Solomon Builds the Temple

SESSION 9 Solomon Builds the Temple

Summary and Goal

Solomon built a temple for the Lord, and that temple bore God’s name, manifested God’s presence, and represented God’s glory to the world. As Christians, we belong to the church, described by the apostles as “the temple of God.” In the Old Testament, the temple referred to a place. In the New Testament, the temple refers to a people. We are being built together as God’s residence—a beacon of light and hope to the world. Main Passages 1 Kings 5:1-5 1 Kings 8:10-14,54-61 Session Outline 1. The temple bears God’s name (1 Kings 5:1-5). 2. The temple hosts God’s presence (1 Kings 8:10-14). 3. The temple is for God’s mission (1 Kings 8:54-61).

Theological Theme Because of the Holy Spirit’s presence, God’s people are the temple of God today, the people who bear His name and join His mission. Christ Connection The temple was to be a place where the name of God would be upheld and the presence of God would be experienced so that the nations would know that the Lord is God. Jesus spoke of Himself as God’s temple, and in His life, death, and resurrection, He upheld God’s name, embodied God’s presence, and extended God’s mission. Missional Application God calls us to be devoted to Him in obedience so that the original purpose of the temple can be fulfilled—the people of the earth will know our God is King.

Date of My Bible Study: ______103

Introduction Pack Item 8: Share the information about Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, to The Temple show how large structures send a message (leader p. 106; PSG p. 83). Display this poster prior to the group meeting and refer List some of the great structures and buildings of history. to it as needed throughout this session. What comes to mind when you think of them?

What do these buildings communicate?

Introduction Option Say that many of the greatest leaders and world powers of history have Prior to the group meeting, buildings that bear their name (leader p. 106). Then summarize this session enlist a group member who has visited a world-famous about Solomon’s building the temple for the Lord (leader p. 107; PSG p. 84). monument or building to open the session by sharing briefly about his 1. The temple bears God’s name (1 Kings 5:1-5). or her experience and Mention that names are powerful, and then ask a volunteer to read reflections about that visit, especially the “message” 1 Kings 5:1-5. Give some background on how before the construction of that was being sent by the the temple, Israel’s God was not associated with any particular place. Note monument or building. the first of two reasons that Solomon built the temple: Through God’s Then, if time allows, ask one or two volunteers to sovereign work, God gave Solomon rest on every side (leader pp. 107-108; share their experiences and PSG pp. 84-85). the message that was sent. What ideas and beliefs do you think were communicated to the Israelites when they visited the temple?

For Further What ideas and beliefs do you think were communicated to Discussion people outside Israel when they saw the temple? How does Jesus’ speaking of Himself as the temple distinguish Christianity State the second reason that Solomon built the temple was because of God’s from other religions? gracious promise to King David that he would. Then comment on how the What does it say about temple points to Jesus (leader pp. 108-109; PSG p. 85). Reference Pack Item 3: God’s initiative and grace Seeing Jesus in the Kingdom toward humanity? as you make this connection between the temple and Jesus.

What purposes of the temple are fulfilled by Jesus?

104 Leader Guide 2. The temple hosts God’s presence (1 Kings 8:10-14). Point 3 Option Read the “Essential Read 1 Kings 8:10-14, and talk about what the event signified Christian Doctrine” (leader pp. 109-110; PSG p. 86). Use the examples provided in the leader Temple of the Holy Spirit content to illustrate the larger biblical theme of God’s presence (leader p. 110). (leader p. 112; PSG p. 89). Ask groups of 2-3 to discuss the following When have you sensed the reality of God’s presence? questions (consider writing What was it about that time that convinced you it was the them on a board or sheet of paper for groups to have; Spirit working? also available on the DVD in The Gospel Project for Transition to the New Testament’s teaching about Jesus and believers as the Adults: Leader Pack): • How should our identity temple of God. Call attention to how many Christians fail to consider this as the temple of the Holy reality during worship gatherings (leader pp. 110-111; PSG p. 87). Spirit inform our everyday lives, including the Talk honestly about your attitude toward gathering for mundane moments? worship on Sundays. What are some things you can • Why do we find it difficult to remember we are the do to prepare for worship to make it more meaningful temple of the Holy Spirit, and edifying? and what can we do to help us remember? 3. The temple is for God’s mission After a couple of moments, call for the groups to share (1 Kings 8:54-61). some of their responses Read 1 Kings 8:54-61, introducing how the notion of mission emerges from and reflections the passage. Use Psalm 67; Exodus 19:5-6; and Habakkuk 2:14 to show how the temple in Israel represented what God wanted to do in the whole earth (leader pp. 111-112; PSG p. 88).

