Week 7 Sunday School Lesson, August 13,TOPIC:Solomon’s Reign

Sunday School Lesson, August 13, 2017.

Topic: Solomon’s Reign

Memory Verse: 2 Chronicles 9:8, Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the Lord thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them forever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice (KJV) 

Lesson Text: 2 Chronicles 2:1-6; 6:1-11; 7:1-5; 9:13-28; 1 kings 11:1-13

CENTRAL TRUTH: Christians should obey God in all areas of their lives.

FOCUS: To contrast the periods of Solomon’s reign and resolve to remain faithful to God throughout life.

Lesson OutLine.

1.     Solomon Worship God

A.    Building God’s House

B.     Dedicating God’s House

2.     God Blesses Solomon

A.    God’s presence

B.     God’s Blessings

3.     Solomon Serves False Gods

A.    Solomon Turns from God

B.     God judges Solomon

                      Learning Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1.     Understand the importance of obeying God.

2.     Determine to find ways to minister to others.

3.     Examine their lives for things that draw them from God and commit to serve Him faithfully.

Introducing the lesson

Question: What might cause you to turn from God?

     Students will likely declare that nothing could cause them to turn from God. Yet every day we make decisions that either draw us to God or away from Him.

     This lesson focuses on Solomon’s obedience to God and his turning from God. You may have students who are making decision that can prove spiritually disastrous. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s anointing as you teach this lesson.

1.     Solomon Worships God

A.    Building God’s House  2 Chronicles 2: 1-6 

       Even though David had provided some of the material needed to build the temple, Solomon acquire more. Solomon had two building projects to tackle: the temple ad palace for himself (2 Chronicles 2:1).

      Construction on the temple began in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign , or about 966 BC ( 1 Kings 6:1), and it took seven years to complete ( verse 38). Solomon recruited thousands of workers along with their supervisors (2 Chronicle 2:2). He delegated each person to a specific task.

Question: In what ways might we apply Solomon’s plan for building the temple to the church today?

   God has given each of us gifts and talent we can use in building God’s kingdom and the church. He has given us leaders to help us develop these skills and provided opportunities for us to use them in ministry to others. We can also volunteer in various ministries around the church and the community.

 Huram ( or Hiram, verse 3, NIV) was the king of Tyre and had a previous association with David, so Solomon turned to him for help. He could supply materials for skill craftsmen. While Huram had supplied materials for David’s palace, Solomon was building a temple for God. (verse 4)

    Solomon’s reason for building this temple shows his knowledge of the Law of Moses and it requirement for sacrifice. Solomon’s description is also a testimony of the greatness of God ( verse 5-6), as well as Solomon’s humble desire to obey and worship God.

B.    Dedicating God’s House   2 Chronicles 6:1-11

  The details of the temple’s construction are covered in 2 Chronicles 3-5. Solomon presented the temple to God ( 2 Chronicles 6:1-2). A think cloud filled the temple after the priests carried in the ark ( See 2 Chronicles 5:13-14). This explains Solomon’s remark in 2 Chronicles 6:1 about the Lord dwelling in “dark cloud” (NIV) or the “thick darkness”( Kjv). This referred to God demonstrating His approval on Solomon’s relocation of the ark to the new temple. This cloud was a clear indicator of God’s presence.

    God told Moses that He would choose a place for Isreal to worship Him (Deuteronomy 12: 4-7). Even though God is greater than the temple, Solomon realized he had people, he took on a priestly or pastoral role (2 Chronicles 6:3). As king, Solomon was a spiritual leader. He needed to fulfill that role at this momentous occasion.

 As Solomon blessed the people (verses 4-11), he highlighted the fact God had chosen them to be His people. God brought them out of Egypt (verse 5). God chose Jerusalem to be the place where He would dwell (verse 6). And God chose Solomon to be King (verses 7-10).

    The details Solomon presented showed that he realized God’s hand was on him. God had installed Solomon as king, the temple construction was complete, and the ark of the covenant was in place. This was proof of God’s faithfulness to His promise.

Question: In what ways has God been faithful to you?

 The ark of the covenant was an important part of Israel’s worship, the tangible symbol of God’s presence among them and His special relationship with them. Solomon acknowledged that by placing the ark in its rightful place in the temple.

2       God Blessing Solomon

A.    God’s Presence 2 Chronicles 7:1-5

In Solomon’s Prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:12-42, he acknowledged God’s blessing over Israel. In response to this prayer, God manifested himself in a visible way (2 chronicles 7:1).

    God often manifested His presence with fire (see Exodus 3:1-4; Leviticus 9 :23-24:  1 chronicles 21:26). The fire consuming the sacrifice and the glory of the Lord filling the temple indicated God’s pleasure with and acceptance of Solomon’s Temple as the place of worship.

 

Question: In what ways does God manifest his presence in our worship services?

   God wants to manifest His presence in our worship services. We must open ourselves to the Holy spirit’s work in us through the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit ( Roman 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-13). By approaching God with an open heart of worship we are welcoming God to work in us as well as through us and into the lives of others.

    In response to how God manifested himself in the temple, the Israelites fell on their faces in worship (2 Chronicles 7:3-5). They, too, recognized His faithfulness. Then they worshipped God with their sacrifices (verse4).   

Question: In what should we response to God’s faithfulness?

Often we take God’s faithfulness for granted. But as we reflect on His faithfulness, we need to respond with worship, thanksgiving, and proclamation of His goodness.

B.    God’s Blessings 2 Chronicles 9: 13-28

           Solomon had not asked for wealth but God had rewarded Solomon’s desires for wisdom with abundant wealth (2 Chronicles 1:11-12). We find a further testimony to God’s abundant provision in 2 Chronicles 9:13-22. The list of materials goods can be divided into three categories. The category is gold (verses 13-16). Israel is located on a trade route between Europe and Africa; much of this wealth may have come from tariff for travellers using this route. The amount of gold mentioned in Scripture is equivalent to roughly twenty tons.

        The second category of wealth is depicted in Solomon’s throne (verse 17-19). Lions were symbols of kingship in the ancient world. The twelve lion possibly represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The footstool is symbolic of authority.

         The last category consists of Solomon’s household articles (verse 20-21). The note that silver does not carry much value at this time, and was thus not included, further illustrates the extent of Solomon’s exorbitant wealth.

        Solomon’s friendship with Huram provided him access to ship with sailors who could travel the whole world in search of material wealth to further enhance his treasury. God had blessed Solomon beyond measure ( verse 22-24). Such blessings included Solomon’s immense ( and much-sought-after) wisdom. Those seeking his wisdom brought gifts to him, further increases his wealth.

       Verse 25-28  provide a summary of Solomon’s great wealth and his reign while he served God. This passage serves to remind Israel  that Solomon’s wealth  came because he was faithful to do God’s will and build the temple as a place of worship. It also reminded Israel that return to that day the righteous ruled, if they were to seek God wholeheartedly.

Question:  What is our responsibility when it comes to utilizing our material possessions?

        It seems Solomon spent a good portion of his wealth on himself and his personal comfort. We might be tempted to do the same. But what we have does not belong to us; it belongs to God.