God's Kingdom and the Nations: A Foreshadow of God's Love: 1 Kings 10

1. Solomon’s kingdom as perceived by the nations (1 Kings 10:14-29)

16 Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’ Deuteronomy 17:16 (ESV) 

2. Solomon’s kingdom as perceived by Christ
42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. Matthew 12:42 (ESV)

3. Solomon’s kingdom as perceived by the Queen of Sheba
1 Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. 3 And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. 4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the LORD, there was no more breath in her. 6 And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, 7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. 8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.”
10 Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones. Never again came such an abundance of spices as these that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.1 Kings 10:1-10;  read 11-13 (ESV)

Who is the Queen of Sheba?
41 “Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for your name’s sake 42 (for they shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house, 1 Kings 8:41-42 (ESV)

What did the Queen of Sheba hear?
43 hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name.
1 Kings 8:43 (ESV)

9 . . .  for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9 (ESV)

Why did the Queen of Sheba come?

How did the Queen of Sheba come?
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!.. 15 Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him! May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day! Psalm 72:10-15 (ESV)

What did the Queen of Sheba find?
What did the Queen of Sheba say?
What did the Queen of Sheba give?
What did the Queen of Sheba receive?

Be Watchful: 1 Kings 9

1. A reflection of spiritual highs
As soon as Solomon had finished building the house of the Lord and the king’s house and all that Solomon desired to build, 2 the Lord appeared to Solomon a second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon. 3 And the Lord said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. 4 And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, 5 then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ 1 Kings 9:1–5 (ESV)

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord . . .  1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

2. A reflection of spiritual warnings
6 But if you turn aside from following me, you or your children, and do not keep my commandments and my statutes that I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, 7 then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and the house that I have consecrated for my name I will cast out of my sight, and Israel will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 8 And this house will become a heap of ruins. Everyone passing by it will be astonished and will hiss, and they will say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ 9 Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore the Lord has brought all this disaster on them.’ ”
1 Kings 9:6–9 (ESV)

12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV)

(Hebrews 2:1)
(Hebrews 2:3)
(Hebrews 3:12)
(Hebrews 6:4–6)
(Hebrews 12:25)

3. A reflection of spiritual reality (Outline by John Woodhouse of 1 Kings 9:10-28)

     (1)     Prosperity and its cost (vv. 10–14)
     (2)     Security and its means (vv. 15–23)
     (3)     Egypt and its role (v. 24)
     (4)     The house and its completion (v. 25)
     (5)     The world and its opportunities (vv. 26–28)

The Dedication of the Temple: 1 Kings 8

27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 28 Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, 29 that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. 30 And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.  1 Kings 8:27-30 (ESV)

Celebration and sacrifice, vv. 1–13

Blessing Israel and Yahweh, vv. 14–21

Solomon’s prayer of dedication, vv. 22–53

Blessing Israel and Yahweh, vv. 54–61

Celebration and sacrifice, vv. 62–66

1. The Awesome Glory of God: a picture of clarity and concealment (1-21)
21 The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
Exodus 20:21 (ESV)

2. The Forgiving Mercy from God: a picture of man’s depravity and need (22-53)

34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:34 (ESV)

3. The Sacrifices for God: a picture of reconciliation and fellowship (54-66)

A Very Very Very Find House: 1 Kings 7

1. The significance of Solomon’s administrative buildings
Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished his entire house . . . 2 He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon  . . . 6 And he made the Hall of Pillars  . . . 7 And he made the Hall of the Throne where he was to pronounce judgment, even the Hall of Judgment  . . . 8 His own house where he was to dwell, in the other court back of the hall, was of like workmanship. Solomon also made a house like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter whom he had taken in marriage.
1 Kings 7:1–8 (ESV)

2. The significance of the temple furnishings outside the temple

The significance of the gifted worker
13 And King Solomon sent and brought Hiram from Tyre. 14 He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze. And he was full of wisdom, understanding, and skill for making any work in bronze. He came to King Solomon and did all his work. 1 Kings 7:13–14 (ESV)