If we are the temple of God today, then we are to represent God to the world. What should our identity as God’s temple communicate to the nations today? Christ Connection: The temple was to be a place Emphasize the urgency of mission for Christians as those who are where the name of God would be upheld and the now the temple of God on the earth, saying that mission begins with presence of God would be ordinary Christians having ordinary conversations with ordinary people experienced so that the (leader pp. 112-113; PSG p. 89). nations would know that the Lord is God. Jesus spoke of Himself as God’s temple, What is your greatest fear when it comes to living on and in His life, death, and mission for the gospel? resurrection, He upheld God’s name, embodied God’s presence, and How does God’s heart for the world help you overcome extended God’s mission. these fears? ...... Missional Application: God Conclusion calls us to be devoted to Him in obedience so that Restate the two great truths of this session: 1) God wants to dwell among His the original purpose of the people, and 2) God wants to make His name known to the nations temple can be fulfilled—the people of the earth will (leader p. 113; PSG p. 90). Apply the truths of this session with “His Mission, know our God is King. Your Mission” (PSG p. 91).

Session 9 105 Expanded Session Content Solomon Builds the Temple Session 9

Introduction Voices from Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, is the tallest building in the world. the Church The building’s website states: “More than just the world’s tallest building, “The church is the temple Burj Khalifa is an unprecedented example of international cooperation, of the living God…built on symbolic beacon of progress, and an emblem of the new, dynamic and the foundations of the prophets and apostles, prosperous Middle East. It is also tangible proof of Dubai’s growing role with Jesus Christ as the in a changing world. In fewer than 30 years, this city has transformed chief cornerstone.” 2 itself from a regional centre to a global one. This success was not based –Michael Bird on oil reserves, but on reserves of human talent, ingenuity and initiative. Burj Khalifa embodies that vision.” 1 As you can tell from this summary, the Burj Khalifa is not just a building; it’s a message. Its significance extends beyond its towering summit. It is intended to communicate something to the rest of the world. History has seen its share of large structures—towers, castles, and walls. People have been building things since the tower of Babel. If you want to get the world’s attention, build a large building!

List some of the great structures and buildings of history. What comes to mind when you think of them?

What do these buildings communicate?

Many of the greatest leaders and the world powers of history have buildings that bear their name. The same was true in King Solomon’s day. The surrounding nations had erected temples for their gods. But Yahweh, the God of Israel, was no local deity. He is the God of the whole world (Ex. 9:16). He is the maker and sustainer of the universe, the ruler of all the nations, and Israel was to represent His name and renown before the rest of the world.

106 Leader Guide Session Summary In this session, we will learn about Solomon building a temple for the Lord. We’ll see the reasons he wanted to build the temple and how the temple bore God’s name, manifested God’s presence, and represented God’s glory to the world. As Christians, we belong to the church, described by the apostles as “the temple of God.” In the Old Testament, the temple referred to a place. In the New Testament, the temple refers to a people. We are being built together as God’s residence—a beacon of light and hope to the world.

1. The temple bears God’s name (1 Kings 5:1-5). Names are powerful. Mention Adolf Hitler, Steve Jobs, Justin Bieber, Further Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, or Warren Buffet and you’re likely to start Commentary an interesting conversation in the break room of your office. King “This one place of worship Solomon knew the power of names too. He knew the esteem and honor reinforces the truth that there is only one God, not that certain names deserve. This was one of the main reasons he wanted to many, and avoids Israel’s build a house for the Lord. temptation to serve other gods, for many high places David, Solomon’s father, was unable to build the house because of may tempt the unwary constant war during his reign. But the Lord gave Solomon rest on every (Deut. 12:1-9; Judg. 10:6). The temple’s architectural side. The only fitting thing to do now was to build a temple to show the features contains both world the might and power of the God of Israel. Look at what Solomon cosmological and royal symbols that teach I AM’s says in 1 Kings 5:1-5: absolute sovereignty over the whole creation 1 and his special headship Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he over Israel.” 3 heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram –Bruce Waltke always loved David. 2 And Solomon sent word to Hiram, 3 “You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune. 5 And so I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to David my father, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’

