The Piracy Of Praise Series

The Hallelujah Factor Series

Based upon Jack Taylor’s book The Hallelujah Factor

The Piracy of Praise

July 1, 2007 FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Pastor

Introduction

A A few years ago, FBC was robbed, burglarized, vandalized, invaded-robbed of possessions, damaged property, left us with fear, loss of peace of mind.

1 In the not-so-distant past, I believe the Church was also victimized by the loss of the crown jewel of the church- our praise.

a In the wake of that loss there developed an atmosphere so foreign to biblical worship that we have developed a fear/ resistance to biblical praise.

b We have had praise pirated from the church (the devil has stolen the crown jewel: praise).

2 Praise: any vocal, audible, and/or visible adoration of God.

B Out of the past comes a parable of this theft.

I The past

A The mere mention of Solomon’s name brings incredible pictures to our mind.

1 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 "Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. 9 "So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" 10 It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 God said to him, "Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, 12 behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. 13 "I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days. 14 "If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days.1 Kings 3:7-14 (NASB) (Pink)

a Wise, rich, honored, building of temple, palace

b Now the weight of gold which came in to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, 15 besides that from the traders and the wares of the merchants and all the kings of the Arabs and the governors of the country. 1 Kings 10:14-15 (NASB)

aa 666 talents=23 metric tons of gold

bb Didn’t include revenue from Arabian merchants, traders, kings, & governors.

c God kept His promise to make him wealthy, wise, splendor

2 King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold, using 600 shekels of gold on each large shield. 17 He made 300 shields of beaten gold, using three minas of gold on each shield, and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. 1 Kings 10:16-17 (NASB)

a 200 large= 7.5 lbs. of gold, 300 small= 3.5 lbs. of gold

b The shields represented splendor, blessing.

aa Ornamental, special formal gatherings, temple

bb The Temple would cost over $200 billion to rebuild today if using the same stones, materials Solomon used.

cc Queen of Sheba’s description: Then she said to the king, "It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. 7 "Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard. 8 "How blessed are your men, how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom. 9 "Blessed be the LORD your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; because the LORD loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, to do justice and righteousness." 1 Kings 10:6-9 (NASB) She sent $15 million in gold because she was so impressed.

3 People from all over the earth wanted an audience with Solomon (blessed by God with great wisdom, wealth).

a Wisdom from God, tribute brought by people (silver, gold, spices, horses, mules, robes, etc.)

b Solomon, in his later years, allowed his heart to grow spiritually dull.

aa Married foreign women, built them temples for their gods.

bb God specifically forbid Solomon from following other gods.

c The beginning of the end!

aa God told Solomon, "I will remove the kingdom from your hand." (Because of your dad, I’ll wait until you die & take it from your boy, who will reign after you)