This Plan’s Format

Studying the Bible is often a struggle. We wrestle to go beyond knowledge and experience transformational truth—truth that refills our faith, refreshes our souls, and reforms our actions. Use our four-part study method to open your heart to God. Learn how to live out biblical truth in daily circumstances and walk more closely with God. This course invites you to:

… Connect with God through Bible reading.

… Inform your thoughts through insightful questions.

… Deepen your faith with in-depth notes on the passage.

… Encourage action by listening to trustworthy teaching in days 5, 10, 15, and 20.

Heritage of Wonder

Do you ever wonder, Why am I here? or, What will make my life count? The Bible gives the answers. It overflows with stories of God’s replies to people who wisely seek and wholeheartedly trust Him.

For example, our study of 1 Kings 3 focuses on God’s response to Solomon, the son of Israel’s King David. Leading up to the times recorded in 1 Kings, we discover God’s plan for David’s life. Through David’s failures, repentance, grief and successes, God remains with His chosen king, the man after His own heart.

David trusts God’s promises over his own hopes and dreams. As part of God’s amazing plan, He promises David a son and a kingdom that will never end.(1) God also tells David that his son Solomon will be the one to build His temple. David knows the temple will show God’s glory to the world.

David believes God and gets to work. He does everything possible to prepare Solomon’s path. David prays for Solomon and encourages him to trust God. He teaches Solomon to know and obey God’s Word. David organizes the workers and materials for building the temple at God’s appointed time.

Nobility of Wisdom

The book of 1 Kings starts with King David conferring the kingdom to Solomon, Israel’s new king. Trusting God’s promises for his son, David tells Solomon, “Now begin the work, and the Lord be with you.” David’s words near the end of his life emphasize what Solomon needs to know and do. “‘So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires.’”

As 1 Kings 3 begins, Solomon’s work is ahead. He understands the connection between God’s wisdom and his life’s work. As he learned from his father, trust in God’s promises reveals life’s purpose. Through upholding God’s Word, Solomon, his family, and the kingdom would successfully reveal God’s glory to the world.(2)

It’s a noble privilege and responsibility to honor God and lead His people. And it’s true: everyone is leading someone. This weighty task humbles all those who cherish God’s holiness and revere His Name.

Opportunity for You

God has designed a plan for your life too. You exist because your life matters to God; He created you and established your place for such a time as this. As Solomon knew, trusting in God’s promises reveals life’s purpose and God’s glory.

What does it mean for us today to give glory to God? It starts in our hearts. God calls us to repent of everything contrary to full trust in Jesus Christ, our Savior. Have you offered Him your love and your life? Does that seem scary or strange? As we learn through Solomon, God gives us everything we need to live for Him.

Believers who trust God’s promises have His Spirit to help us:

- tell the truth to all the people in our lives.

- do all kinds of work with dignity, honor, and excellence.

- be kind to unkind people and act justly in all our dealings.

- be patient with others, with ourselves and with God’s timing.

God’s purpose for our lives exceeds any greatness we can imagine. As we look to and lean on Him, our service and work reveal God’s intimate love, wisdom, and glory. What God calls you to do will give Him glory and bring you joy. Will you trust His great promises today? Will you ask God for everything you need to experience the wonder of living by faith in Him, for His glory?

Questions

1. Scan 1 Kings 3, focusing on verses 7-9. What does Solomon need from God to do the work God has called him to do?
2. How do you understand God’s involvement in your work with people and the provisions you need to accomplish it?

Related Verses

1. Davidic covenant: 2 Sam 7
2. Solomon’s kingdom: 2 Kgs 2:1-4