Up to this point in redemptive history, Israel’s God was not associated with any particular place. He had manifested Himself in visions, in a burning bush, in a pillar of fire, on the mountaintop, in the tabernacle, and with the ark of the covenant. But until now, there was no established place where His people could point and say, “This is the house of our God.” That all changed with Solomon. It was time to finally build a structure that would display the glory and renown of the God whose name is majestic in all the earth (Ps. 8). He wanted that name—Yahweh—to be glorified and lifted high for all the nations to see and treasure.

Session 9 107 What did Solomon intend to communicate to the world and to Israel Further through the temple? The answer is in verses 4-5: “But now the Lord Commentary my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor “These verses state misfortune. And so I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my several major themes in God, as the Lord said to David my father, ‘Your son, whom I will set on biblical theology. (1) God had given ‘rest’ to His your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’ ” people. Throughout the There are two things we should note in Solomon’s message to Hiram Bible this rest is given in various degrees and about why he was building the temple. in various ways that finally culminated in the eternal rest described in God’s Sovereign Work Hebrews 4. (2) It gave a First, God gave Solomon rest on every side. God did this, not different perspective on David as a ‘man of war’ Solomon. God worked and moved to expand the kingdom of Solomon. (1 Chron. 28:3), since his At this point, unlike in David’s time, there was rest and peace all around. wars were presented as defensive necessities. God had subdued the enemies of Israel and established them on every side. (3) Since no temple can The temple was a tangible reminder of what the Lord had done for contain God, this temple was to be the dwelling for the nation He loved. He was the One who brought Israel from Egypt. ‘the name’ of the Lord. And He was the One who gave them His law. He was the One who brought (4) this temple was built in response to the promise them through the wilderness into a land flowing with milk and honey. He of a dynasty for David and was the sovereign God who saved and established His people. Solomon 4 his descendants.” responded to this sovereign work by erecting a building worthy of the God –Andrew C. Bowling, HCSB Study Bible of heaven.

What ideas and beliefs do you think were communicated to the Israelites when they visited the temple?

What ideas and beliefs do you think were communicated to people outside Israel when they saw the temple?

God’s Gracious Promise The second reason we see that Solomon built the temple was because God promised King David that he would (v. 5). God comes through on His promises. Before Solomon was ever born, God declared to David that He would put his son on the throne and establish his kingdom. This promise was now coming to fruition in Solomon’s day. The temple was not only evidence of God’s work; it was evidence of God’s keeping His word. We serve a God who keeps His promises. God does not play games with His people. He does not string us along only to leave us in the dark. Rather, He is the promise-keeping God who never fails. In the New Testament, Jesus spoke of Himself as the temple— the embodiment of God. Jesus not only bears God’s name, He is God (John 1:1). He accomplished all the work that the Father had given Him to do (John 4:34), and all the promises of God find their yes in Him (2 Cor. 1:20). He came to radically redefine how Israel understood the temple and its place among God’s people.

