Choose Wisdom Every Time Series

You can listen to the full message here:-

http://www.nec.org.au/listen-to-a-sermon-series/kings-series/

Message

1 Kings 3:1-28

“Choose Wisdom Every Time”

It is not easy to follow in the footsteps of great men.

Billy Graham

- many still organize evangelism rallies.

- Franklin Graham (son), Wil Graham (grand son).

- it wasn’t the same as when Billy did it.

Billy’s legacy is huge.

Another hard act to follow would be king David.

Remember Scripture is selective?

David gets

• 16 chapters of 1 Samuel.

• All of 2 Samuel … 24 chapters.

• 14 Chapters in 1 Chronicles.

• Plus all the Psalms that he wrote.

Jesus gets the most space, then possibly Moses gets more space, but that is it.

David truly is a key player in God’s hand in the OT.

The kingly covenant is made with David. So powerful that even in failure, it still stands.

Talk freely but use these texts.

Regarding division of the kingdom.

Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.”

1 Kings 11:13

Regarding Abijah an unfaithful King.

Nevertheless, for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong.

1 Kings 15:4

Regarding Jehoram who walk in the evil was of the Israelite kings.

Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah. He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.

2 Kings 8:19

Which raises the question. What sort of King would Solomon be?

Read 1 Kings 3:1-15.

What sort of King would Solomon be?

That looks like a pretty good start doesn’t it.

Except

Solomon Marries Pharaoh’s Daughter.

It was done as a political way to make alliances => brief expand

It shows how powerful Israel has become … Egyptian Pharaohs don’t just give their daughters to anyone.

BUT

• wasn’t Egypt the arch-enemy of Israel, kept them in slavery for 400 years.

• Pharaoh’s daughter doesn’t have the same religion – we know this is going to be an issue in the later years of Solomon’s life.

True Worship was Being Compromised

The place of worship up to this point was the tabernacle.

Brief history

Ark of covenant was in Jerusalem, tabernacle was in Gibeon about 5 km away.

Accessible yet people, even Solomon were worshipping in High Places.

Application: We need to honestly evaluate our relationship with God.

Many of us live good Christian lives.

But what are the snares?

What are the areas of life that get us and make us stumble?

Talk freely

They may only seem like little things, but in the end they could be the very things that spiritually make us stumble in the long-term.

Read 2 Kings 11:1-6, 9

Always we need to be reflecting on the decisions that we make in life.

Solomon was faced with that decision … it was a

A Key Decision

What do you want me to give you … anything.

Wow … expand, what to ask for.

Solomon thinks carefully about it.

Solomon reflects on the past

You have been faithful

2 Samuel 7:16 – the covenant God made with David

16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’”

Despite what Adonijah tried to do Solomon is on the throne.

Application:- Use the past actions of God to direct the present.

How easy it is to be stuck in the moment.

Personal struggle with medication => gives a skewed picture of the present.

7 “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favour again?

8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?

9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Psalm 77:7-12

Talk freely about how this is put into practice … leads us to gratitude.

Solomon Acknowledges His Weaknesses

I’m not up to the task and I need your strength God.

The people are very difficult people to lead.

• easily distracted to other “gods” (it will be their downfall)

• love the culture of the world too much (temptations of the world)

• they don’t quickly listen to the word of God through the prophets.

Solomon acknowledged that he is just as guilty, and that he needs wisdom to be connected with Yahweh as he leads the people.