Week 6 Sunday School Lesson, August 6. Topic: Solomon's Coronation

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON , August 6,2017.

Topic: Solomon’s Coronation

Memory Verse: 2 Chronicles 1: 10. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this people, that is so great? (KJV).

Central Truth: God will bless people who submit to Him.

Focus: To study Solomon’s ascension to the throne and be confident God will accomplish His purpose.

Lesson Text: 1Kings 1:1-53; 1 Chronicles 29:1-5,10-19; 2 Chronicles 1: 1-12.

                             LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

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

1.     Identify the various circumstances surrounding Solomon’s ascension to the throne.

2.     Formulate a plan to mentor and influence the next generation to serve God.

3.     Realize that God has a plan for them and He will fulfill that plan if they will submit to Him.

Lesson Outline:

1.     A Godly Legacy

A.    Chosen Leader

B.     Fatherly Blessing

2.     Solomon’s Kingship Secured

A.    Leadership Challenged

B.     Leadership Established

3.     A Godly Leader’s Dream

A.    Seeking God

B.     Wise Response

                   Introducing the lesson

God has a plan for our lives. He wanted us to work with Him and fulfill that plan.

Question: What are some things that might keep us from following God’s plan?

  Sometimes following God’s plan will present difficulties. People may challenge us. Other priorities can crowd out our desire to serve God. We may be tempted to go our own way. We must however, realize that God is at work in our lives, and respond by submitting to His plan for us.

1.     A Godly Legacy

A.    Chosen Leader, 1 Chronicles 29:1-5

         Solomon was not David’s first son ( 1 Chronicles 3:1-4), but Solomon was the God’s choice as the next king of Israel. David wanted the people to understand this (2 Samuel 7:11-14; 1 Chronicles 22:6; 29:1). The people of Israel had united  around David. Solomon would need the same support as he undertook the building of the temple. This temple would be no ordinary building. Israel  belonged to God, and the temple would ne His dwelling place ( 1 Chronicles 29:1)

         David had already ordered the leaders to help Solomon build the temple (1 Chronicles 22:17-19). David was asking the people to join them. He had gathered much of the material as well as added from his own resources ( 1 Chronicles 29:2-5). Kings often had highly personal treasures to draw from in times of misfortune or disaster. The fact David gave this showed his love for God and his desire to help Solomon.

Question: In what way Can we prepare the next generation to serve God?

  Many of us have children and grandchildren, and we want to see them serve Lord. In addition, it is hoped that the young people of our church will carry on the heritage of the Christian faith. As adults, we can encourage our young people to discover their gifts and mentor them on how to use them to serve Lord. We can show them what it is like to serve the Lord faithfully through our example.

   David set the example of what it means to pass on a legacy to his son. He then challenged the people of Israel to join him in consecrating themselves to serve the Lord. David modeled the heart of a giver. The people’s giving, likewise, would demonstrate their wholehearted devotion to God.

 Question: In what ways can our giving be a demonstration of our devotion?

     Too often, we view our possessions as our own. We sometimes accumulate material things rather than see how we can contribute more to God’s kingdom. David was leaving a legacy to Solomon by giving of his wealth. When the people gave, they would be leaving a spiritual legacy for their children as well. Christians today are wise to use finances and other resources to invest in God’s Kingdom for our future generations.

B.    Fatherly Blessing 1 Chronicles 29:10-19

     One legacy David left for Solomon centred on the importance of worship. Rather than take for granted the people’s gifts toward building the temple, Davis rejoiced in their generosity ( 1 Chronicles 29:6-9). Then he entered into worshipful prayer.

      We can divide David’s prayers into three parts. First he wrote a doxology that acknowledged God as Father of Israel and praised Him for who He is (verse 10-12). The wealth of Israel had come from Him not from the ability of the people. This was why they could give generously to the building of the temple.

  Next David offered a prayer of thanksgiving (verse 13-16). The phrase “ strangers before thee, and sojourners” (verse 15, KJV) refers to the nation of Israel coming out of Egypt. Without God they would be nothing. He has chosen them to represent Him to the whole world.

    The last part of David’s worship was supplication during which David asked God to help Solomon and the people remain faithful to Him ( verse 17-19). David knew he was righteous before God. But  David also knew what it was like to follow the way of sin. He had committed adultery before with Bathshebar because He let lust control him rather than his desire for God. He, then was unique and tragically equipped with an understanding of the consequences of sin. David prayed that the people would keep their hearts loyal to the Lord.

  David also wanted Solomon to remain true to God (verse 19). As king, Solomon needed a pure heart, not only for his own sake but also as an example to the people.

2.     Solomon Kingship Secured.

A.    Leadership Challenged, 1Kings 1:1, 5-10

      At the beginning of 1Kings, the end of David’s reign was near. While David had done great exploits, he had not ruled his family well ( 1 Kings 1:1-10). Adonijah rebelled against his father David by attempting to assert himself as King. In this endeavor, Adonijah had the assistance of Joab, the head od David’s military, as well as Abijah, a high priest.

       David had declared Solomon as his replacement see ( 1Chronicles 22). This gave rise to a challenge to the throne. Such rivalry was common in ancient times. Adonijah was David’s oldest son ( 2Samuel 3:4), so he may have felt justified in his claim even though David had intended make Solomon king ( see 1 Kings 1:13). Adonijah may have thought if he established his superiority first, he could keep that from happening.

