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SERMON NOTES

Solomon Excelled in Riches
1 Kings 10:14-29
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor

Overview: The author of 1 Kings presents Solomon in all of his glory with respect to his wealth and wisdom before turning his attention to Solomon’s great fall in the next chapter. The annual income of gold received by him is measured by the tens of thousands of pounds, and is supplemented by explorers, merchants, kings, and governors. This level of income enables Solomon to enhance his reputation through a grand exhibition of weaponry, an overwhelming display of kingly authority, and a marvelous show of incomparable hospitality. To ensure future political and economic dominance, Solomon continues to invest in chariots and horsemen designed to protect and defend his country. Such is the wealth of Solomon that he excels all the kings of the earth and people from all over the world come to hear his wisdom. Little do they realize that the seeds of destruction have already been sown, as Solomon’s wealth serves as a cover for his disobedience to the commandments of the Lord.

01. Solomon’s wealth was a blessing but it was also blinding; let us thank God for our economic situation and seek to follow Him with the resources He gives to us.

02. Solomon’s wealth was unsurpassed in his time but it is also non-transferable to our time; let us find our true riches in the One who is greater than Solomon.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY

1. Why do you think the author of 1 Kings highlights Solomon’s wealth in this chapter before narrating Solomon’s fall in the next chapter? Do you agree or disagree with the statement that “wealth is a blessing but it is also blinding”? Why or why not?

2. Economic disparity is a fact of life regardless of economic theory; it is also a source of discontentment for many. In what ways does the Bible present people with great wealth—negatively or positively, or both depending on the circumstances? What examples of wealthy people can you think of who are commended in Scripture? What examples of wealthy people can you think of who are condemned in Scripture?

3. What does the Bible teach about honoring the Lord with our income as it pertains to the church? What does the Bible teach about honoring the Lord with our income as it pertains to the poor and those in immediate need? What does the Bible teach about honoring the Lord with our income as it pertains to paying taxes? Pray that the Lord will enable you to be faithful in these areas.

4. Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20. What specific areas in the text suggest that Solomon was not in line with these prohibitions? How could Solomon be so wise that others sought his wisdom, while at the same time so foolish as to ignore God’s commands? What does this incongruity suggest about the nature of sin and its power to deceive?

5. Jesus describes Himself as the One who is greater than Solomon, particularly with respect to His wisdom (Matthew 12:42). In what other ways is Jesus greater than Solomon? How is Jesus greater than Solomon in His riches, even though He had no place to lay His head (Luke 9:58)? What riches do we receive from Jesus that far outweigh any riches we could have in this life?

For Further Reading: John Stott and Christopher Wright, The Grace of Giving: Money and the Gospel (Hendrickson, 2022)

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