Sermon Central
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Kingdom Character-2
Contributed by Byron Sherman on May 10, 2016 (message contributor)
Summary: 2 of 5. The events surrounding one of Solomon’s official judgments revealed the mothering potential of a harlot. How does a woman’s character reveal her potential as a mother? Motherhood/Mothering Potential is manifested in a woman’s approach to...
KINGDOM CHARACTER-II—1Kings 3:16-28
AKA—Motherhood Potential
!!Take this sermon to the next level by focusing upon every Christian’s potential!!
Attention:
Is God leading you or has the devil been allowed access to your world because of the way in which you approach your potential?
Remember our Background/Context:
YaHWeH had approached Solomon “in a dream by night” saying, “Ask! What shall I give you?”(:5).
King Solomon recognized his own inability to rule properly because he saw himself as “a little child” who did not even know how to go out or come in”(:7). On top of that, he was also taken with & humbled by the sheer numbers of God’s people. Also tied into this was an understanding that Solomon’s charge was to lead God’s chosen people(:8). The expectations/responsibilities upon Solomon were great & he felt their weight.
Therefore in answer to God’s question, Solomon requested “wisdom” from the LORD. Solomon knew he needed “an understanding heart to judge” YaHWeH’s people, that he might be able to “discern between good & evil”(:9). He was concerned that he be able to “judge” the people of God wisely & with equity.
Solomon’s desire “pleased” God(:10) so that He responded by giving Solomon the “understanding”he had asked for along with the personal things he had not considered important—long life, riches, & the life of his enemies(:11-14).
The result & proof of God’s bestowing His wisdom upon Solomon was immediately manifested to everyone as follows in our text(:16-28)...
The events surrounding one of Solomon’s official judgments revealed the motherly potential of a harlot.
A woman’s character reveals her mothering potential.
*How does a woman’s character reveal her potential as a mother?
How does a woman’s character reveal her potential for motherhood?
9 ways in which motherhood/mothering potential is measured.
2—Motherhood/Mothering Potential is manifested in a woman’s...
Approach to TRAGEDY(:17-21)
Explanation:(:17-21)
:17—“And one woman said, “O my lord, this woman & I dwell in the same house; & I gave birth while she was in the house.”
:18—“Then it happened, the third day after I had given birth, that this woman also gave birth. And we were together; no one was with us in the house, except the two of us in the house.”
:19—“And this woman’s son died in the night, because she lay on him.
“What anxiety is caused by little children, how uncertain their lives are, & to how many dangers they are continually exposed. The age of infancy is the valley of the shadow of death; & the lamp of life, when first lighted, is easily blown out. It is a wonder of mercy that so few perish in the perils of nursing.”—M. Henry
:20—“So she arose in the middle of the night & took my son from my side, while your maidservant slept, & laid him in her bosom, & laid her dead child in my bosom.”
:21—“And when I rose in the morning to nurse my son, there he was, dead. But when I had examined him in the morning, indeed, he was not my son whom I had borne.”
Mommies must be tough! Personal Tragedy holds potential to either ruin you or make you!
Argumentation:
Prov. 3:21-26—“My son, let them not depart from your eyes-- Keep sound wisdom & discretion; So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down & your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.
