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PREPARE
Solomon was given a very big and important job as King. On his own, Solomon did not have what he needed to be a good King. One day he went to where the tabernacle was to worship God. God appeared to him there and Solomon asked God to give him wisdom and knowledge so he could be a good king.
The Hero of this story is God who was pleased with Solomon’s request and gave Solomon the wisdom he asked for. God also gave Solomon great knowledge and wealth. Solomon was wise about lots of things, about plants and animals, business and running a kingdom. But Solomon did not always love God first and use his wisdom to honor God. When Solomon used his wisdom to make himself great and he turned from God and worshipped idols, God was gracious and did not take away the kingdom. God told Solomon his heart was divided and reminded him to worship and love God first.
It can be hard to use the gifts God has given us to honor God, and it can be hard to love God above all things – especially when He gives us so many good things! God is gracious to help us with our own divided hearts. He helps us to seek Him first and to grow to love Him more.
LISTEN
Verses: 2 Samuel 12:13-25; 1 Kings 3:3-15; 1 Kings 10:14-11:10
1. Tragedy may lead to blessing
2. Blessings come from God
3. God is more satisfying than the gifts He gives
REFLECT
1. What impacted you most from this week’s message? What challenged you or encouraged you?
2. What blessings have you experienced during or immediately after a season of tragedy? Did you thank God for that blessing?
3. Do your prayers tend to focus on asking God for physical blessings (healing, safety, etc.)? Would you consider someone who only spoke to you to ask for things from you to be your friend?
4. How has God gifted you? Have you thanked God for each of His good gifts?
5. What are your spiritual gifts? How are you using them to serve others in God’s name? Are you keeping any gifts to yourself?
ACT
- What is one specific thing you can do this week to put into practice what you learned in this message?
- How can you deepen your relationship with God and follow Him more closely this week?
- Who is someone you can share what you learned with?