Solomon is the newly crowned King of Israel. King David, father of Solomon, has died. Solomon now has all power and responsibilities of serving as King. He had been serving alongside his father, but now all eyes are on Solomon. Solomon shows himself to be a man of faith that desires to serve the Lord. Solomon’s heart is right. God uses people with willing and ready hearts to accomplish great things. For Solomon, the great task is to build the temple, a place of sanctuary for the people of God to find rest and forgiveness. A place for people to come together to refresh themselves before God and see God with fresh eyes. God uses people with a right heart to accomplish his greatest works. I would rather serve with people who have a heart for ministry than people who are extremely talented but their heart is not in the task.
A right heart for a great work. An insightful fact about Chronicles ~~ From our vantage, David and Solomon are ancient stories, 3000 years old. To the people who first heard Chronicles, David and Solomon are ancient stories, about 500 years before their time. The story Solomon is told to encourage us to get our hearts right with God….
A right heart for a great work. An insightful fact about Chronicles ~~ From our vantage, David and Solomon are ancient stories, 3000 years old. To the people who first heard Chronicles, David and Solomon are ancient stories, about 500 years before their time. The story Solomon is told to encourage us to get our hearts right with God….
1) In opening verses of 2 Chronicles, Solomon makes a huge impression of what it means to have a right heart: The very first thing he does is WORSHIP the Lord. May worship be at the top of our list of ways to have a right heart. We’ll talk about it.
2) The second thing Solomon models for us is his request for WISDOM. 2 Chron. 1:7 is about as close of a verse you can get to the old genie in a bottle joke, if you can have anything you want what would it be… only it is not a genie, God himself appears to Solomon and says, “What ever you want is yours.” Solomon asks for WISDOM. We’ll talk about.
3) Finally, Solomon is granted WEALTH. I have good news for you which may sound like bad news. God does not promise us wealth. This is not a formula that if we only Worship properly and ask for Wisdom we will be granted Wealth. Solomon was given great wealth, but it is the principle behind it that we can take to the bank. Wealth without wisdom will destroy you. Solomon does not ask for wealth. Money is not meant to be the highest goal, it will consume you. As we worship God with a whole heart, and seek wisdom, God will grant us whatever we need to accomplish the task he has called us to do. He will provide the resources. For Solomon it was wealth. Maybe what you need is time, energy … We’ll talk about it.
With God, it is always about the heart. You want to be a part of God’s great Kingdom Work, then get your heart right. You want to be available to God and submit to Him, then give Him your heart. It is always about the heart. Solomon worshipped the Lord, He asked for Wisdom, and God granted Solomon the resources he needed to accomplish the great work God was asking him to do. Solomon’s heart was right.
WORSHIP. It is significant Worship is the priority of Solomon upon taking over the kingship of Israel. Worship is an act of submission: “it is not about ME, but it is about YOU God.” We need to be regular worshippers, in our private world as well as gathering together with others. When you worship you are literally taking the focus off of yourself and recognizing Jesus Christ as Lord. In our culture we think submission is a bad word, we are taught to be strong, to be self reliant, to put ourselves in the top position, our needs, our desires. Worship runs counter to our culture, for when you worship you are declaring you want Jesus Christ to be on the throne of your heart. The main question of life suddenly becomes about God’s purposes. To Worship means to put God at the center.
Solomon provides a tremendous example as he calls all the leaders together to submit to God. Most Kings in ancient times would solidify their ruling authority by making it about them, but Solomon calls the leaders together and puts God at the center of the community: READ 2 Chron. 1:2-4. This is still the time before the temple is built, so the central place of Worship is still the old tabernacle under the time of Moses, which is located a few miles outside of Jerusalem. The important point is not the location, but rather the act of worship, focusing the community on God. Make worship a priority and your heart will be in the right place, or rather, the right person will be in your heart ~ Jesus Christ. Your heart will be captured by whatever you prioritize in your life.
wo actions of Worship are detailed. Solomon and the other leaders listened to God. READ 2 Chron. 1:5. “inquired of the Lord.” i.e. they prayed. They listened. They were teachable. Solomon is not going to God asking God to bless His plans, but rather he goes to God asking if he can be a part of God’s plans.
