BUILDING FOR GOD'S GLORY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Kings 6:1-38
Supporting Texts: Exodus 25:8-9; Psalm 127:1; 1 Corinthians 3:9-17; Haggai 1:8; Hebrews 8:5
INTRODUCTION:
1 Kings 6 gives a detailed account of how Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord. After years of national preparation and personal readiness, the construction of the house of God began. This was not an ordinary building—it was the earthly representation of God’s dwelling among His people. Every measurement, material, and instruction was carried out with intentionality, order, and reverence.
Solomon did not just build something impressive; he built something sacred. His obedience to divine patterns was a testimony of his honour for God. The temple symbolised God's presence, power, and holiness. It was not merely a structure—it was a declaration that Israel belonged to Yahweh.
In this chapter, we learn that anything meant to carry God's presence must be built with reverence, excellence, and according to His divine pattern. When God is the architect, we must not be careless builders.
1. GOD EXPECTS US TO HONOUR DIVINE TIMING IN EVERY ENDEAVOUR
The temple did not begin until the fourth year of Solomon’s reign.
a) “And it came to pass… that he began to build the house of the Lord.” (1 Kings 6:1)
Every divine assignment must align with God’s appointed time.
b) Rushing ahead of God's timing can abort or corrupt a divine project
Solomon waited until peace, resources, and readiness were aligned.
c) Obedience includes not just what we do, but when and how we do it
Timing is as important as planning.
d) God honours those who wait for His appointed season
Even the best ideas must bow to divine timing.
Biblical Example: Jesus waited until “His hour had come” before going to the cross (John 13:1).
2. EVERYTHING THAT CARRIES GOD’S GLORY MUST FOLLOW HIS PATTERN
Solomon followed specific dimensions and designs revealed to David by God.
a) “The house which King Solomon built for the Lord…” (1 Kings 6:2-3)
The glory of God demands attention to His instructions.
b) Divine projects require spiritual sensitivity, not human creativity
The design was not Solomon’s invention—it was heaven’s plan.
c) God doesn’t bless disorder; He blesses what aligns with His Word
The temple was a shadow of heavenly realities.
d) Obedience to divine patterns brings down the divine presence
Moses and Solomon both built according to the heavenly model.
Biblical Example: God warned Moses to build the tabernacle “according to the pattern shown you” (Exodus 25:9).
3. SILENCE, REVERENCE, AND EXCELLENCE MARK TRUE KINGDOM WORK
The stones were shaped away from the temple site to avoid noise.
a) “There was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house.” (1 Kings 6:7)
God’s work must be done with reverence and spiritual sensitivity.
b) Excellence in preparation allows for peaceful execution
Noise represents confusion; silence reflects order and honour.
c) We must approach sacred duties with respect, not casual attitudes
There is a difference between activity and sacred service.
d) The quiet construction speaks of maturity, discipline, and honour for God’s presence
Holiness is not just what we say but how we build.
Biblical Example: Habakkuk said, “The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20).
4. GOD’S PRESENCE IS ATTRACTED TO OBEDIENT AND HOLY FOUNDATIONS
God assured Solomon of His presence if he obeyed.
a) “If you walk in My statutes… then I will dwell among the children of Israel.” (1 Kings 6:12-13)
Obedience invites divine habitation.
b) It is not the beauty of the building but the purity of the people that attracts God's glory
God’s promise was conditional.
c) God desires to dwell with those who walk in truth and covenant loyalty
The temple was not a charm—it was a covenant space.
d) Holiness is still the standard for God's presence today
The foundation must match the glory we desire.
Biblical Example: God departed from the temple when Israel turned to idolatry (Ezekiel 10:18-19).
5. BUILDING FOR GOD TAKES TIME, SACRIFICE, AND PERSISTENCE
It took seven years to complete the temple.
a) “So he was seven years in building it.” (1 Kings 6:38)
Lasting work requires patience and commitment.
b) Great spiritual work is not rushed—it is layered with diligence and prayer
Solomon spared nothing in building for God.
c) Every detail matters in building a dwelling for God’s glory
From the gold overlays to the carvings, everything pointed to majesty.
d) Excellence is costly, but it reflects our value for the God we serve
The temple was a testimony of Israel’s devotion.
Biblical Example: Paul laid a strong foundation and warned others to build carefully upon it (1 Corinthians 3:10-17).
CONCLUSION:
1 Kings 6 teaches us that sacred assignments require divine timing, total obedience, spiritual excellence, and honour for God’s presence. Building for God is not about impressing men—it is about hosting God in purity and truth.
Whether we are building a church, a ministry, a marriage, or a spiritual life, the pattern must be God’s, the process must be holy, and the purpose must be His glory. When we build God’s house right, He fills it with His presence.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to walk in Your timing for every assignment You’ve given me.
2. Give me grace to build according to Your divine pattern, not human convenience.
3. Father, let my life and work reflect reverence, excellence, and holiness.
4. Dwell in everything I build for You—my life, my home, and my ministry.
5. May Your presence fill the temple of my life, and may all I do bring You glory.