108 Leader Guide All that God intended to show with the temple, He would show even more so with His own Son, who claimed that He was the true temple Further (John 2:12-25). For this reason, the name of God is no longer localized Commentary to a place—it is found in a Person! We go to Jesus and see the work and “Once the priests leave the promises of God on full display. ark in the most holy place, ‘the cloud’ fills the temple, thus making their work What purposes of the temple are fulfilled by Jesus? impossible. This was the cloud of God’s glory that led Israel in the wilderness 2. The temple hosts God’s presence (Ex. 16:10), the cloud that (1 Kings 8:10-14). filled the tabernacle when Moses dedicated that After Solomon completed the temple, he gathered all Israel, along with earlier worship center (Ex. 40:34-35)…[T]he the priests, Levites, and leaders, to bring the ark of the covenant to the cloud of glory indicates Lord’s house (1 Kings 8:1-9). On that day, God displayed His glory among the reality of the Lord’s presence. This presence His people. Just imagine standing among the assembly witnessing this protects (Ex. 14:19-20) and spectacular display of God’s glory! guides (Ex. 33:9) Israel in the Exodus stories. Here the glory demonstrates divine 10 And when the priests came approval of Solomon’s out of the Holy Place, a cloud temple. Just as God was with Moses, so now God is filled the house of theL ord, with this new generation of 11 so that the priests could Israelites. Such continuity reaffirms the Lord’s never- not stand to minister because changing character, desire of the cloud, for the glory of to have fellowship with human beings, and ongoing the Lord filled the house of commitment to the chosen the Lord. people…Solomon responds in awe at God’s decision 12 Then Solomon said, to descend to the temple. “TheL ord has said that he Normally the Lord dwells ‘in a dark cloud’ or where would dwell in thick darkness. human beings cannot see 13 I have indeed built you him. Such is the mystery of God’s ways (cf. Ps. 18:11; 14 an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.” Then the king 97:2). In this instance, turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the however, the Lord chooses to descend to earth and assembly of Israel stood. relate to Israel directly. As Gray notes, he is the Creator and at the same This event validated many things for Solomon and for Israel. It further time ‘the God of Israel who confirmed and established Solomon’s kingdom and reign, and it showed has condescended to fix his throne in the midst of his yet again God’s love and commitment to His people, Israel. Normally, people Israel.’ Consequently, God dwelled in thick darkness (v. 12), in a place where no one could see ‘his nearness and readily- experienced power and Him. But now, God had come down to be with His people in the place grace never exhaust built for His name and presence. God was so near and real that day that his revelation’ (cf. v. 27). Solomon has been faithful even the priests had to stop what they were doing! in providing a place for worship, and the Lord has been faithful in honoring the king’s commitment. God’s pledge made in 6:11-13 has been kept.” 5 –Paul R. House

Session 9 109 On that day, Israel received the blessing of God Himself. This is the Further greatest blessing that God can give to His people—Himself. In fact, we Commentary see all throughout the Bible that God’s intention has always been to dwell “When the Babylonians among His people. We see this theme from the beginning to the end came and overran Israel of Scripture. and the temple was destroyed and they were • God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden before their sin resulted carted off into exile, Ezekiel in banishment from God’s presence (Gen. 1–3). made a terrific prediction and prophecy. What • God gave Moses intricate details for the tabernacle and the ark in he said was, ‘Someday order to establish His presence among Israel and meet with them there’ll be a final temple. Someday there’ll be a regularly (Ex. 29:42). temple so great,’ the • When Israel failed in their faithfulness to God’s covenant, the most prophet said, ‘that the glory of the Lord will fill the severe form of judgment from the Lord was removing Himself from the whole temple. Everybody temple (Ezek. 10:18). in it will experience the glory of God’…‘Where’s • God’s promise to revisit His people and establish them once again is the final temple? Where’s fulfilled in Jesus, who was called “Immanuel,” which is translated “God the place where you walk in and it’s not just that is with us” (Matt. 1:23). the glory of God is back • At the end of history, when all things are set right, we read this promise there, but the glory of God is all around? How can from Revelation: “The dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell we finally get back into with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with the garden? Where’s the final temple? Where is it?’ them as their God” (Rev. 21:3). Jesus shows up and says, The great hope of the Christian life is not getting things from God; it ‘I am he. I am the ultimate sacrifice; therefore, I’m the is getting God. This is a God who wants to be known and who wants us ultimate temple.” 6 to sense His presence. –Tim Keller When have you sensed the reality of God’s presence? What was it about that time that convinced you it was the Spirit working? Voices from Church History The New Testament teaches that Jesus is the true temple of God and “The perfect church that as His followers, we also are the temple of God. God dwells in His service would be one we people through His Holy Spirit. Consider what Peter said about this: “As were almost unaware of; our attention would have you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God been on God.” 7 chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up –C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:4-5). According to Peter, we are now priests who offer sacrifices to God. God’s people no longer have to stand outside a temple. God now meets with us as we gather in His name. The presence of God is manifested where His people are since the Spirit resides in our hearts. Unfortunately, many Christians attend worship gatherings every Sunday and fail to encounter the presence and majesty of God through singing, prayer, giving, and listening to the Word of God preached.