Solomon’s other act of worship is a sacrifice. READ 2 Chron. 1:6. What is this about? 1000 is a lot, clearly sacrificing out of the abundance God has given him. The burnt offerings are about forgiveness. Before God, Solomon and the leaders are admitting they are imperfect and need forgiveness.
Today, in the year 2017, we no longer need to offer sacrifices to forgive our sins because Jesus Christ went to the cross and died for our sins and became the perfect sacrifice. We are still sinners, we are still imperfect people, but thank God almighty for his gift in Jesus Christ who died on the cross taking our place in death that we are forgiven of our sins. You think the sacrifice of a thousand bulls is huge? That is nothing compared to the fact that God sent his own son to die on the cross.
WORSHIP is an act of submission, for when you worship you are making God the priority. Not my will but your will. Your heart will be captured by whatever you prioritize in life. In worship listen for God’s voice through prayer and ask for forgiveness, acknowledging we are sinners that need Jesus to overcome our sins and we want to do His will.
WISDOM. In a dream that night, God asks Solomon what he wants. READ 2 Chron. 1:7. Anything. Imagine that. Honestly, we don’t need to hear an audible voice from God to know that this question is an ongoing opportunity that we always have. God is listening: what do you want of Him? the question is not only constantly being asked by God, but everyone is constantly answering, too. What do you want in life, what will bring you fulfillment, pleasure? The world is searching for meaning! The reason there is such discontent in our world is either because people are disappointed with the answer they are getting or they are getting the answer they want but what they think will bring them fulfillment is not satisfying. We live in a crazy world in which millions of people are protesting and they don’t even know why! Solomon asks for Godly wisdom./////
Christian workers do well to ask people they are serving what they are looking for. Often we give answers to questions people are not asking. Until people are ready to change their life, they are not going to be transformed by Christ.
2 Chron. 1:7 is a continuous question God is asking all of us for us to continuously answer. What do you want? God is asking you. Solomon’s answer is Wisdom.
I think is that this is not a one time question and answer, but rather, a way of life. Ask God for wisdom in everything you do, all situations you face. Not easy answers like winning the lottery, but wisdom, the God given ability to know, to do the right thing that you know you need to do. God will provide miracles along the way, but wisdom is the better way, for that is what changes us and puts us in tune with God’s ways.
When we are out of wisdom (wit’s ends) that is when God makes up the difference. It’s so much fun walking with God and seeing amazing things happen, I see it all the time… but wisdom builds substance and satisfaction. Don’t ask God for the easy path. I saw my friend in jail yesterday that is facing a hard future, he knows the answer through is discipline, wisdom, that will transform him, take him through the tough spots…
It’s easy to get in the habit of wanting God to bale us out from the consequences of our bad decisions. Instead ask for wisdom which will reduce the bad things that happen. Wisdom to pace ourselves, when to say no, what door to walk through. Wisdom reduces the dumb things we do so that we make solid choices that are in keeping with the values of God. Bad things will still happen beyond our control, yet wisdom will help us endure, make it through. Wisdom from God gives us a strength. READ 2 Chron. 1:8-10. Wisdom may not be as glamerous as a miracle, but God builds deep character in people who seek to live by the wisdom of God.
God uses people with a right heart to accomplish great things. The first thing to do is submit to God through worship. Solomon worship with all the leaders, the community worships. He worships through prayer and asking for forgiveness. Then Solomon asks for wisdom from God, not the easy path, but the wise path. May the seeking after wisdom, the ability to know and do the right thing be a way of life for us. Center ourselves in God and asking him for daily guidance to follow in His way.
Finally, God provides everything Solomon needs to accomplish the task. For Solomon it is wealth. READ 2 Chron. 1:11-12. If God is calling you to a particular ministry he will provide all you need. Amen. If you think he is calling you to a particular ministry and the resources are not provided, it may be that the door is closed and he may be calling you to something else. I have no formula to know when to keep knocking on a closed door and when to move on. God will provide. Whatever you need. But it is His Kingdom Work, not yours. That is why we worship, to keep Him on the throne. And it will be done in His way, not mine, that is why we ask for godly Wisdom so we can go forward in His way.