The significance of the two front pillars
21 He set up the pillars at the vestibule of the temple. He set up the pillar on the south and called its name Jachin, and he set up the pillar on the north and called its name Boaz. 1 Kings 7:21 (ESV)

The significance of the sea of cast metal
23 Then he made the sea of cast metal . . .  It held two thousand baths. 1 Kings 7:23–26 (ESV)

The significance of the 10 bronze stands
27 He also made the ten stands of bronze.  . . .  39 And he set the stands, five on the south side of the house, and five on the north side of the house. And he set the sea at the southeast corner of the house. 1 Kings 7:27; 39 (ESV)

3. The significance of golden vessels inside the temple
48 So Solomon made all the vessels that were in the house of the Lord: the golden altar, the golden table for the bread of the Presence, 49 the lampstands of pure gold, five on the south side and five on the north, before the inner sanctuary; the flowers, the lamps, and the tongs, of gold; 50 the cups, snuffers, basins, dishes for incense, and fire pans, of pure gold; and the sockets of gold, for the doors of the innermost part of the house, the Most Holy Place, and for the doors of the nave of the temple. 1 Kings 7:48–50 (ESV)

Solomon applies David’s dedication
51 Thus all the work that King Solomon did on the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and stored them in the treasuries of the house of the Lord. 1 Kings 7:51 (ESV)

A Tour Inside the Temple: 1 Kings 6:14-38

(Outline predominantly from Philip Ryken)

1. The inner sections of the Temple are a reflection of God’s beauty: 1 Kings 6:14-22

6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Psalm 96:6 (ESV)

4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (ESV)

17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90:17 (KJV)

2. The inner sections of the Temple evoke awe and a holy fear of God: 1 Kings 6:23-28

7 “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!” 8 Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. Psalm 132:7-8 (ESV)

16 “O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Isaiah 37:16 (ESV)

1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. Psalm 80:1 (ESV)

2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. Psalm 29:2 (ESV)

3. The inner sections of the Temple are a portal to the very presence of God: 1 Kings 6:29-36

9 And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:9 (ESV)

24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24 (ESV)

A Permanent House (Part 1): 1 Kings 6:1-13

1. The faithfulness of God. God’s faithfulness and the fruition of a promise.
1 In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD. 1 Kings 6:1 (ESV)

14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! Psalm 27:14 (ESV)

31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

2. The presence of God. The outer dimensions remind us this is the place God would dwell.
2 The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. 3 The vestibule in front of the nave of the house was twenty cubits long, equal to the width of the house, and ten cubits deep in front of the house. 4 And he made for the house windows with recessed frames. 5 He also built a structure against the wall of the house, running around the walls of the house, both the nave and the inner sanctuary. And he made side chambers all around. 6 The lowest story was five cubits broad, the middle one was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad. For around the outside of the house he made offsets on the wall in order that the supporting beams should not be inserted into the walls of the house . . . 8 The entrance for the lowest story was on the south side of the house, and one went up by stairs to the middle story, and from the middle story to the third. 9 So he built the house and finished it, and he made the ceiling of the house of beams and planks of cedar. 10 He built the structure against the whole house, five cubits high, and it was joined to the house with timbers of cedar.
1 Kings 6:2-10 (ESV)

17 You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain, the place, O LORD, which you have made for your abode, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established. Exodus 15:17 (ESV)

2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14:2 (ESV)

3. The reverence for God. The lack of noise on the site where the house was located reminds us of the dignity and order God requires.
7 When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built.
1 Kings 6:7 (ESV)

27 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Proverbs 24:27 (ESV)

17 You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain, the place, O LORD, which you have made for your abode, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established. Exodus 15:17 (ESV)

4. Devotion to God. The heart is more important that the house itself.
11 Now the word of the LORD came to Solomon, 12 “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. 13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.” 1 Kings 6:11-13 (ESV)

Preparing to Build the Temple

1. The preparations focus on God’s faithfulness/promise
1 Kings 5:1-6

12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name . . .
2 Samuel 7:12-13 (ESV)

