Lesson 49 Part 1
ST. PAUL
SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP
"Be ye
followers of me as I also am of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1)
(With Frank
Eiklor, Walter and Cecilia Contreras, and Christopher Lucey)
WINNERS AND
LOSERS
(THE BOOK OF 1 KINGS-PART 1)
LESSON 49 Part 1
INTRODUCTION
I love the Hebrew Scriptures-the First Testament in our
Bible. Without the first 39 books of the Old Testament, the 27 books of the New
Testament would have no foundation. The First Testament is a record of the
Messiah (Jesus) concealed. The New Testament is the record of Messiah Jesus
revealed in all His power and glory.
But the Old Testament also gives us other great lessons.
Those 39 books contain the record of God's dealings with individuals and
nations-and their responses to God-whether in obedience or rebellion. The
lessons are so important that the Lord has Paul repeat within the space of six
verses (1 Corinthians 10: 6, 11) that all of the Old Testament examples are for
us today.
We will now continue to study those examples-both winners
and losers. The Spirit of God wants us to avoid the sins of the losers and
learn obedience through the lives of the winners-those who said no to self and
yes to God.
We began in the Book of Genesis way back in lesson 19. If
you wish to review all of the previous lessons from Genesis through 2 Samuel,
you will find them in lessons 19 through 23 (Genesis through Deuteronomy) and
lessons 37-40 (Joshua through 2 Samuel).
We will now begin our third section of the Old Testament
books. I give you the references but you must look up the scriptures and seek
from the Holy Spirit the lessons they contain. God wants you to be a winner-not
a loser. So let's get started in 1 Kings as we study each example.
AN EXAMPLE IN HUMILITY
1:5, 6 Adonijah-Example
of how self exaltation backfires (see also
2:15,
22, 24).
3:5, 7-14 Solomon's
example of humility and utter dependence on God (self
would
have asked for long life, riches to enjoy it, and vindication
to
enhance pride).
4:29-34 Example
of how God keeps His promises.
5:1, 12 Hiram and
Solomon-Example of an international friendship under God.
OBEDIENCE BEATS
SACRIFICE
6:11-13 Example of how no amount
of sacrifice to impress God can substitute for simple obedience to God.
7:13, 14 Example of how God notes
physical talents dedicated to His glory.
8:31-54 Seven examples of God's
justice and mercy (see also 9:2-9).
10:1-9, 24 Example
of God's greatest purpose for choosing Israel-to be His witnesses to the world
(note v 9-Queen of Sheba a Gentile, lauding the God of Israel).
SOLOMON'S FOLLY
11:1-11 Example
of a tender and true heart turning into a lustful, false heart and paying the
price.
11:14, 23, 25, 26 Example of how God uses others to bring pain or polishing
to those He rebukes.
11:28, 31, 35-38 Jeroboam an example of a man taking God's invitation to
blessing and greatness and casting it in the Lord's face (even after seeing
what happened to Solomon for his sins-see also 12:26-28, 33; 13:6, 33, 34;
14:5-13).
12:3-16 Rehoboam-Example
of what happens when the counsel of the young and spoiled is favored over the
counsel of the gray hairs of experience and wisdom.
(TO BE CONTINUED)