110 Leader Guide In 2007, The Washington Post organized an experiment. During the morning rush hour, world-famous violinist Joshua Bell stood incognito in Voices from the entrance to the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station and played a brilliant the Church classical repertoire for 45 minutes. It was, as Post reporter Gene “The foundation of Weingarten explained, “an experiment in context, perception and worship in the heart, therefore, is not emotional priorities—as well as unblinking assessment of public taste.’’ (‘I feel full of worship’ or Joshua Bell routinely fills up concert halls worldwide. Days before, an ‘The atmosphere is so worshipful’). Actually, it is audience in Boston had paid around $100 a person to see him perform. theological. Worship is not In L’Enfant Plaza, he was playing a Stradivarius made in 1713, reportedly something we ‘work up,’ it is something that ‘comes worth $3.5 million. On that Washington morning, the virtuoso collected down’ to us, from the exactly $32.17 from the few passersby who stopped. Most of the 1,000- character of God.” 9 plus commuters who hurried through the station that morning didn’t even –Sinclair Ferguson slow down. 8 How tragic that no one recognized the greatness that stood among them! What is worse, many of us gather for worship and never truly recognize the greatness of the God we are worshiping. Our hearts are filled Further Commentary with distractions, other duties to get to, and anxiety about the week ahead. “The ‘Blessing of Solomon’ But if what Peter said is true—and it is!—then when we gather with God’s is not strictly a blessing but people, we are engaging in the most climactic event of our week. a prayer for the continuing close relationship between God and his people. If taken Talk honestly about your attitude toward gathering for as a blessing, this is not worship on Sundays. What are some things you can always an act exclusive to do to prepare for worship to make it more meaningful priests (v. 14, cf. Num. 6:23). and edifying? True prayer rests on God’s promise ‘never’ to ‘leave’ or ‘forsake us’ (v. 57, so Deut. 31:6-8; Ps. 94:14; 3. The temple is for God’s mission Heb. 13:5). God does not (1 Kings 8:54-61). do what men are prone 54 to (cf. Deut. 32:15, ‘not Now as Solomon finished offering all this prayer and plea to the forsake’ is taken as ‘heal’). Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, where he had knelt with For God leaving his people 55 because they abandon hands outstretched toward heaven. And he stood and blessed all the him see 2 Kings 21:14-15; assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying, 56 “Blessed be the Lord who Psalm 27:9; Jeremiah 2:13; 5:7, etc. To keep us close has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not God turns ‘our hearts to one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his him’ (Ps. 119:36) to enable 57 us to keep his covenant servant. TheL ord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May (Deut. 30:6; Ps. 51:10; he not leave us or forsake us, 58 that he may incline our hearts to him, to Phil. 2:13), i.e. ‘to walk in all his ways’…The purpose of walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his God’s choice of his people rules, which he commanded our fathers. 59 Let these words of mine, with (v. 60) is ‘that all peoples of the earth may know which I have pleaded before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day that he alone is God’ (cf. and night, and may he maintain the cause of his servant and the cause Deut. 4:35; Isa. 45:5). For 60 this to happen they must of his people Israel, as each day requires, that all the peoples of the be ‘fully committed’…i.e. in earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other. 61 Let your heart covenant relation (peace) with the Lord.” 10 therefore be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in his statutes and –Donald J. Wiseman keeping his commandments, as at this day.”

Session 9 111 We don’t generally associate the nation of Israel with the term mission, 99 Essential especially when it comes to the temple. But a phrase that we tend to gloss Christian Doctrines over in this passage is perhaps the most important thing Solomon prayed 80. Temple of the Holy Spirit here. He blessed the people and offered a prayer for the nation that all“ the The Holy Spirit indwells the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God” (v. 60). church, both individually and corporately This was one reason God chose the nation of Israel. He did not choose (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 12:13). As the them for their own sake. He chose them for the sake of the nations. He temple of the Holy Spirit, we live our lives differently is a global God who desires all the nations to be glad in Him (see Ps. 67). than before, bearing the They were to be a particular people with a universal purpose—to extend virtuous fruit that comes only by the indwelling work the name and glory of God to the ends of the earth (Ex. 19:5-6). of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). We see how this plays out in the story of Jonah. God called him to This indwelling work of the Spirit also equips individual go to the hated and wicked city of Nineveh. Of course, Jonah rebelled members of the church and went to Tarshish instead before God sent a great fish to lead Jonah to with gifts for the work of the ministry (1 Cor. 12:11). repentance and back on mission. The book ends with these words from the Lord: “And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” (Jonah 4:11). Voices from This last statement was not only an indictment of Jonah; it was a the Church wake-up call to the nation of Israel. God chose them for the sake of “The mark of the true mission. He elected them for the sake of blessing the entire world. His church is an expanding witness to the presence choice of Israel did not mean the rejection of other nations but their of God: first to our inclusion (see Rom. 11:11-32)! families, then to others in the church, then to our The temple in Israel represented what God wanted to do in the whole neighborhood, then to our earth. He wanted to spread His name and fame, not only to Israel but city, then the country, and ultimately the whole earth. among all the nations so that Habakkuk’s words might be fulfilled: For“ May God give us grace to the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the go out into the world as his extending temple and waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14). spread God’s presence by reflecting it until it finally If we are the temple of God today, then we are to represent 11 fills the entire earth.” God to the world. What should our identity as God’s temple –G. K. Beale communicate to the nations today?

