Obedience Is Key! 1 Kings Chapter 3

1 Kings Chapter 3--OBEDIENCE IS KEY!

August 3, 2023.

Scripture points out:

Ø Solomon loved the Lord by walking in the same statutes of his father, David. Even though Solomon sacrificed and burned incense in high places (V3). He acknowledged that God was in full control of his destiny.

Ø Solomon recognized the importance of his kingship (V7); in his youth and knew that without the guidance of the Lord, he was way over his head with responsibility; he could not handle the responsibility in his strength.

Ø Solomon seeks counsel from the Lord (V8-10)

Ø Solomon is specific in his prayer request.

a. A receptive heart to judge.

b. To discern between good and evil

Ø God grants Solomon the wisdom he requested and gives us the reason for granting his request.

The saints prove their conversion by their perseverance, and that perseverance comes from a continual supply of divine grace to their souls. The Candle, Volume 27, Sermon #1594 - Matthew 5:15, 16

Charles Spurgeon

a. Because Solomon requested help

b. He did not ask for long life or riches for himself.

c. He did not ask for the death of his enemies.

d. He asked for discernment for himself to administer justice.

Let Me Have Your Attention:

QUESTION!

a. Are you out of your league with important responsibilities you can’t handle?

b. Have you asked God for His Counsel?

c. Do you admit you cannot judge the people in the world or those in your family or circle of influence without God’s help?

d. What do you ask for when you pray? Is it always benefiting you only, or do you pray for things that will benefit everyone within a circumstantial situation?

Take a Look

God was pleased with Solomons' prayer request so much that he blessed him with:

a. a wise and understanding heart so that there has never been anyone like him and never will be again. (v12)

b. God also stated in verse (13) that he would bless him with additional benefits that he did not even ask for! Oh my goodness! This is the awesomeness of our God! He gave him both riches and honor to the point that no king would be his equal during his entire life

c. God gives Solomon something to think about: (V19) If you walk I my ways and keep my statutes and commands just as your father David did, I will give you a long life!

d. Solomon was specific and proactive in his prayer requests to God!

Run with the Lesson!

a. Oh, my goodness, what are you willing to do for others to get the blessings of God like Solomon?

b. Sacrifice?

c. Obedience?

d. Surrender?

e. Die to yourself, to live for God and bless others?

Many people will see the hand of God in your life but will not connect what it took for you to receive these blessings of the Lord. They want what the Lord has blessed you with, with many will not do what they do to inherit these blessings. Many have not tested the Word of the Lord to see how faithful, truthful, and how divinely His Word is alive and active!

Remember what Jesus stated: 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit [c]of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15: 4, 5

Finally, in (V28) The scripture states that all Isarael heard about the work of Solomon and stood in awe of the king because they saw that God’s wisdom was in him to carry out justice! What a mighty God we serve!

My Prayer after reading 1 King Chapter 3

May the Lord visit you and give you a receptive heart to judge righteously and discern between good and evil. May you recognize that obedience to God’s Word gives you access to God’s promises. May the mercies of God strengthen you to abide in the divine counsel of the Lord. I pray for Godly discernment that administers justice and blessings upon everyone in your influence. May you have a lifelong wise understanding heart and always walk in the ways of the Lord by keeping His Word and commandments. May you obtain a long life of abundance? I declare that the hand of God is involved in all your ways and affairs. Go in peace, my brothers and sisters, and allow the Word of the Lord to be activated in your life without hesitation! in Jesus' name, AMEN!