1 Kings 2:46-3:1 (5/20/21)

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1 Kings 2:46-3:1 (5/20/21)

Strategy Over Spirit

May 20, 2021 • Benham Brothers

* The Spirit that brought us success should never be replaced by a strategy to keep it going.
* Check out this pattern:
* Clarity bring Success.
* Success bring Increased Options.
* Increased Options can lead to Diffused Focus.
* Diffused Focus sabotages the Clarity that brought you Success.
* Backstory - Solomon had now become king.
* He had to get rid of the rif-raf in David’s court before the kingdom was firmly established in his grip.
* But once it was established, what would Solomon do?
* Vs 2:46b-3:1 - He began to create alliances with other nations through marriage.
* This was a very “strategic” move, one that other nations had done as well.
* The Spirit of God on Solomon is what brought him success.
* But when he was established in place his options increased (he didn’t have these options before he was king).
* Although he had wisdom, he didn’t operate by the spirit - he let the strategic take over.
* How? By focusing on the purpose over the Person.
* His purpose as king was to rule and reign and increase the name of Israel in the world.
* But God didn’t want them to do it the way the other nations did it.
* He wanted Israel to do things differently, to be set apart, so that the other nations would take notice and desire to serve their God.
* So what do we do?
* Stay hyper focused on God and let Him handle the rest - focus on depth and let Him handle breadth.
* When success comes our way, don’t forget what led you to that place.
* EX: Keystone story to Franchise growth - no marketing, just faithfulness.

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.