The urgency to live on mission is even greater for us as Christians. We are now the temple of God on the earth. God indwells us and fills us as His missional people (see Eph. 2:18-22; 1 Pet. 2:4-5). God called us and chose us for the purpose of representing Him on the earth and spreading His fame to the nations. Listen to how Peter wrote about this, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). Peter was saying that we are chosen for a mission. We do not exist for ourselves. We exist for the whole earth to know the name and renown of Jesus Christ.

112 Leader Guide As we think of this great task before us, we must understand that it starts with ordinary Christians having ordinary conversations with Voices from ordinary people. It starts with you walking across the street and Church History befriending your neighbor. It starts by giving up time, money, and “Etiquette, nowadays, comfort for the sake of non-Christians. It starts by taking a risk to ask often demands of a Christian that he should your coworker what she thinks about Christianity. It starts with you not intrude his religion on choosing each day to live your life on mission and being available for company. Away with such etiquette! It is the etiquette whatever God wants to do through you. It is virtually impossible to talk of Hell. True courtesy to my about following Jesus without also talking about how to help others follow fellow man’s soul makes me speak to him if I believe Him. Following Jesus by necessity means helping others follow Him and that soul to be in danger.” 12 obey Him. –Charles Spurgeon As Christians, we are a saved people. But we are also a sent people. We (1834-1892) are sent into the world to bear God’s name and make Him known to all people. And one day we will gather around the throne of Jesus Christ and sing, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9).

What is your greatest fear when it comes to living on mission for the gospel?

How does God’s heart for the world help you overcome these fears?

Conclusion In this session, we essentially learned two great truths: that God wants to dwell among His people and that God wants to make His name known to the nations. As we moved from Solomon’s day further into redemptive history, these truths became more and more vivid. God no longer dwells in particular geographical locations (John 4:21-24). He now dwells among those who are in Christ. Not only that, He intends to use His people to spread His name and fame to the nations. We are to make disciples of all the nations with the confidence that our God is always with us (Matt. 28:19-20). This is what we are called to—His name, His presence, and His mission. May we be found faithful!

CHRIST CONNECTION: The temple was to be a place where the name of God would be upheld and the presence of God would be experienced so that the nations would know that the Lord is God. Jesus spoke of Himself as God’s temple, and in His life, death, and resurrection, He upheld God’s name, embodied God’s presence, and extended God’s mission.

