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1 Kings 10:1-9 (5/26/16)

Hard Questions

May 26, 2016 • Benham Brothers

• The Queen of Sheba recognized that Solomon’s God was blessing his nation more than the others.
• Notice the progression:
• Solomon’s excellence drew attention.
• The queen asked hard questions to test him.
• He responded with wisdom from God.
• She had an encounter with God because she had an encounter with God’s man.
• The same was true of Jesus.
• We need to be students of the Word and “always be prepared” to answer the questions that come our way.
• Especially now - what is going on and what do we do?

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.