Solomon asked for the ability to DISCERN between good and evil.
Because of this, God granted him wisdom in all things.
True wisdom, accoding to God and seconded by Solomon, is the ability to distinguish between good and evil.
The removal of distinction has always been one of Satan's key strategies.
Satan hates white, loves black, and knows the only way to get people from white to black is through the strange shade of grey.
Romans 1 - depraved mind: you cannot distinguish between good and evil.
What gives us the ability to discern between good and evil?
The truth of God's Word!
Solomon's first opportunity came when two moms argued over a baby.
Solomon didn't know which way was the right way.
So he brought out a SWORD!
The Word of God is our sword!
The moment the sword came into place the REAL mom was divided from the FAKE mom.
Through the use of the sword Solomon had the wisdom he needed to make the decision.
This is why Jesus says He didn't come to bring peace but a sword - to separate the real from the fake.
1 Kings 3:24 (6/4/15)
Divide
June 4, 2015 • Benham Brothers
1 Kings 1:8-10 (5/18/17)
May 18, 2017 • Benham Brothers
* Notice how Abiathar (bad priest) was attracted to Adonijah (the bad king). * Both guys were seeking a name for themselves. * But Zadok (the good priest), Benaiah (the warrior), and Nathan (the prophet) were all attracted to David (the good king). * The conniving, brand-building, ambitious, self-seeking man refused to hang around those who were faithful to the one true king. * Question - who is attracted to you and who are you attracted to? * All too often we see pastors staying away from certain people because what’s in them doesn’t jive with what’s in the others. * vs 32-25 - it was the prophet, priest, and warrior who made Solomon king! * We need to represent Jesus as king, and the only way to do it is to be like these guys!
1 Kings 1:15 (5/18/17)
May 18, 2017 • Benham Brothers
* What do you think of when the name Bathsheba is mentioned? * Now, how about Esther? * Both women ended up in the same spot - in a position to influence the most powerful man on the planet. * Both women got the king moving in the right direction and it positively affected their culture. * This is a picture of God’s redemption - He can make a message out of our mess if we let Him. * Also notice - both women needed someone to get them moving in the right direction. * Esther needed Mordecai and Bathsheba needed Nathan.
1 Kings 1:52 (5/18/17)
May 18, 2017 • Benham Brothers
* This verse shows us the very first words out of Solomon’s mouth. * Two oversvations: * 1) What he DID say: * Essentially, “it’s not my decision to put you to death - it’s yours” (Adonijah) * Solomon was showing mercy and giving Adjonijah a mulligan. * It would be Adonijah’s choice. * 2) What he DID NOT say: * “You have nothing to fear.” * Adonijah had everything to fear, but it would be based on his own behavior. * Solomon’s first act was to show mercy, but he did it in such a way that struck fear in the heart of this man.