   Adonijah’s tactics are typical for those trying to usurp the throne, assembling people of power around him for support. As with any coup, he also left out those loyal to his opposition verse 9-10.

   Feast is often accompanies coronation, Adonijah chose a place outside Jerusalem but those inside the city could hear what was happening.

Perhaps he thought he could draw more people into his attempt to overthrow the throne.

 Question: Why do People Challenge Leadership?

     There are many reasons people challenge leadership. Sometimes, a leader is weak and does not provide decisive leadership.Other times the people do not agree with leadership decisions and are unwilling to submit to his or her direction. Some people think they should be in leadership and try to manipulate their way into position. As believers, we must respect the leaders God has given to the Church. Rebellion against authority represents rebellion against God( Romans 13:1 -7).

B.     Leadership Established 1Kings 1:23-30.39-40,50-53

  God had already chosen Solomon to be the next King. Solomon’s supporters knew that if Adonijah becomes king, He will execute them. They needed to act quickly (1 Kings 1: 11-12).

    Adonijah underestimated the influence these people had on David ( see 7-8). By not including them in his plan, Adonijah indicated that he was not intending a peaceful coalition.

   David had been weak in disciplining his sons, indicated in verse 6. His failure as a father were evidence in number of scripture passages (2 Samuel 13:1 – 33;15 -18).In his feeble condition, David was not in a position to act differently now .

Question: How should we respond when someone Challenges our Leadership?

    We must be patient. God will work out the situation and reveal the malicious intent of the one causing difficulties, just as He did for David ( 1 Kings 1:23-30). Sometime, however, this will involve decisive action on our part to deal with the rebellious person.

  Nathan was subtle but clear in informing David of Adonijah’s rebellion and urging him to make decision. Nathan implied David should have informed him about this important decision. In Nathan’s plan, he made sure David would install Solomon as King.

    David immediately called for the coronation of Solomon ( verse 39). Verse 40 shows that even though Adonijah’s plan included some leaders, the majority of the people approved David’s coronation of Solomon.

     When Adonijah realized his rebellion had failed, fear filled his heart (verse 50-51). The temple was a place of safety. Adonijah knew the same fate he planned for Solomon will befall him. But Solomon will not allow this festive occasion to be marred by death, For now Solomon speared Adonijah’s life ( verse 52-53).

  God planned for Solomon to be King of Israel . Even though Adonijah tried to usurp the throne, God’s plans were accomplished. Likewise, we can trust God to take care of us during challenging and uncertain times.

3.     A Godly Leader Dream

A.    Seeking God    2  Chronicles 1:1-6

      As God’s choice to be king, Solomon enjoyed God’s favour (2 Chronicles 1:1). But Solomon did not take this favour for granted. Even as a young adult, he needed God’s help and began to seek God.

Question: Why is it important to seek God?

    Solomon needed God’s direction for himself and the nation. As king, he was also the spiritual leader of the nation- an enormous responsibility.

We also need God’s directions in our lives. We can not make wise decision unless we seek God and follow His direction for our lives.

  Solomon knew that to have a strong nation, he needed the people of Israel to follow his lead in worshiping God( verse 2-6). He invited them to join Him at Gibeon. David had moved the ark to Jerusalem (see 1Chronicles 13-17) but had left the tabernacle in Gibeon, about seven miles northwest of Jerusalem. Worship

   Worshiping at the tabernacle  that Solomon was following the example of Moses and would soon transfer the centre of worship to the temple he would build. This worship also show Solomon’s adherence to the law. The brazen altar was the place where the priests were to offer burnt offerings. Solomon knew the importance of worship and was setting the example for Israel.

B.     Wise Response   2 Chronicles 1:7-12.

God responded to Solomon’s worship (2 chronicles 1:7-10). He also give Solomon whatever  he asked for. Solomon realize the importance of his position. He also knew his position did not come from his own abilities. God had chosen him to be king. Solomon wanted to rule well. So he chose to ask for wisdom.

Question: How might most people respond If God offered them what He offered Solomon in verse 7?

When given the opportunity to ask God for anything, many people would seek material wealth and position. But Solomon realized that above all else he needed wisdom. The vastness of his responsibility seemed overwhelming. Wisdom denotes spiritual insight leader, Solomon wanted to ensure that his heart was right before God and he would make the right decisions as leader. The Israelite were God’s people, according to God’s law. God honored Solomon’s request (verse 11-12)

Discipleship in Action

        God had a purpose for Solomon. This purpose, however, did no come without challenges-as well as opportunities-for Solomon to submit to God’s will.

       Following God’s plan brings happiness and fulfillment to our lives. Sometimes, though, people lose sight of what God intends for them. They can allow distractions and challenges to turn them from what God wants for them.

       Are you facing an especially difficult challenge today, perhaps at work or within your family? Recognize that God is able to help you solve this challenge, then call out to Him for His strength and wisdom.

      Part of God’s plan is passing a spiritual legacy on to future generations. This includes being generous with material possessions, as well as modeling what is means to worship God. Take time to pray that you will be a good spiritual role model to those around you.

Ministry in Action

Just as David prepared for Solomon’s building of the temple, we can prepare future generations to serve God. As a class, think of ways you can mentor the children and young people in the church. Formulate a plan as to how the class can be a blessing to young people in coming days.