Solomon - Lesson 5 - Sunset Digital Library

Sunset Digital Library

Media Give App

Solomon - Lesson 5

From the Top to the Bottom: Lessons from Solomon’s Fall

Ken Jones • 1 Kings 11

Give

The sermon on 1 Kings 11 explores Solomon's dramatic fall from a pinnacle of wisdom, wealth, and fame to a state of spiritual decline. Despite his extraordinary achievements, Solomon's disobedience, particularly through marrying foreign women who led him away from God, resulted in his downfall. The speaker warns that such decline is often gradual and emphasizes that one’s high position is a blessing from God. Listeners are urged to remain vigilant, avoid disobedience, and recognize the slow nature of spiritual erosion. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and steadfastness to avoid similar spiritual pitfalls.

Solomon - Lesson 1

Ken Jones

The speaker introduces a mini-series on Solomon, following a previous study on David. Solomon's life is examined from his birth, detailing David's sin with Bathsheba, leading to Solomon's birth, named Jedidiah by God. Solomon grew amidst family turmoil, including Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's rebellion. David, nearing death, instructs Solomon and Israel's leaders to obey God's commands. He communicates his vision for building God's temple and urges wholehearted devotion to God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of desire for God, noting Satan's efforts to diminish it, and highlights the church and home as vital places for nurturing this desire.

Solomon - Lesson 2

Ken Jones • 1 Kings 1—2

David, nearing death, appoints Solomon as his successor and instructs him on ruling wisely. Adonijah, David's son, tries to seize the throne despite knowing Solomon is the chosen king, leading to his downfall. David's final advice includes dealing with Joab and Shimei, who had committed serious sins. Solomon becomes king, takes decisive action against threats, and follows David's advice. The lesson emphasizes that defying God's will, harboring jealousy, and rationalizing sins have severe consequences. Success comes from following God's commands faithfully, as demonstrated by Solomon's adherence to his father’s counsel and his dedication to God.

Solomon - Lesson 3

Ken Jones • 1 Kings 3:1–14, 1 Kings 4:29, 1 Kings 10:23

The teaching focuses on Solomon's request for wisdom, showcasing his wholehearted commitment to serving God over seeking personal gain. It highlights how God, impressed by Solomon's selflessness, granted him unparalleled wisdom and additional blessings. The lesson underscores that God's promises are always fulfilled, and emphasizes the importance of asking for wisdom. Wisdom, defined as seeing life from God's perspective, is presented as one of the most valuable requests one can make. The teaching encourages individuals to seek divine wisdom in their prayers and daily lives to transform their understanding and handling of life's challenges.