The Crown Season 3 Episode 3 – Success Beyond Imagination
The Crown Season 3 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Transcript
Introduction
Brief introduction to the sermon series on Solomon
Continued exploration of Solomon's story in I Kings 5-9
Connection to previous sermon on Solomon's wisdom
Review of Solomon's Story
David's death and dream of building a temple
God's promise to David
Adonijah's claim to the throne and David's intervention
Solomon's coronation with Nathan and Bathsheba's help
God's offer to Solomon and his choice of wisdom
The Nature of Godly Wisdom
Wisdom as aligning our will with God's will
Connection to the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-10)
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Wisdom as merging God's heart, soul, and mind with ours.
Wisdom as merging God's heart, soul, and mind with ours.
The contrast between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom
Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”;
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools
Examples of wisdom that looks foolish to the world
Using vacation for mission trips
Volunteering rather than relaxing
Sacrificial giving
Loving enemies
Bible reading over entertainment
Showing kindness to outcasts
Joy Davidman quote on being a fool for God
Solomon's Wisdom in Action
The case of the two prostitutes (I Kings 3:16-27)
Analysis of Solomon's judgment
Solomon's impartiality and justice regardless of social status
Connection to biblical principles of justice
Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good:
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Comparison to Jesus's approach to justice
Solomon's Success
His intellectual and cultural achievements (1 Kings 4:32–34 “He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.” )
The prosperity of Israel under his rule (1 Kings 4:20–21 “The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy. And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These countries brought tribute and were Solomon’s subjects all his life.” )
Peace throughout the kingdom (1 Kings 4:25 “During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree.” )
The Temple Project
Solomon's response to success: building the Temple
Motivations for the Temple project
Peace and prosperity allowing for construction
Available resources and riches
Acknowledging God's fulfilled promises
Desire to praise and worship
Making God's glory known in the world
Description of the Temple (1 Kings 5-6)
Historical and theological significance of the Temple
Legitimacy of Solomon's reign
Expression of relationship between God and Israel
Declaration of God's immanent presence
Visual Elements
Images of the Temple
Video presentation highlighting God's glory and holiness
Solomon's dedication prayer (1 Kings 8:23-24)
and said: “Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.
Application for Today
Comparison to other awe-inspiring structures
Ancient wonders (Colosseum, Great Wall, Pyramids)
Modern architectural marvels
Sports venues and national monuments
Our need for awe in relationship with God
Reflection on how we often lack awe of God
The fulfillment of the Temple in Jesus (Matthew 12:6)
I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.
Call to praise God regardless of circumstances
Conclusion
Jesus as "greater than the temple"
Our richness in Christ
Call to renewed praise and awe of God
