27. Luke 2:46-52 28. Luke 2:11-14 29. Proverbs 8:32-35 30. Micah 6:6-8 31. Psalm 51:10-13 January 1. Daniel 6:6-10 2. John 1:1-5 3. Genesis 1:26-28 4. Psalm 139:1-6 5. Matthew 16:13-18 6. Jeremiah 17:5-8 7. Luke 7:1-10 8. Mark 2:1-12 9. Matthew 15:21-28 10. John 2:1-11 11. Mark 6:35-44 12. Romans 8:24-27 13. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 14. Psalm 55:16-22 15. 1 Corinthians 10:12-15 16. 1 Peter 1:3-9 17. Proverbs 22:1-5 18. 1 John 5:10-13 19. Hebrews 12:1-3 20. 1 Samuel 2:18-21, 26 21. 1 Samuel 3:2-10 22. Romans 12:9-15 23. 2 Corinthians 12:1-12 24. Philippians 3:7-14 25. Romans 14:1-9 26. 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 27. Revelation 3:10-13 28. Acts 2:7-12 29. Acts 2:32-41 30. Proverbs 3:21-26 31. Hebrews 11:8-10 February 1. Revelation 3:7-8 2. Mark 10:46-52 3. Gen. 9:9-13 4. Acts 1:10-14 5. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 6. Revelation 22:16-21 7. Leviticus 16:6-10 8. Romans 12:4-8 9. Malachi 4:1-6 10. Lamentations 3:21-25 11. 2 Timothy 2:15-19 12. Proverbs 11:12-14 13. James 3:13-18 14. Isaiah 26:1-4 15. Luke 11:33-36 16. Psalm 1:1-6 17. John 9:1-7 18. Job 1:20-22 19. Mark 1:29-31 20. Romans 8:18-23 21. Luke 13:10-17 22. Malachi 2:8-11 23. Judges 6:36-40 24. Psalm 27:7-14 25. Psalm 121:1-8 26. Romans 3:20-24 27. Luke 6:27-31 28. Nehemiah 4:6-9, 15 Exploring the Bible as a Family The following sources can be used to support a Bible study time for families: Adults Open Windows, Open Windows Large-Print Edition, Open Windows Audio CD; Youth ec (essential connection); Children More (grades 1-2), Adventure (grades 3-4), Bible Express (grades 5-6); Preschool The weekly take-home page for each preschool age group has activities and suggestions for parents and preschoolers to continue learning Bible truths at home. Explore The Bible: Adult Learner Guide 7

Introduction First and Second Kings QUESTIONS OF TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCE Do you remember the television show Truth or Consequences, popular in the 1950s and 60s? Contestants were required to answer trivia questions correctly before a buzzer sounded. If they failed to answer correctly, they faced a consequence. Usually the consequence was to perform some type of humiliating stunt. Life often presents us with questions too. However, these aren t trivia questions but matters of truth and consequence. The questions that life raises concern our character, our decisions, and our future. Since the Bible is the book of life, we are right to expect it to address questions of utmost importance. This is surely the case in the Books of 1, 2 Kings. Originally part of a larger work spanning the history of God s people from their entry into the promised land until the exile, First and Second Kings addresses provoking questions about the defeat and captivity of God s covenant people. What went wrong? Why did God allow this to happen? What now? Is there any hope for the future? Questions of truth and consequence confront believers of every age. National, family, and personal uncertainties mean that such questions resonate in today s world just as they did in the days of King Solomon and the time of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. As we approach this study of 1, 2 Kings, we can be confident that God s answers to life s questions are as relevant now as they were then. Through careful study and application of God s Word, such questions can be answered successfully and the tragic consequences of disobedience to God can be avoided. Contents First and Second Kings cover the period from the reign of Solomon (around 970 B.C.) to the thirty-seventh year of Jehoiachin during the exile (around 560 B.C.). The account of Solomon s accession to the throne and his leadership over Israel are given in 1 Kings 1 11. Israel prospered under Solomon, who ruled 40 years until his death around 930 B.C. However, while Solomon loved the Lord, his later 8 Introduction to 1, 2 Kings

