Solomon and Wealth

I. Solomon as Fulfillment of God's Promise (2 Samuel 7:12-13, 16)

A. The Davidic Covenant

Son of David and temple builder

314-year dynasty (900-586 BC) - longer than USA has existed

Illustration: Imagine Washington's descendant still being president

B. Ultimate Fulfillment in Jesus

Matthew 1:1 - Jesus as "Son of David"

Connects two major promises:

To David (eternal kingdom)

To Abraham (blessing all nations - Genesis 12:1-3)

Galatians 3:7-9 - We are included in Abraham's blessing

C. Christ-Centered Scripture

John 5:39 - Scriptures testify about Jesus

Luke 24:44 - Law, Prophets, and Psalms all point to Christ

Unified story demonstrating divine origin

Illustration: Bible like furniture assembly - all pieces fit together perfectly

II. Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth (1 Kings 3:7-14)

A. Solomon's Request for Wisdom

Humble acknowledgment of inadequacy

Asked for discerning heart to govern God's people

Distinguished right from wrong

B. God's Generous Response

Granted wisdom beyond measure

Added wealth and honor unexpectedly

Promise of long life with obedience

C. The Extent of Solomon's Riches (1 Kings 10:14-25)

666 talents of gold annually

Golden shields, throne, household items

Silver considered worthless

International trading fleet

World leaders sought his wisdom

III. Wealth as God's Blessing

A. God Fulfills His Promises

Solomon's experience exceeded imagination

God always keeps His word

B. The Queen of Sheba's Recognition (1 Kings 10:1, 9)

Came to test Solomon's wisdom

Praised the Lord through Solomon's success

Solomon's kingdom made God's name known worldwide

C. Our Kingdom's Purpose

Every blessing should bring glory to God

Success can be dangerous without proper perspective

Need for gratitude in all circumstances

IV. The Danger of Prosperity

A. Solomon's Reflection in Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 5:10 - Money never satisfies

Wealth can become meaningless pursuit

B. Biblical Examples of Pride from Prosperity

2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's downfall through pride

2 Chronicles 32:25 - Hezekiah's proud heart

Proverbs 30:7-9 - Prayer for neither poverty nor riches

C. Moses' Warning (Deuteronomy 8:10-18)

Danger of forgetting God in prosperity

Risk of attributing success to personal power

Remember: God gives ability to produce wealth

D. Moody's Observation

"We can stand affliction better than prosperity"

Prosperity tends to make us forget God

V. True Source of Satisfaction

A. What God Actually Promises

Matthew 6:33 - Seek first His kingdom

Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord

He provides what we need, not necessarily riches

B. The Deceit of Riches

We think money gives us joy, peace, hope

These actually come from relationship with God

Luke 12:15 - Life doesn't consist in possessions

C. Solomon's Final Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Fear God and keep His commandments

This from the man who had everything

VI. Jesus Greater Than Solomon

A. Jesus' References to Solomon

Matthew 6:28-29 - Flowers dressed better than Solomon

Matthew 12:42 - Something greater than Solomon is here

B. What Jesus Offers That's Better

Not material wealth but spiritual riches

Peace and joy knowing God as Father

Assurance of His provision and care

C. Learning from God's Creation

Flowers don't work to bloom - God provides

Birds don't earn flight - God designed them

If God cares for creation, He cares for us

VII. Application and Conclusion

A. Weekly Exercise

Admire God's beautiful creation

Find joy in simple beauties of life

Personal example: Beauty in Texas landscape drive

B. The Real Source of Life

Not Solomon's wealth but Jesus

God in flesh who died for our sins

Resurrection gives hope for future

C. Invitation

For those who don't know Jesus

Offer to share more about Him

Key Takeaways

Solomon fulfills God's promise but ultimately points to Jesus

Wealth is God's blessing but can lead to spiritual danger

True satisfaction comes from relationship with God, not possessions

Jesus offers something greater than Solomon's riches

God's care shown in creation assures us of His provision