A right heart for a great task. The Church cannot be stopped as we submit to the Lord Jesus Christ in Worship, listening to his voice through prayer and recognize we are sinners in need of a Savior. The servant of God cannot be stopped who constantly seeks the wisdom that comes from God in order to do the will of God. All those who Worship God and seek wisdom will be given all the resources they need to accomplish the work God calls them to do. Get your heart right with God and he will use you to accomplish great things for Him. Amen.
2) The second thing Solomon models for us is his request for WISDOM. 2 Chron. 1:7 is about as close of a verse you can get to the old genie in a bottle joke, if you can have anything you want what would it be… only it is not a genie, God himself appears to Solomon and says, “What ever you want is yours.” Solomon asks for WISDOM. We’ll talk about.
3) Finally, Solomon is granted WEALTH. I have good news for you which may sound like bad news. God does not promise us wealth. This is not a formula that if we only Worship properly and ask for Wisdom we will be granted Wealth. Solomon was given great wealth, but it is the principle behind it that we can take to the bank. Wealth without wisdom will destroy you. Solomon does not ask for wealth. Money is not meant to be the highest goal, it will consume you. As we worship God with a whole heart, and seek wisdom, God will grant us whatever we need to accomplish the task he has called us to do. He will provide the resources. For Solomon it was wealth. Maybe what you need is time, energy … We’ll talk about it.
With God, it is always about the heart. You want to be a part of God’s great Kingdom Work, then get your heart right. You want to be available to God and submit to Him, then give Him your heart. It is always about the heart. Solomon worshipped the Lord, He asked for Wisdom, and God granted Solomon the resources he needed to accomplish the great work God was asking him to do. Solomon’s heart was right.
WORSHIP. It is significant Worship is the priority of Solomon upon taking over the kingship of Israel. Worship is an act of submission: “it is not about ME, but it is about YOU God.” We need to be regular worshippers, in our private world as well as gathering together with others. When you worship you are literally taking the focus off of yourself and recognizing Jesus Christ as Lord. In our culture we think submission is a bad word, we are taught to be strong, to be self reliant, to put ourselves in the top position, our needs, our desires. Worship runs counter to our culture, for when you worship you are declaring you want Jesus Christ to be on the throne of your heart. The main question of life suddenly becomes about God’s purposes. To Worship means to put God at the center.
Solomon provides a tremendous example as he calls all the leaders together to submit to God. Most Kings in ancient times would solidify their ruling authority by making it about them, but Solomon calls the leaders together and puts God at the center of the community: READ 2 Chron. 1:2-4. This is still the time before the temple is built, so the central place of Worship is still the old tabernacle under the time of Moses, which is located a few miles outside of Jerusalem. The important point is not the location, but rather the act of worship, focusing the community on God. Make worship a priority and your heart will be in the right place, or rather, the right person will be in your heart ~ Jesus Christ. Your heart will be captured by whatever you prioritize in your life.
wo actions of Worship are detailed. Solomon and the other leaders listened to God. READ 2 Chron. 1:5. “inquired of the Lord.” i.e. they prayed. They listened. They were teachable. Solomon is not going to God asking God to bless His plans, but rather he goes to God asking if he can be a part of God’s plans.
Solomon’s other act of worship is a sacrifice. READ 2 Chron. 1:6. What is this about? 1000 is a lot, clearly sacrificing out of the abundance God has given him. The burnt offerings are about forgiveness. Before God, Solomon and the leaders are admitting they are imperfect and need forgiveness.
Today, in the year 2017, we no longer need to offer sacrifices to forgive our sins because Jesus Christ went to the cross and died for our sins and became the perfect sacrifice. We are still sinners, we are still imperfect people, but thank God almighty for his gift in Jesus Christ who died on the cross taking our place in death that we are forgiven of our sins. You think the sacrifice of a thousand bulls is huge? That is nothing compared to the fact that God sent his own son to die on the cross.