Session 9 113 Additional Resources Solomon Builds the Temple

References Get expert insights on weekly studies through Ministry 1. “Vision,” Burj Khalifa [online], Grid at MinistryGrid.com/web/TheGospelProject. 2015 [cited 19 October 2015]. Available from the Internet: Grow with other group leaders at the Group Ministry www.burjkhalifa.ae. blog at LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry. 2. Michael Bird, Evangelical Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013), 717. 3. Bruce Waltke, An Old Testament Study Material Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007), 709. --“Biblical Images of the Church”—Pages 716-18 from Evangelical Theology 4. Andrew C. Bowling, in HCSB Study Bible (Nashville: B&H, 2010), by Michael Bird 555, 557, n. 5:3-5. 5. Paul R. House, 1,2 Kings, vol. 8 in --“We Are the Temple of the Living God”—Article by Sam Storms; find a The New American Commentary (Nashville: B&H, 1995) [eBook on link to this article at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources WORDsearch]. 6. Timothy J. Keller, “Lord of the --Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including “Solomon’s Temple,” Whips,” in The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive (New York: can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, LifeWay.com/BiblicalIllustrator. Look for Bundles: The Gospel Project. 2013) [Logos]. 7. C. S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer (San Diego: Harvest, 1964), 4-5, quoted in Sermon Podcast “The perfect church service,” Tolle Lege [online], 14 November 2009 [cited 19 October 2015]. Erwin Lutzer: “We are Called to Belong” Available from the Internet: tollelege.wordpress.com. 8. Gene Weingarten, “Pearls Before Find a link to this at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources Breakfast: Can one of the nation’s great musicians cut through the fog of a D.C. rush hour? Let’s find out,” The Washington Post [online], 8 April 2007 [cited 19 October Tip of the Week 2015]. Available from the Internet: www.washingtonpost.com. 9. Sinclair B. Ferguson, A Heart The Leader/Group Member Relationship for God (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1987, reprinted 2008), 110. The leader/group member relationship is very important to the learning 10. Donald J. Wiseman, 1 and environment. Here are some considerations for how to connect with 2 Kings, vol. 9 in Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries your group: (Downers Grove: IVP, 2008), 133. 11. G. K. Beale, The Temple and the • Respect for Culture. Be aware of and choose to learn from multiple Church’s Mission (Downers Grove: cultural perspectives represented in your group. IVP, 2004), 401. 12. Charles Spurgeon, “Hezekiah • Appropriate Vocabulary. Speak on the level of the group God has and the Ambassadors—Or, Vainglory Rebuked,” Christ Alone given you. [online], 5 August 1866 [cited 20 October 2015]. Available from • Provide Educational Tools. Don’t be condescending, but empower the Internet: www.christalone.com. group members to discover truth for themselves. Reject sarcasm 13. Rick and Shera Melick, Teaching That Transforms (Nashville: B&H, and humiliation. 2010), 187-93. • Trust and Love. Without these, it becomes impossible to teach, much less learn. This requires humility to seek forgiveness when you’ve made a mistake and loving confrontation when you have been wronged. 13

114 Leader Guide About the Writers

Unit 1: J. D. Greear is the lead pastor of The Summit Church in The Gospel Project® Adult Leader Guide ESV Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. He’s the author of Gospel, Volume 4, Number 4 Summer 2016 Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart, and Jesus, Continued…: Why

Eric Geiger the Spirit Inside You Is Better Than Jesus Beside You. J. D. holds a Vice President, LifeWay Resources PhD from Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife, Veronica, Ed Stetzer have four children. General Editor

Trevin Wax Managing Editor Spence Shelton lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with

Daniel Davis his wife, Courtney, and their four children. Spence and his Content Editor family were sent by The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham

Josh Hayes to plant Mercy Church in the fall of 2015. He holds a BSBA Content and Production Editor from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MDiv from Southeastern Ken Braddy Baptist Theological Seminary. Manager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies Michael Kelley Unit 2: Director, Groups Ministry Greg Breazeale (sessions 7-12) resides with his wife, Send questions/comments to: Heather, and three sons in Austin, Texas, where he is the North Managing Editor, The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide, Campus pastor at The Austin Stone Community Church. One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0102; He holds an MDiv from New Orleans Baptist Theological or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com. Seminary and is currently pursuing a DMin in Expository

Printed in the United States of America Preaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The Gospel Project®: Adult Leader Guide ESV Keith and Kristyn Getty (session 13) are writers of modern (ISSN 2330-9377; Item 005573550) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One hymns that teach Christian doctrine sung in globally-accessible LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2016 LifeWay Christian Resources. melodies. Some of their best known hymns include “In Christ For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Resources Customer Service, Alone,” “Speak, O Lord,” and “The Power of the Cross,” all three One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. co-written by Keith with Stuart Townend. Their hymns are sung For subscriptions or subscription address changes, email [email protected], fax (615) 251-5818, or in churches around the world, in fine concert halls of Europe write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, email [email protected], and North America, and on US network and public television fax (615) 251-5933, or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; and the UK’s BBC. Keith and Kristyn live between Northern salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Ireland and Nashville with their three young daughters. Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All Scripture quotations marked (HCSB) are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

WRITERS