Solomon Asks for God's Wisdom

SESSION 7 Solomon Asks for God’s Wisdom

Summary and Goal

Solomon prayed for wisdom, and God granted him incredible blessings in response. We see how he requested God’s wisdom, how he reigned in wisdom, and the blessings that resulted from his wisdom. We also see how desperately God’s people today need the wisdom and insight that only comes from walking with God. Main Passages 1 Kings 3:5-28 1 Kings 4:29-34 Session Outline 1. The Request for Wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-15) 2. The Reign of Wisdom (1 Kings 3:16-28) 3. The Results of Wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34)

Theological Theme God’s promise to make His people a light to the nations began to come true during the reign of Solomon, a king whose wisdom came from God. Christ Connection Solomon reigned with great wisdom and insight, and he foreshadows the coming of a greater king— Jesus, in whom is hidden “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). Missional Application God calls us to depend on Him for wisdom from above and to live wisely before others as a testimony to our all-wise God.

Date of My Bible Study: ______79

Session 7

Introduction Pack Item 1: Start things off by connecting Daniel Goleman’s concept of “emotional A Kingdom Established intelligence” with what the Bible calls wisdom (leader p. 82; PSG p. 65). Display this poster in a Take a few minutes and discuss some of the great leaders place that will help group members follow the of history. What made them great leaders? storyline of Scripture, to remember where we’ve been and where we are going. Note that as Christians, we believe that wisdom is God-given and must go beyond the world’s perspective (leader p. 82; PSG p. 66). State that Solomon would display wisdom like no other leader in Israel’s history (leader pp. 82-83). Then summarize this session about Solomon’s request for Point 1 Option wisdom (leader p. 83; PSG p. 66). Show the video clip from the movie Aladdin 1. The Request for Wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-15) when Genie explains the Highlight that God appeared to Solomon in a vision, allowing him to ask for limitations on his ability to grant wishes. what he needed as a ruler (leader p. 83; PSG p. 66). www.youtube.com/ watch?v=zB1oTrDyu-c Imagine if God told you to ask for anything from Him. What immediately comes to mind? What would you be most Then ask groups of 2-3 to read John 14:13-14 and likely to request? James 1:5 and discuss the following questions (consider writing them Read 1 Kings 3:5-15, emphasizing that Solomon asked specifically for on a board or sheet of wisdom from among the many things he could have chosen. Call attention paper for groups to have; also available on the DVD to Solomon’s posture, how he saw himself as he prayed. Explain how in The Gospel Project for seeing ourselves as we truly are should lead us to beg God for His wisdom Adults: Leader Pack): (leader pp. 83-84; PSG pp. 66-68). • People in our culture sometimes view God as a genie. How would you In what areas of your life do you feel self-sufficient? explain the difference between genies and the In what areas would you most likely lean on your own God of the Bible? understanding and not ask for God’s wisdom? • What is the difference between Solomon’s response to God’s offer Show how Solomon’s purpose for requesting God’s wisdom was others- and Aladdin’s response to Genie’s offer? centered and why this kind of request is pleasing to God (leader p. 85; PSG p. 68).

80 Leader Guide For what relationships in your life do you most need God’s wisdom right now? Why? For Further Discussion 2. The Reign of Wisdom (1 Kings 3:16-28) What similarities are there Read 1 Kings 3:16-28, noting that the story shows how God answered between asking God for wisdom and children asking Solomon’s prayer (leader pp. 85-86; PSG p. 69). for help from their parents? What differences are there When have you sensed the Lord granting you wisdom as between asking God for you gave advice to someone or as you made a decision? wisdom and children asking Explain the circumstances. for help from their parents?

