Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 4, 2024
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Kings 9-10. These chapters take an in-depth look at the character of Solomon. The chapters contrast the value system of God with the value system of Solomon. The Lord is concerned with Solomon’s heart, but Solomon is concerned with building an empire. However, the Lord shows kindness to Solomon in continuing to invite Solomon to repent. The Lord appears to him numerous times and sends foreign envoys to proclaim the fame of God. These chapters remind us how generous God is with us today. He still pursues those who walk in foolishness and calls everyone to repentance.
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Last week in 1 Kings 7-8, we saw the Temple construction completed and dedicated to the Lord. This week we take a deeper look into the condition of Solomon’s heart and his true desires.
Read 1 Kings 9:1-9. After Solomon has built all that he desired to build, the Lord appears to Solomon for the second time. The Lord affirms His love for Solomon and his building of the Temple. However, He reminds Solomon of the covenant He made and encourages Solomon to walk in His ways and obey Him. The Lord tells Solomon what blessings will occur if he obeys and what consequences – or curses will take place if he doesn’t. The Lord is being generous, loving and kind to give Solomon this warning. His warning is for Solomon to pay attention and not drift away from God. We see this warning in Hebrews 2:1. I have heard this condition of “drifting away” referred to as having “casual belief.” This is another example of a divided heart. The Lord wanted Solomon to examine his heart condition rather than the Temple condition.
How long have you been walking with the Lord? Have you found yourself drifting away from Him?
Are there areas of your life where you have let sin (disobedience/selfish desires) enter in and take root?
Have you become complacent in your walk with God?
Read 1 Kings 9:10-28. The Lord’s focus is on the heart and Solomon’s focus is on acquiring possessions and building an empire. Solomon makes compromises by giving cities to Hiram, which was NOT GOD’S WILL! Success is not a sin, but it has a way of giving us a false sense of security, causing us to become more and more self-sufficient rather than God dependent. It can consume us and lead us down the path of total destruction – one small compromise after another. Blessings and success in any form can lead us to believe that God must be pleased with us. Not so! God blesses us in order to draw us closer to Him and use those blessings to do His will – not our own.
How has God blessed you?
Have you worshipped the blessings rather than the Giver of those blessings?
Have you become drunk with desire to acquire more and more?
Have you made compromises in your faith in order to have relationships with others around you?
Read 1 Kings 10:1-9. As Solomon’s fame spread throughout the land, the Queen of Sheba decided to come and see for herself if it was true. The Lord uses the Queen to testify and remind Solomon of where his blessings had come from. She proclaims, “Blessed be the Lord your God...!” This is a reminder to Solomon that everything he has is from God, and he should be praising God – not himself! It was another opportunity for Solomon to turn from a half-hearted devotion to God into a whole-hearted devotion.
If someone came to your home and watched how you lived your life on a daily basis, would they find that your life reflects the faith in God you proclaim? Would they find you faithful to the gospel of Christ or living a life that is in contrast to His Word?
Where is your heart’s devotion?
Read 1 Kings 10:14-20. Solomon had more wealth and possessions than one can imagine! Don’t miss verse 14 which states that in one year Solomon received 666 talents of gold! Solomon valued worldly possessions, while God valued the heart. All of these possessions and extravagant living was in direct disobedience to God’s command for how kings should live. Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Solomon did exactly the opposite of what God had instructed. Solomon was a man filled with religion – going through the motions, checking all the boxes. On the outside, he looks like he’s doing great, but on the inside his heart is far away from God and His divine will. This can be true for us as well. We think we look good on the outside so all must be well, when in reality our hearts can be far away. God still kept pursuing Solomon. God does the same for us! God keeps inviting us to come close to Him – to desire a right relationship with Him. However, the world vies for our attention and allegiance. Pay attention! Don’t drift away!
In what ways have you given too much attention and value to the world?
Be exhorted today to turn from your half-hearted devotion to God and fully devote yourself, your lifestyle and all that you have to Him!