life was characterized by disobedience. The great kingdom then split apart in the days of Solomon s son, Reheboam. The two kingdoms of Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom) are treated in 1 Kings 12 2 Kings 17. The Northern Kingdom had not even a single king who did right in God s sight. Consequently, Israel never experienced a true religious revival. These tribes were defeated by the Assyrians around 722 B.C. By contrast, several of Judah s kings walked with God, albeit imperfectly, and Judah experienced periodic revivals in which the people returned to God. Two prophets, Elijah and Elisha, emerged during the early years of the divided kingdom period to warn the people about the consequences of their sins. Second Kings 18 25 covers the remaining history of the Southern Kingdom until 587 B.C., when the people of Judah were carried into exile by the Babylonians. Throughout Judah s history, however, God maintained a descendant of David as king as a fulfillment of his covenant promise to David (2 Sam. 7:16). Purpose First and Second Kings was written as a theological narrative. It tells the story of God s dealings with His people. The unnamed writer/historian demonstrated that the blessings Israel enjoyed as God s chosen people were grounded in God s covenantal promises. Such blessings, however, were conditional upon Israel s obedience to God s commands. First and Second Kings discloses how the spiritual failures of the kings corrupted the people and invited God s judgment. Themes The writer presented the God of Israel as God alone. The pagan gods of the surrounding nations were false, powerless deities. As the one true God, the God of Israel insists on genuine worship and obedience by His people. God revealed His will through the law and the prophets. He expected His people to obey His will. God s people would enjoy the blessings of God when they obeyed Him. However, they would face severe consequences for persistent disobedience. The Books of 1, 2 Kings affirm God s sovereign control of history. These inspired writings challenge believers to understand that God has a purpose for human history He will bring to completion. Writer and Date The Books of 1, 2 Kings are anonymous. Settling on an exact date of writing is difficult. However, considering the final information about Jehoiachin s release from prison in Babylon, the work likely was completed soon after 560 B.C. Introduction to 1, 2 Kings 9

UNIT 1 Does My Character Count? EXPLORE THE BIBLE WITH PURPOSE Continually seek God s wisdom. (Dec. 5) Make earnest, humble praying a daily discipline. (Dec. 12) Worship Jesus as the King of kings. (Dec. 19) Consistently guard against spiritual compromise. (Dec. 26) istock Photo QUOTABLE Property may be destroyed and money may lose its purchasing power; but, character, health, knowledge and good judgment will always be in demand under all conditions. Roger Babson (1875-1967), Christian economist 10 Unit 1

Week of December 5 What Money Can t Buy Background Passage: 1 Kings 1:1 4:34 (2 Chron. 1:1-13) Lesson Passage: 1 Kings 3:3-15 BIBLICAL TRUTH God delights in giving His people the wisdom to live right and to help others. LIFE GOAL To help you continually seek godly wisdom ThinkStock Have you ever made an unusual request? Maybe you ve read stories in which hotel workers told about outrageous requests made by various guests. Some celebrities are notorious for the bizarre demands they make of hotels or performance venues. Likewise in our modern sports dominated culture, some athletes demand (and often receive) huge sums of money plus other toys to play professional sports. Human nature seems inclined to make both silly and selfish requests. If there ever was a person with an opportunity to make a grand, self-serving request, that person was Solomon, king of Israel. Yet instead of asking the God of all the earth to grant him unimaginable money, fame, or power, Solomon requested wisdom to lead God s people well. Week of December 5 11

