1 Kings 3 – SOLOMON’S GREATEST MOMENT
Each of us will have moments of greatness. We will say the right thing, think the right way, or do the right thing. When we do what is pleasing to God, that is a great moment!
In my opinion Solomon’s greatest moment came in the passage before us. Solomon was the wisest man who ever graced the pages of Scripture, with the exception of our Savior. Solomon also experienced great moments of failure (1 Kings 11).
INTRODUCTION – Vss. 1-4
PROPOSAL FROM GOD – Vs. 5
God invites Solomon to ask
Did you ever stop to think whose idea prayer was in the first place? It was God’s idea!
It wasn’t man, but God who started prayer.
In Genesis 3:8 we see the Lord walking in the Garden in the cool of the day. This was evidently God’s practice. This way he would have had fellowship with Adam and Eve. Other verses which show that God wants us to pray are Job 22:27, Psalms 34:15, 102:17, Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 29:12, 33:3, Matthew 7:7, 18:19, 21:19, John 14:13-14, 15:7,16, 16:24, Philippians 4:6, 1 Timothy 2:1, Hebrews 4:16, and 1 John 5:14-15.
There are seventeen references listed above, telling us to pray. And yet many times we do not.
Why do we fail to pray?
1. We are lazy.
2. We lack faith.
3. We don’t want to trouble God with little things.
4. We are too proud to pray.
5. We haven’t learned how to pray.
6. We don’t want to pray.
7. We lack discipline.
God’s proposal is that we pray!
PETITION TO GOD – Vss. 6-9
In verse 6 Solomon appears to be thanking God. Solomon recognizes the great things that God did for Solomon’s father, David. We must remember that praise and thanksgiving are to be part of prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:6
In verses 7-8 we see that Solomon humbled himself before God. Solomon had a great father, and Solomon was in a prominent position. He was already rather wealthy. But Solomon realized his own limitations and the greatness of the task before him. We must remember that our approach to God needs to be a humble one. James 4:10
Solomon’s request is found in verse 9. He didn’t ask selfishly, but wisely. He asked for wisdom.
God would have us to ask unselfishly, and according to His perfect will. James 4:3, 1 John 5:14-15
PROMISE FROM GOD – Vss. 10-14
“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.”
Solomon’s request made God happy. Imagine how happy God must be when we ask for things that please Him! Some of the things that we can ask for that will please God include:
1. The salvation of souls
2. Unity in the church
3. Wisdom
4. The burdens of other believers
5. Completion of projects dear to His heart!
In verses 11-14 God answered Solomon. Solomon was told that God was pleased, and that God would not only give him the wisdom he asked for, but the wealth and honor that he didn’t ask for.
God even promised Solomon long life, as long as he walked in obedience (Vs. 14).