SERMON NOTES
A House for the Name of the Lord
1 Kings 5-7
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: As Solomon’s reign reaches its peak through his intellectual and administrative wisdom, he now turns his attention to building a house for the Lord. During the preparation phase, he acquires material and labor from Hiram, king of Tyre, and he drafts tens of thousands of his own people for construction. The temple project begins in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, which marks the 480th year since Israel came out of the land of Egypt. The dimensions of the temple are sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high; the divisions in the temple include an outer porch, a main hall, and an inner sanctuary; and the materials for the temple include cedar and pure gold. The exterior of the temple is completed by Hiram, the utensils for use in the temple are fashioned by Solomon, and the items dedicated by David are finally included. Though the temple is a magnificent structure designed to honor the greatness and goodness of God, the most significant aspect of its existence will be the hearts of those who worship there.
01. A house for the name of the Lord is not required for the people of God to worship, but is appropriate for this purpose.
02. A house for the name of the Lord is not required to be imposing or ornate, but is appropriate to reflect His grandeur.
03. A house for the name of the Lord is no substitute for our trust in and obedience to the Lord, but is an appropriate reminder of His presence with us.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. Why did Solomon build the temple rather than David? (1 Kings 5:1-5: see also 2 Samuel 7:1-17). How does David’s planning and preparation for the temple factor into the building and service of the temple? (1 Kings 7:51). What does the planning and construction phase by two different kings suggest about the way God uses different generations to accomplish His great purposes? How do you see God at work in the various age groups at Northpoint today?
2. Do you find it strange that Solomon enlisted Hiram, king of Tyre, for assistance in supplying materials? What was the result of the two kings working together on this project? (1 Kings 5:7-12). In what ways can Northpoint become a blessing to Corona, including city officials and people who live here? How do events like the CBU Choir and Corona Symphony Orchestra help point people to the Lord here at Northpoint?
3. What is the significance of the date given in 1 Kings 6:1 for the beginning of construction of the temple? Prior to the construction of the temple, how did the tabernacle display God’s presence among His people after they were delivered from Egypt? (Exodus 26). What symbolism is communicated by a temple rather than a tabernacle? Do you view Northpoint as a reminder of God’s presence among His people?
4. Why does the Lord speak to Solomon in 1 Kings 6:11 as the temple construction is underway? Why is this reminder given over and over during Solomon’s reign? How does the destruction of the temple in 2 Kings 25 serve as a reminder that the temple is no substitute for genuine faith in and obedience to the Lord? How does the Lord Jesus Christ depict Himself as the true temple and thus the solution to our sin? (John 2:18-22).
For Further Reading: Allen Ross, Recalling the Hope of Glory (Kregel, 2006)