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?

Q11. How does an understanding of Old Testament sacrifice help us understand Jesus’ death on the cross?

Q10. How do church buildings relate to the central mission of the Church? What is the place of building worship buildings (such as Solomon’s Temple) that express the beauty and glory of God? What is the place of building functional houses of worship that conserve resources for other tasks?

Q9. (1 Kings 2:12; Matthew 25:14-30) What “natural” talent(s) do you have? What are you good at in the natural world? How are you using these talents for God and his Kingdom? Have you identified any “spiritual” gifts? How are you using those? Have you found that your “natural” talents are related to your “spiritual” gifts? If so, describe how they relate to each other.

Q8. How have the writings attributed to Solomon affected your understanding, perspective, and way of life? In what ways? Which proverbs have you committed to memory? Which of these is most dear to you?

Q7. (1 Kings 3:16-28) Why does the Scripture emphasize justice for the poor and disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan? Why are courts often inclined to favor the wealthy? Why do societies throughout the ages tend to perpetuate discrimination against outsiders? In what ways should social justice be a value for followers of Yahweh and of Jesus in our day?

Q6. (1 Kings 3:5-15) What does Solomon’s answer to God’s question tell us about Solomon’s heart at this time? Do you serve Jesus for what he can do for you or for what you can do for him? Why is singleness of heart so important to true discipleship?

Q5. (1 Kings 3:1-4) In what way does Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter enhance his status in the Ancient Near East? How does this marriage compromise him as a follower of Yahweh? How does his worship on the high places – and failure to destroy them – damage the purity of Yahweh worship for centuries to follow? In what areas do our compromises as parents and pastors impact our own discipleship and the faith of our families and congregations?

Q4. (1 Kings 2:13-46) Why doesn’t Solomon act more quickly against David’s enemies and his own? What does this indicate about Solomon? Do you think God is pleased with Solomon’s dealing with enemies in these ways? In an absolute monarchy, what are the balance points between protection of the throne (the state), justice, and mercy? 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?

Q3. (1 Kings 2:2-3) David charges Solomon to observe God’s commandments. Why are we tempted to break God’s commandments as a means to an end, such as lying to win political points or job advancement? What does obedience have to do with prosperity?

Q2. (1 Kings 1; 2 Chronicles 22:7) What indications do we have that Solomon has been chosen by God to build the temple? How does God protect his choice in spite of political intrigues? Why do you think Nathan the prophet is the first to move to protect Solomon? (Hint: see 2 Samuel 7:11-16.)