8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood before me on the earth. 1 Chronicles 22:8 (ESV)

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days . . . 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:29-31 (ESV)

2 David . . . set stonecutters to prepare dressed stones for building the house of God. 3 David also provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, as well as bronze in quantities beyond weighing, 4 and cedar timbers without number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought great quantities of cedar to David. 5 . . . I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death. 1 Chronicles 22:2-5 (ESV)

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

2. The preparations anticipation for the nations
1 Kings 5:7-11

34 And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom. 1 Kings 4:34 (ESV)

23 By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word Isaiah 45:23 (ESV) that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’

7 these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Isaiah 56:7 (ESV)

16 The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
Psalm 104:16 (ESV)

29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bear gifts to you. Psalm 68:29 (ESV)

10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! 11 May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! Psalm 72:10-11 (ESV)

3. The preparations expression of Solomon’s wisdom
1 Kings 5:12-18

10 . . . but wisdom helps one to succeed. Ecclesiastes 10:10 (ESV)

31 . . . behold, something greater than Solomon is here. Luke 11:31 (ESV)

The Kingdom: 1 Kings 4

1. The subjects of Solomon’s kingdom
1 King Solomon was king over all Israel, 2 and these were his high officials: . . . 20 Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. 1 Kings 4:1-20 (ESV)

40 But all things should be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40 (ESV)

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20 (ESV)

The kingdom and the banquet:
9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:9 (ESV)

2. The international influence of Solomon’s kingdom
21 Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life . . . 24 For he had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates from Tiphsah to Gaza, over all the kings west of the Euphrates. And he had peace on all sides around him. 1 Kings 4:21-24 (ESV)

The prayer for Solomon’s kingdom:
8 May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! 9 May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust! 10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! 11 May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! Psalm 72:8-11 (ESV)

3. The security of Solomon’s kingdom
25 And Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beersheba, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon . . . 1 Kings 4:25-28 (ESV) 

10 In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.” Zechariah 3:10 (ESV)

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 (ESV)

13 Harness the steeds to the chariots, inhabitants of Lachish; it was the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion, for in you were found the transgressions of Israel. Micah 1:13 (ESV)

4. The wisdom in Solomon’s kingdom
29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, 30 so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. 32 He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. 33 He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish. 34 And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.
1 Kings 4:29-34 (ESV)

32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! Psalm 119:32 (ESV)

Just and Merciful Wisdom: 1 Kings 3:16-28

1 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! 2 May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! 3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness! 4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor! Psalm 72:1-4 (ESV)

1. A situation that requires Just and Merciful Wisdom
16 Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 The one woman said, “Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. 18 Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. There was no one else with us in the house; only we two were in the house. 19 And this woman’s son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. 21 When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne.” 22 But the other woman said, “No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours.” The first said, “No, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine.” Thus they spoke before the king. 1 Kings 3:16-22 (ESV)

17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
Proverbs 18:17 (ESV)

In this case there were not two witnesses:
15 “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. Deuteronomy 19:15 (ESV)

2. A judgment that exhibits Just and Merciful Wisdom
23 Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead’; and the other says, ‘No; but your son is dead, and my son is the living one.’” 24 And the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought before the king. 25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” 1 Kings 3:23-27 (ESV)

8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes. Proverbs 20:8 (ESV); Proverbs 25:2

3. A reputation that reflects Just and Merciful Wisdom
28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice. 1 Kings 3:28 (ESV)

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war . . . Ecclesiastes 9:18 (ESV)

 4. A foreshadowing of true Just and Merciful Wisdom

3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, Isaiah 11:3 (ESV); 1 Corinthians 1:24

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me . . . to set at liberty those who are oppressed, Luke 4:18 (ESV);
Psalm 72:12-14; Matthew 12:42

It's Complicated: 1 Kings 3:1-15

1. Unwise signs that contradict wisdom (1 Kings 3:1-3)

1 “When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and mightier than you, . . . 3 You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, 4 for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly. Deuteronomy 7:1; 3-4 (ESV)