Study Questions 1. How did Solomon show his love for God? (3:3) 2. Why did Solomon ask God for an obedient heart? (3:9) 3. What did the Lord promise to Solomon if the king lived according to the ways of God as David had lived? (3:14) 4. How did Solomon demonstrate a fresh commitment to God when he returned to Jerusalem? (3:15) This week s Bible study emphasizes that God delights in giving His people wisdom by which they can live right and help others. Our studying about Solomon s prayer and God s response to it will encourage us to continually seek God s wisdom too. BACKGROUND PASSAGE OVERVIEW Grabbing Power (1 Kings 1:1-53) First Kings ushers the reader into Israel s uneasy transition as King David s passing became imminent. Adonijah, Solomon s half-brother, attempted to grab the throne for himself; but Solomon eventually prevailed and was confirmed as David s successor. Establishing Control (1 Kings 2:1-46) Before his death, David gave the young monarch Solomon advice about how to rule the kingdom. Solomon followed his father s advice, which included eliminating several serious political enemies. Seeking Wisdom (1 Kings 3:1-15) After making a political alliance with Egypt, Solomon went to a well-known religious place to sacrifice. There God invited Solomon in a dream to ask for anything he wanted, and Solomon requested wisdom. Exerting Leadership (1 Kings 3:16 4:34) God granted Solomon wisdom, and Solomon began using his wisdom to make decisions about leading God s people. Solomon soon became famous worldwide for his wisdom, literary accomplishments, and administrative acumen. Where Do You Go For Help? (1 Kings 3:3-5) HCSB 3 Solomon loved the LORD by walking in the statutes of his father David, but he also sacrificed and KJV 3 And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and 12 What Money Can t Buy

burned incense on the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there because it was the most famous high place. He offered 1,000 burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, Ask. What should I give you? burnt incense in high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. 5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. Verse 3. Solomon showed his love for God by walking in the statutes of his father David. (See Study Question 1.) A notable exception is that Solomon offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, a practice equated with idolatry in Solomon s later years (see 11:7-8). These worship sites were called high places because they were usually located on hilltops or human-built elevations. Verse 4. One prominent high place in Solomon s day was Gibeon, located about seven miles northwest of Jerusalem. The text doesn t explain why Gibeon was the most famous high place, but likely it was because the tabernacle from Moses day, along with the bronze altar, had been placed there by King David about the same time he had moved the ark of God to Jerusalem (see 2 Chron. 1:3-6). In any event, God responded positively to Solomon s sacrifice at Gibeon of 1,000 burnt offerings. Verse 5. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, inviting the new king to ask for a divine gift. Solomon s dream was prompted by God s desire to bless Solomon if he followed his father David s example of faithfully serving only the Lord. Few of us today can relate to the amount of wealth and authority Solomon possessed. Nevertheless, we can learn a great truth about the Lord s willingness to hear His people s prayers. We can appreciate that He invites us to think about the things we truly need and to entreat Him for help. The New Testament contains many promises about the Lord, including this one: Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for (1 John 5:14-15). What are some gifts God wants to give you? (3:5) Week of December 5 13

What Is Your Biggest Challenge? (1 Kings 3:6-9) HCSB 6 And Solomon replied, You have shown great and faithful love to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and integrity. You have continued this great and faithful love for him by giving him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today. 7 LORD my God, You have now made Your servant king in my father David s place. Yet I am just a youth with no experience in leadership. 8 Your servant is among Your people You have chosen, a people too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9 So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours? KJV 6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shown unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? RRead the book Lord, Change My Attitude by James McDonald. Available at www.lifeway. com. Verse 6. Solomon began his request by acknowledging God s covenant faithfulness. God had been merciful to David because David had lived before God in faithfulness, righteousness, and integrity. Solomon further affirmed that God s allowing him to be king after David was a continuation of God s kindness to David. This affirmation was the basis of Solomon s request. As Christians, we also can base our requests on God s faithfulness and acknowledge the greatness of God through our prayers. What a blessing to know that God hears the prayers of His people and is faithful to His promises! 14 What Money Can t Buy