Compare our asking God for wisdom to children asking parents for their help (leader p. 87). Explain that there are problems in life in which a solution Point 3 Option is not clear and that they will require us to ask God for wisdom (leader p. 87; Provide groups of 3-4 with PSG p. 70). a copy of Proverbs 3:13-18 (see leader p. 88; a template is available on the What keeps us from expecting God to joyfully grant us DVD in The Gospel Project wisdom when we ask for it? for Adults: Leader Pack), and ask the groups to write a parallel version of this 3. The Results of Wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34) section of Proverbs but Ask a volunteer to read 1 Kings 4:29-34 (leader p. 87; PSG p. 70). Refer to with the competing idea of pursuing something other Proverbs 3:13-18 to show that we are at our best when we are walking in than wisdom (ex. fame, God’s wisdom (leader p. 88). pleasure, wealth). After a few minutes, ask the following questions: Tell the group that wisdom is to be desired more than money, power, or • Was this “proverb” easy to approval. One area we especially need wisdom is in the area of mission—God write? Why or why not? gives wisdom so we can better announce the gospel to the world. Say that • How does your “proverb” compare to James 3:13-18? if we are going to be salt and light in this world, we need wisdom to rightly Is it more like “wisdom relate to the non-Christians around us (leader p. 88; PSG p. 71). from above” or more like “earthly wisdom”? Why? What are some ways you can celebrate God’s wisdom in your life?

Christ Connection: Solomon How would you explain to someone that wisdom is more reigned with great wisdom valuable than wealth, power, or approval? and insight, and he foreshadows the coming of a greater king—Jesus, Conclusion in whom is hidden “all the treasures of wisdom and Point out that Solomon’s story shows us much to emulate. Stress that more knowledge” (Col. 2:3). importantly Solomon’s life stirs within us a longing for a true king—Jesus ...... Christ, the perfect King who rules and reigns in infinite wisdom. Mention Missional Application: God Paul’s words in Colossians 2:3 about all wisdom being found in Christ calls us to depend on Him (leader p. 89; PSG p. 72). Apply the truths of this session with “His Mission, for wisdom from above and to live wisely before others Your Mission” (PSG p. 73). as a testimony to our all-wise God.

Session 7 81 Expanded Session Content Solomon Asks for God’s Wisdom

Session 7

Introduction Voices from What makes a great leader? We could list many things here: a the Church prestigious education, high intelligence, a proven track record of “Wisdom should not be achievement, a charismatic personality, or the ability to cast vision. These equated with intellectual giftedness or philosophical qualities could make a great leader, but they do not guarantee brilliance. Wisdom great leadership. expresses itself in the way one lives. Human beings In Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman argues that what makes do not have the capacity a great leader is not a high IQ or off-the-charts talent. What makes to acquire wisdom on their own, for that would require a great leader, he argues, is someone with a high level of emotional ascending to heaven, and intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the sum of five skills: self-awareness, thus those who are wise 1 put their trust in the words self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skill. revealed by God.” 2 Though he sometimes misses the mark in his analysis, Goleman –Tom Schreiner was essentially describing what the Bible calls wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. It’s knowing what to do when, quite frankly, we don’t know what to do. A good leader is a wise leader. Good leaders must know how to manage themselves, relate well to others, and discern between good and evil. They know how to navigate in choppy waters.

Take a few minutes and discuss some of the great leaders of history. What made them great leaders?

As Christians, we believe that wisdom must go beyond the world’s perspective because we believe wisdom comes from an all-wise God. God desires to give us wisdom as part of our relationship with Him. As we pursue Him by faith, He generously gives us the wisdom we need to live a life pleasing to Him. In considering wisdom, we turn to the story of Solomon, the wisest of the kings of Israel. When God freed the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt, they were to be a light to all the other nations around them. They were to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex. 19:6). But this mission would be impossible if they were not led by people who feared the Lord and walked in His ways.

82 Leader Guide In 1 Kings 3, we see Solomon asking for the very thing he needed to be the king God desired—wisdom. Neither power nor wealth nor charisma would be enough to reign over the people God had called out for Himself. Rather, wisdom would be the distinguishing mark of the kind of king God wanted for Israel. Solomon displayed this reality like no other.

Session Summary In this session, we examine Solomon’s prayer for wisdom and the incredible blessings God granted him in response. We will see how he requested God’s wisdom, how he reigned in wisdom, and the blessings that resulted from his wisdom. We will also see how desperately God’s people today need the wisdom and insight that only comes from walking with God.