2 You shall surely destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. Deuteronomy 12:2 (ESV)

5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV)

26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. Proverbs 28:26 (ESV)

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:15-16 (ESV)

2. A humble request for wisdom
4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 1 Kings 3:4-9 (ESV)

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 (ESV)

3. God’s generous gift of wisdom (1 Kings 3:10-15)
11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
Proverbs 8:11 (ESV)

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (ESV); Timothy 3:15

The Kingdom Established: 1 Kings 2:12-46

12 So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.
1 Kings 2:12 (ESV)

1. Solomon deals with Adonijah’s manipulation for more: 1 Kings 2:13-25 (ESV)
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)

30 “A man shall not take his father’s wife, so that he does not uncover his father’s nakedness Deuteronomy 22:30 (ESV).

2. Solomon deals with Abiathar’s straying spirit: 1 Kings 2:26-27 (ESV)
13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 1 Timothy 1:13 (ESV)

31 Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. 32 Then in distress you will look with envious eye on all the prosperity that shall be bestowed on Israel, and there shall not be an old man in your house forever. 33 The only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men. 1 Samuel 2:31-33 (ESV)

3. Solomon deals with Joab’s defiant spirit: 1 Kings 2:28-35 (ESV)
6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. Genesis 9:6 (ESV)

14 But if a man willfully attacks another to kill him by cunning, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die. Exodus 21:14 (ESV)

28 Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29 May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father’s house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!” 2 Samuel 3:28-29 (ESV)

4. Solomon deals with Shemei who forsook mercy: 1 Kings 2:36-46 (ESV)
6 He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD’s anointed.”
1 Samuel 24:6 (ESV)

So the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon. (1 Kings 2:46)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

The Final Word: 1 Kings 2:1-12

1. The call for Solomon to obey God’s Word
1 When David’s time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, 3 and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 that the LORD may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ 1 Kings 2:1-4 (ESV)

18 “And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel. Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (ESV);
Psalm 19:7-11

11 The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne. 12 If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.” Psalm 132:11-12 (ESV);
2 Samuel 7:12-13

2. The call for Solomon to enact justice
5 “Moreover, you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the armies of Israel, Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, avenging in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war, and putting the blood of war on the belt around his waist and on the sandals on his feet. 6 Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 7 But deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother. 8 And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol.” 1 Kings 2:5-9 (ESV)

3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Isaiah 11:3-4 (ESV); Titus 3:4-7

3. The call for David to go home
10 Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. 11 And the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12 So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established. 1 Kings 2:10-12 (ESV)

A Day of Reckoning: 1 Kings 1:41-53

1. The retirement of the World’s System will be prompt
41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished feasting. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “What does this uproar in the city mean?” 42 While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man and bring good news.” 1 Kings 1:41-42 (ESV)

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15 (ESV); Proverbs 27:1

15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:15 (ESV)

2. The report of truth will prevail
43 Jonathan answered Adonijah, “No, for our lord King David has made Solomon king, 44 and the king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And they had him ride on the king’s mule. 45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there rejoicing, so that the city is in an uproar. This is the noise that you have heard. 46 Solomon sits on the royal throne. 47 Moreover, the king’s servants came to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than yours, and make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king bowed himself on the bed. 48 And the king also said, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has granted someone to sit on my throne this day, my own eyes seeing it.’” 1 Kings 1:43-48 (ESV)

43 And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king. 1 Kings 1:43 (KJV 1900)

3. The reality of the reckoning will be paramount
49 Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way. 50 And Adonijah feared Solomon. So he arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 Then it was told Solomon, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” 52 And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” 53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.” 1 Kings 1:49-53 (ESV)

56 . . . Then all the disciples left him and fled. Matthew 26:56 (ESV); 2 Timothy 4:10

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, Psalm 2:2 (ESV); Exodus 21:12-14

11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 (ESV); Philippians 2:9-11