Verse 7. Solomon humbly declared that God had made him king in David s place, a declaration that shows Solomon s awareness of God s sovereignty. Moreover, Solomon referred to himself as a youth, meaning that he was dependent on God. The Hebrew term could refer to a young male any age from infancy to adolescence. Solomon admitted that he didn t yet know how to carry out his duties as king. The phrase no experience in leadership literally says, I don t know how to go out and come in. Verse 8. Solomon marveled that he, a servant of God, was selected to lead God s chosen people a people previously led by the likes of Abraham, Moses, and David. He recognized that the Israelites were a numerous population with a divine purpose, and they needed a king who ruled by God s standards. Solomon must have felt overwhelmed at the awesome responsibility and enormous task of leading God s people. Verse 9. Because of his weighty leadership responsibilities, Solomon asked for an obedient heart to govern the people and to discern between good and evil. (See Study Question 2.) To lead God s people well, Solomon must listen to and obey God. This would enable him to pay attention also to the concerns of others. Such knowledge comes from a growing personal relationship with God. We can be confident that God hears our prayers when we petition Him to meet our needs. Christians can humbly approach God and ask for His help to consistently decide wisely and act rightly. What do you need most from God right now? (3:9) Why is God s wisdom important today? (3:9) Whom Do You Seek to Please? (1 Kings 3:10-14) HCSB 10 Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had requested this. 11 So God said to him, Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies, but you asked discernment for yourself to understand justice, 12 I will therefore do what you have asked. KJV 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for Week of December 5 15

I will give you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before and never will be again. 13 In addition, I will give you what you did not ask for: both riches and honor, so that no man in any kingdom will be your equal during your entire life. 14 If you walk in My ways and keep My statutes and commandments just as your father David did, I will give you a long life. thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. 14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. What is your personal response to God s statutes and commandments? (3:14) Verse 10. Solomon s request pleased the Lord. When given the opportunity to ask for anything including health, wealth, or fame Solomon asked for wisdom. We please the Lord too when we value living with godly wisdom above pursuing personal wealth or attainments. Verses 11-12. God assured Solomon that his request would be granted. Moreover, since Solomon had asked for wisdom and discernment in administering justice, God promised to make his legacy renowned for exceptional wisdom. The Hebrew word for discernment means to be able to distinguish between choices, to know whether something is right or wrong or good or bad. Verse 13. God further promised to give Solomon what he hadn t asked for both riches and honor. What many people crave but few achieve, Solomon received as an act of God s grace. Solomon sought to please God. We also please God when we value His kingdom s priorities over our own desires. Verse 14. Finally, God promised Solomon that the king would enjoy long life if he lived according to God s ways and was faithful to God, as his father David had been. (See Study Question 3.) 16 What Money Can t Buy

How Do You Show Commitment? (1 Kings 3:15) HCSB 15 Then Solomon woke up and realized it had been a dream. He went to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the LORD s covenant, and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants. KJV 15 And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants. Verse 15. When Solomon returned to Jerusalem, he expressed a fresh commitment to God by worshiping before the ark of the LORD s covenant. He offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to God. (See Study Question 4.) Moreover, he included others in the celebration by holding a feast for all his servants. These actions indicated Solomon s thanksgiving for God s promises and his commitment to follow God s ways. Our worship experiences, both personal and corporate, offer opportunities that we too can express a fresh commitment to the Lord. We can be thankful for His blessings, seek His wisdom, and reaffirm our commitment to live according to His ways. WHAT ABOUT YOU? Many people today chase the elusive dreams of wealth, popularity, and fame, believing that if they can somehow acquire these things they will be forever happy. While we do need money to buy some things in a modern economy, money cannot buy wisdom, godliness, or contentment. This Bible passage challenges us to realize that having a right relationship with God and living according to His ways are to be prized above all else in our lives. A lifestyle that pleases God is demonstrated by a willingness to seek His wisdom daily. Authentic worship is an opportunity to refresh one s commitment to live by God s Word. The Bible shows that God delights in giving His wisdom to those who ask for it. What are you asking God for today? A N S W E R S T O Study Questions 1. Solomon showed his love for God by walking in the statutes of his father David. 2. Solomon asked for an obedient heart to govern the people and discern between right and wrong. 3. The Lord promised Solomon that he would have a long life. 4. Solomon presented offerings to God. Week of December 5 17