WORSHIP is an act of submission, for when you worship you are making God the priority. Not my will but your will. Your heart will be captured by whatever you prioritize in life. In worship listen for God’s voice through prayer and ask for forgiveness, acknowledging we are sinners that need Jesus to overcome our sins and we want to do His will.
WISDOM. In a dream that night, God asks Solomon what he wants. READ 2 Chron. 1:7. Anything. Imagine that. Honestly, we don’t need to hear an audible voice from God to know that this question is an ongoing opportunity that we always have. God is listening: what do you want of Him? the question is not only constantly being asked by God, but everyone is constantly answering, too. What do you want in life, what will bring you fulfillment, pleasure? The world is searching for meaning! The reason there is such discontent in our world is either because people are disappointed with the answer they are getting or they are getting the answer they want but what they think will bring them fulfillment is not satisfying. We live in a crazy world in which millions of people are protesting and they don’t even know why! Solomon asks for Godly wisdom./////
Christian workers do well to ask people they are serving what they are looking for. Often we give answers to questions people are not asking. Until people are ready to change their life, they are not going to be transformed by Christ.
2 Chron. 1:7 is a continuous question God is asking all of us for us to continuously answer. What do you want? God is asking you. Solomon’s answer is Wisdom.
I think is that this is not a one time question and answer, but rather, a way of life. Ask God for wisdom in everything you do, all situations you face. Not easy answers like winning the lottery, but wisdom, the God given ability to know, to do the right thing that you know you need to do. God will provide miracles along the way, but wisdom is the better way, for that is what changes us and puts us in tune with God’s ways.
When we are out of wisdom (wit’s ends) that is when God makes up the difference. It’s so much fun walking with God and seeing amazing things happen, I see it all the time… but wisdom builds substance and satisfaction. Don’t ask God for the easy path. I saw my friend in jail yesterday that is facing a hard future, he knows the answer through is discipline, wisdom, that will transform him, take him through the tough spots…
It’s easy to get in the habit of wanting God to bale us out from the consequences of our bad decisions. Instead ask for wisdom which will reduce the bad things that happen. Wisdom to pace ourselves, when to say no, what door to walk through. Wisdom reduces the dumb things we do so that we make solid choices that are in keeping with the values of God. Bad things will still happen beyond our control, yet wisdom will help us endure, make it through. Wisdom from God gives us a strength. READ 2 Chron. 1:8-10. Wisdom may not be as glamerous as a miracle, but God builds deep character in people who seek to live by the wisdom of God.
God uses people with a right heart to accomplish great things. The first thing to do is submit to God through worship. Solomon worship with all the leaders, the community worships. He worships through prayer and asking for forgiveness. Then Solomon asks for wisdom from God, not the easy path, but the wise path. May the seeking after wisdom, the ability to know and do the right thing be a way of life for us. Center ourselves in God and asking him for daily guidance to follow in His way.
Finally, God provides everything Solomon needs to accomplish the task. For Solomon it is wealth. READ 2 Chron. 1:11-12. If God is calling you to a particular ministry he will provide all you need. Amen. If you think he is calling you to a particular ministry and the resources are not provided, it may be that the door is closed and he may be calling you to something else. I have no formula to know when to keep knocking on a closed door and when to move on. God will provide. Whatever you need. But it is His Kingdom Work, not yours. That is why we worship, to keep Him on the throne. And it will be done in His way, not mine, that is why we ask for godly Wisdom so we can go forward in His way.
A right heart for a great task. The Church cannot be stopped as we submit to the Lord Jesus Christ in Worship, listening to his voice through prayer and recognize we are sinners in need of a Savior. The servant of God cannot be stopped who constantly seeks the wisdom that comes from God in order to do the will of God. All those who Worship God and seek wisdom will be given all the resources they need to accomplish the work God calls them to do. Get your heart right with God and he will use you to accomplish great things for Him. Amen.
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