One Person Can Make a Difference

1 Kings 1:11-27, 32-40

1. God’s Man Forms a Prudent Plan
11 Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king and David our lord does not know it? 12 Now therefore come, let me give you advice, that you may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. 13 Go in at once to King David, and say to him, ‘Did you not, my lord the king, swear to your servant, saying, “Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne”? Why then is Adonijah king?’ 14 Then while you are still speaking with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words.” 1 Kings 1:11-14 (ESV)

2. God’s Man Confronts in a Prudent Manner
15 So Bathsheba went to the king in his chamber (now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was attending to the king). 16 Bathsheba bowed and paid homage to the king, and the king said, “What do you desire?” 17 She said to him, “My lord, you swore to your servant by the LORD your God, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ 18 And now, behold, Adonijah is king, although you, my lord the king, do not know it. 19 He has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of the army, but Solomon your servant he has not invited. 20 And now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it will come to pass, when my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be counted offenders.” 22 While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet came in. 23 And they told the king, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he bowed before the king, with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, “My lord the king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne’? 25 For he has gone down this day and has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king’s sons, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26 But me, your servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon he has not invited. 27 Has this thing been brought about by my lord the king and you have not told your servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?” 1 Kings 1:15-27 (ESV)

3. God’s Man is Found on the Prudent Side
32 King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. 33 And the king said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. 34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there anoint him king over Israel. Then blow the trumpet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 You shall then come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne, for he shall be king in my place. And I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” 36 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, “Amen! May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, say so. 37 As the LORD has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.” 38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule and brought him to Gihon. 39 There Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth was split by their noise. 1 Kings 1:32-40 (ESV)

The Clash of Kingdoms: My Kingdom vs God's Kingdom: 1 Kings 1:5-10

42 . . . rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them . . . Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45 (ESV); Gal 5:26

9 Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies. For his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. 1 Chronicles 22:9 (ESV)

1. The steps of a usurper

a. The thoughts of a usurper
5 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself . . . 1 Kings 1:5 (ESV)

b. The words of a usurper
5 . . . saying, “I will be king.” . . . . 1 Kings 1:5 (ESV)

c. The actions of a usurper
5 . . . he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.
1 Kings 1:5 (ESV)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God . . . 1 Peter 5:6 (ESV)

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

12 Man in his pomp will not remain . . . Psalm 49:12 (ESV)

9 . . . Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 3 John 1:9 (ESV)

2. The self-perception of a usurper

a. The lack of discipline in a usurper
6 His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so? . . . 1 Kings 1:6 (ESV)

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. Proverbs 29:15; 17 (ESV)

b. The appearance and a usurper
6 . . . He was also a very handsome man . . . 1 Kings 1:6 (ESV)

c. The privilege of a usurper
6 . . . and he was born next after Absalom. 1 Kings 1:6 (ESV)

3. The manipulation of a usurper

a. Recruiting support outside correct protocol
7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. And they followed Adonijah and helped him. 1 Kings 1:7 (ESV); 1 Samuel 2:33

b. Ignoring appropriate leadership
8 But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David’s mighty men were not with Adonijah. 1 Kings 1:8; 2 Samuel 23:22-23.

c. Making a move and forcing others to confront
9 Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle by the Serpent’s Stone, which is beside En-rogel, and he invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, 10 but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the mighty men or Solomon his brother. 1 Kings 1:9-10 (ESV)

 20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Prov 13:20 (ESV)

A Fading Kingdom: A Parable of Growing Old

1 Kings 1:1-4

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (ESV)

1. A King (and a Kingdom) in his weakness physically

1 Now King David was old and advanced in years. And although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. 1 Kings 1:1 (ESV)

12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’”. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (ESV); 2 Samuel 12:13

2. A King (and a Kingdom) in his weakness spiritually
2 Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young woman be sought for my lord the king, and let her wait on the king and be in his service. Let her lie in your arms, that my lord the king may be warm.” 3 So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 1 Kings 1:2-3 (ESV)

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

3. A King (and a Kingdom) in his helpless state
4 The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, but the king knew her not. 1 Kings 1:4 (ESV)

2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, 3 in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, 4 and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low— 5 they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets— 6 before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:2-7 (ESV)

1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; Ecclesiastes 12:1 (ESV)

20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 (ESV)

David's Last Words: Remember the Promise

2 Samuel 23:1-7

1. What God did for David
1 Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, the son of Jesse, the oracle of the man who was raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel:
2 Samuel 23:1 (ESV)

These last words are probably a prepared public testimony for the entire nation.

