Pastor Ralph

Bonus question: Jesus commanded his disciples, " Love your enemies" as a rule by which to conduct their lives. Can it (should it) be extended to affairs of the courts or of government?

Q25. (Hebrews 2:1) Why is gradual drifting more dangerous than suddenly giving in to a temptation? How can you protect yourself from drifting away from the Lord?

Q24. Of the list of 7 of Solomon’s weaknesses, which two or three do you think are most damaging. Why does persistent sin ruin such an accumulation of good works that Solomon did?

Q23. From the list in the notes, which do you think are Solomon’s five or six greatest strengths and accomplishments? Why is Solomon so gifted?

Q22. (1 Kings 11:3) Is it fair to conclude that Solomon is a womanizer who lusts after women? How does a womanizer treat a wife? How does having a womanizer for a father affect the children? Is sexual excess compatible with Christian discipleship?

Q21. (1 Kings 10:18-25; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 6:6-10, 17-19). Solomon is both rich and showy. In Paul’s letter to Timothy at Ephesus, what kinds of guidelines are given for avoiding ostentation and flaunting wealth? What should the wealthy do to please God? 1 Timothy 6:17 indicates a connection between wealth and arrogance. How can wealth breed arrogance?

Q20. (Proverbs 19:17; 22:9) Why is giving to help the poor so basic a practice in Judaism and Christianity? Why are we sometimes hesitant to help the poor we see in our streets? What are some wise ways by which we can make a regular practice of giving to help the poor?

Q19. (Luke 11:31; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:2) How does Jesus’ wisdom contrast with worldly wisdom? In what sense are “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” hidden in Him? Just how do you go about becoming “wise” in Jesus?

Q18. Which of Solomon’s building projects are designed to glorify Yahweh? Which are designed to glorify Solomon? Which are designed to provide protection and security for his people? Many of God’s people are in day-to-day provision mode, but if God has given you a bit of disposable income, which of your primary financial outlays are designed to honor God? Which are designed to serve others?

Q17. (2 Samuel 12:24b–25; 1 Kings 3:3) At Solomon’s finest, what does his devotion to God look like? Can you think of anyone else in Scripture who is loved by God and loves God back? (Hint: 1 John 4:19) Yet, Solomon’s life is a cautionary tale for believers. Why?

Q16. (2 Chronicles 7:13-14; Daniel 9:3-16) In what ways does Daniel’s prayer exemplify the conditions for God’s healing? What must God’s people do to experience renewal and revival today? What conditions must be true in our hearts? How might God’s healing show itself in a person? In a congregation? In a region? In a nation? Why is a Holy Spirit-sent revival so important in our day?

Q15. (1 Kings 9:4–5) What kind of “walk” does God call Solomon to? What does this kind of lifestyle look like? What obstacles does a believer face in seeking to walk before God in this way? What is the opposite of integrity of heart?

Q14. (1 Kings 8:10-11; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3; 2 Corinthians 3:18) What does the cloud that filled the temple represent? What do God’s glory filling the temple and fire falling on the sacrifice represent? In what sense can we “behold the glory of the Lord” today? How? Why should we take time for that?

Q13. (1 Kings 8:15-16, 27-30) Why is it so important that the Israelites understand that God doesn’t live solely in Solomon’s Temple. Where else is God’s dwelling place? (verses 27, 30). If the temple isn’t God’s sole dwelling place, what then is the importance of the temple? Is it wrong to go to a sacred building such as a church to do your praying? Why or why not?

Q12. Should worship be a “sacrifice” for us in the sense that it costs us something in time, effort, or focus? Which of the New Testament forms of “sacrifice” and “offerings” are most meaningful for you? Which are most difficult for you?