1. The Request for Wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-15) We begin with one of the most remarkable stories in the Old Further Testament. God appeared to Solomon in a vision and said, “Ask what Commentary I shall give you” (v. 5). Many of us would love for God to come to us and “The attitude of heart ask this question. or mind which listens to and obeys God is the foundation of all true Imagine if God told you to ask for anything from Him. What wisdom (Prov. 9:10). This immediately comes to mind? What would you be most results in ‘a heart with a skill to listen’ (NEB; Heb. likely to request? ‘a hearing heart’; NIV a discerning heart) able to distinguish right and Solomon could have asked for all sorts of things, but he chose to wrong and to decide and request wisdom. Below, we will look closely at two things about this ‘govern’ (AV ‘judge’). The ‘heart’ (Heb. lēb) includes prayer: Solomon’s posture in the prayer and his purpose for the prayer. mind and will and is not the seat of the emotions, 5 for in Hebrew thought At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God compassion emanates said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown from the ‘bowels.’ ” 3 great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he –Donald J. Wiseman walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

Session 7 83 10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said Voices from to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself the Church long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself 12 “We tell ourselves, understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according ‘Strong Christians pray to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that a lot. If I were a stronger Christian, I’d pray more.’ none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. Strong Christians do pray 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that more, but they pray more 14 because they realize no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will how weak they are. They walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your don’t try to hide it from themselves. Weakness is father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” the channel that allows 15 And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came them to access grace.” 4 to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and –Paul Miller offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.

Voices from Solomon’s Posture in This Prayer Church History Notice how Solomon saw himself as he prayed. He began by “We are accustomed to confessing that he was “but a little child [who does] not know how to go admit freely that God is out or come in” (v. 7). He admitted that he had no business being the king more powerful than we are, but not that He is of such a great people. In addition, he recognized that he was there only by wiser than we are. To be divine appointment: “You have made your servant king in place of David sure, we may say that He is; but when it comes my father” (v. 7). God placed him there. It was an act of God’s grace. to a showdown, we do Seeing himself and his weaknesses, Solomon felt compelled to ask for not want to act on what we say.” 5 the one thing he knew he could not live without—God’s wisdom. –Martin Luther (1483-1546) Solomon was living out what he would write some years later: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil” (Prov. 3:5-7). Seeing ourselves as we truly are should drive us to beg God for His wisdom. Recognizing God’s grace in our lives and admitting that the task before us is impossible in our own strength humbles us and causes us to reach out for divine wisdom. When we think too highly of ourselves, we are in danger of walking in our own wisdom and strength. Jesus told His disciples: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned” (John 15:5-6). What a good reminder for us! We truly are nothing without Him, though many of us have a hard time admitting this. We must trust that humbling ourselves before God in this way is always the best for us. We will never regret depending fully on God and casting all our care and anxiety on Him.

84 Leader Guide In what areas of your life do you feel self-sufficient? Further In what areas would you most likely lean on your own Commentary understanding and not ask for God’s wisdom? “Solomon is portrayed as the ideal ‘wise’ king who Solomon’s Purpose in This Prayer demonstrated ‘wisdom’ (hokmâ) in its many Solomon asked for God’s wisdom in order to lead God’s people well. aspects. Wisdom covers He made a request for himself, but his intention was to use this wisdom all human experience. It includes ‘understanding’ to lead the people of Israel with justice and equity. In other words, his (bînâ), ‘insight’ (tebûnâ) motivation for wanting wisdom was others-centered. That’s one reason and ‘intelligence.’ Rightly used, it brings success and why his prayer pleased the Lord. prosperity (śākal). These God gives us wisdom so we can relate rightly to those around us. We synonyms of wisdom, with ‘knowledge’ (yādāh), need wisdom to be godly friends, husbands, wives, parents, and bosses. are qualities required in James, the brother of Jesus, once offered a stark warning about asking leadership, as shown by David (1 Sam. 18:14) and for things only for ourselves when he wrote: “You desire and do not have, the Messiah (Jer. 23:5; so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You 1 Cor. 1:24). True wisdom is the creative gift of God, do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because of whom it is an attribute you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (Jas. 4:2-3). Often we want (Job 12:13; Prov. 3:19). Wisdom is the right God to give us things because of what it does for us. Our comfort and our understanding of reality pleasure are at the center of our minds. Solomon made a request because he and is the basis of moral and ethical life (Job 11:6; had a godly desire to bless and lead others. Prov. 2:6). It is expressed in the conduct of life in the For what relationships in your life do you most need God’s ‘fear (reverence, awe) of wisdom right now? Why? the Lord,’ which is its chief origin and aim (Job 28:28; Prov. 1:7, etc.). It arises from an attitude of heart 2. The Reign of Wisdom (1 Kings 3:16-28) or mind (1 Kings 3:7,12) After Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, we see him confronted with a and is expressed also in prudence in secular affairs. situation that will test the depth of understanding God has given him. Wisdom marks technical Two prostitutes approached the king to resolve a dispute. Let’s look at the skills and craftsmanship (Ex. 25:3; 31:3,6). It is also story and see how Solomon responded. demonstrated by ability in judgment between 16 Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 The right and wrong (1 Kings 3; 4:28) and its application one woman said, “Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, in good administration and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. 18 Then on the third (1 Kings 10:4,24; cf. Joseph: Ps. 105:16-22; Acts 7:10).” 6 day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. –Donald J. Wiseman There was no one else with us in the house; only we two were in the house. 19 And this woman’s son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. 21 When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne.” 22 But the other woman said, “No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours.” The first said, “No, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine.” Thus they spoke before the king.