10 . . . The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.” 1 Samuel 2:10 (ESV)

11 . . . kings shall come from your own body. Genesis 35:11 (ESV)

10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah . . . Genesis 49:10 (ESV)

2. What God said through David
2 “The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue. 3 The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me . . .2 Samuel 23:2-3 (ESV)

David’s characteristic of God’s inspired word through him is reminiscent of Paul’s description of Scripture.

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

3. What God promised to David
3 . . . When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, 4 he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth. 5 “For does not my house stand so with God . . . 2 Samuel 23:3-5 (ESV)

David pictures the duties, benefits, and promises for God’s king.

4. What God covenanted with David
5 “For does not my house stand so with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. For will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire?
2 Samuel 23:5 (ESV); 2 Samuel 7:12-19

David focuses specifically on the covenant that God has made with his house, as seen in the hope that David’s help (or salvation) and desire will prosper.

5. What God judges according to David
6 But worthless men are all like thorns that are thrown away, for they cannot be taken with the hand; 7 but the man who touches them arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear, and they are utterly consumed with fire.” 2 Samuel 23:6-7 (ESV)

Those who oppose God’s purpose are like thorns that a farmer clears for the good of the land.

38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
Psalm 37:38 (ESV)

41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:41-42 (ESV)

10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 2:10-12 (ESV)

The Goodness and Greatness of God: Psalm 145

1. Constant praise of God’s unfathomable greatness
1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:1-3 (ESV)

8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Ephesians 3:8 (ESV)

2. Declarative praise for God’s all-encompassing goodness
4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. 5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. 6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. 7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. 8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. Psalm 145:4-9 (ESV)

8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! . . . Psalm 34:8 (ESV)

6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, Exodus 34:6 (ESV)

3. Thankful praise for God’s everlasting kingdom
10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you! 11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, 12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. . . Psalm 145:10-13a (ESV)

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; Daniel 4:34 (ESV)

4. Sincere Praise for his benevolent goodness
13 . . . [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.] 14 The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. 18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. 20 The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. Psalm 145:13-21 (ESV)

7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

27 These all look to you, to give them their food in due season. 28 When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. Psalm 104:27-28 (ESV)

18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

Departing Principles: 1 Corinthians 16:15-24

1. The principle of devotion
15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints—1 Corinthians 16:15 (ESV)

28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Acts 20:28 (ESV)

2. The principle of submission
16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 1 Corinthians 16:16 (ESV)

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)

3. The principle of refreshment
17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.
1 Corinthians 16:17-18 (ESV)

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
Proverbs 3:27 (ESV)

 4. The principle of greeting
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 1 Corinthians 16:19-20 (ESV)

14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 1 Peter 5:14 (ESV)

5. The principle of destiny
21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. 1 Corinthians 16:21-24 (ESV)

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:18 (ESV)

12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (ESV)

Maranatha:

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20 (ESV)

How Christians Should BE!!: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

1. Be watchful
13 Be watchful . . . 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)

31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. Acts 20:31 (ESV)

42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42 (ESV)

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. 15 Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. Proverbs 4:14-15 (ESV)

2. Be steadfast
13 . . . stand firm in the faith . . . 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 (ESV)

12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12 (ESV)

3. Be courageous
13 . . . act like men . . . 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Ephesians 4:11-14 (ESV)

4. Be strong
13 . . . be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)

16 . . . he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, Ephesians 3:16 (ESV)

5. Be loving
14 Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35 (ESV)