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SERMON NOTES

His Kingdom was Firmly Established
1 Kings 2
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor

Overview: As King David’s time to die draws near, he instructs Solomon on how to rule in order that his kingdom may be established. He commands Solomon to keep the charge of the Lord by walking in His ways, keeping His statutes and His commandments as it is written in the Law of Moses. In so doing, Solomon will prosper in all that he does and will set the standard for future kings in accordance with God’s promise that Israel will never lack a man on the throne. David also advises Solomon regarding those who threaten the kingdom with their past indiscretions. Solomon meets these threats with wisdom and resolve, initially offering mercy to those who exhibit a willingness to serve him as king while eliminating those who give no indication of submitting to his reign. Though Solomon’s actions do not correspond fully with political governance today, the manner in which his kingdom is established points directly to the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ, the true Son of David. 

01. The establishment of Solomon’s kingdom demonstrates the importance of having a righteous ruler who is able to master himself before seeking to rule over others. Since no one is good, not even one, only Jesus qualifies as the true righteous ruler. 

02. The establishment of Solomon’s kingdom illustrates the importance of confronting unrighteous people who are unwilling to surrender to the king. Since our judgment is often flawed in favor of ourselves, only Jesus has the ability to pronounce final judgment.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY

1. Consider the statement, “When David’s time to die drew near,” in verse 1. What did David do in his final days? Have you given thought to what you need to do in your final days, whenever they may come? Who needs to hear from you, and who might you invest in before your final days arrive?

2. Note the frequent references to the establishment of Solomon’s kingdom (2:4, 12, 24, 45, and 46). Compare this language with God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12, 13, 16, 24, and 26. How does the intentional use of this language connect God’s promise to David with Solomon’s succession and Israel’s future?

3. David tells Solomon to walk in the ways of the Lord in accordance with the Law of Moses. Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20. What does Moses command for the king to do with reference to the Law? How does this passage illustrate the importance of a ruler submitting himself to the Word of God in order to rule righteously? If this is true of rulers, how much more should it be true of us?

4. Why does David bring up seemingly old grievances as he instructs Solomon (verses 5-9)? Is David being petty, or is he offering sage advice to Solomon during this important transition of power? What would we think of a ruler who refused to punish evil? Could a kingdom survive if lawlessness were allowed to thrive?

5. In what ways does our text present a monarchical understanding of political theory? What issues in this text should not be transferred to our modern political environment? How does this text ultimately point us to a greater kingdom, with a greater King, who rules righteously and offers mercy to all who surrender to His reign?

For Further Reading: Patrick Schreiner, The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross (Crossway, 2018)