Session 7 85 23 Then the king said, “The Voices from one says, ‘This is my son that Church History is alive, and your son is dead’; “If all the compassions of and the other says, ‘No; but all the tender fathers in your son is dead, and my son the world were crowded 24 into the bowels of one, yet is the living one.’ ” And the compared ‘with the tender king said, “Bring me a sword.” mercies of our God,’ they would be but as a candle So a sword was brought before to the sun, or a drop to the the king. 25 And the king said, ocean. God is more rich, and more ready to give “Divide the living child in to his children than the two, and give half to the one fathers of our flesh can 26 be; for he is the Father of and half to the other.” Then our spirits, an ever-loving, the woman whose son was ever-living Father.” 7 alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my –Matthew Henry (1662-1714) lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” 28 And all Israel Further heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe Commentary of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to “In 1 Kings 3, God allowed do justice. Solomon to request anything he wanted in his new role as king. This story shows that God truly answered the prayer of Solomon. The Solomon petitioned God people of Israel saw their king reigning in wisdom and discernment in a for ‘a discerning heart to govern your people and to way that could only be attributed to God. Here we have proof that when distinguish between right God promised to give Solomon wisdom, He was committed to fulfilling and wrong’ (1 Kings 3:9, NIV). Clearly, God granted His promise. This is the kind of God we serve, One who does what He Solomon this request says He will do. because in 1 Kings 4:29-30 Solomon is said to have This story shows us that we should not only ask for God’s wisdom— had chokmah (wisdom) we should expect it! James reminded us of this when he wrote: “If any of greater than any other man. In effect, Solomon you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without asked God for wisdom reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no in deciding moral issues. Fundamentally, right doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and wrong pertained to and tossed by the wind” (Jas. 1:5-6). That is God’s wisdom at work. He God’s purposes rather than merely moral good gives it generously as we pursue Him by faith. and evil. Interestingly… apparent through a word When have you sensed the Lord granting you wisdom as study comparison of the Hebrew word for ‘wisdom’ you gave advice to someone or as you made a decision? with two Greek words for Explain the circumstances. ‘wisdom,’ God granted Solomon a much wider scope of wisdom than he requested.” 8 –L. Manning Garrett III, Biblical Illustrator

86 Leader Guide Parents understand the importance of asking for something. How tragic would it be if our children needed our help but failed to ask us for fear we would not grant it! Our God is a prayer-answering God. He responds to our cries for wisdom because it is something He loves to grant. Jesus said: “Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matt. 7:9-11). Our God longs to see His people walk in wisdom, which is why He is so eager to grant it as we ask it of Him. I highly doubt you will be confronted with the same situation as Solomon (let’s hope not!). But I can promise that you will face problems in which the solution is not clear. For instance, a business deal comes your way that could change your life dramatically, yet it requires moving your family across the country. What do you do? Or one day your child asks you why his classmate has two mommies. What do you say? How do you respond? There are countless situations in which we need wisdom. Thankfully, our God is the all-wise God. He alone has all wisdom and understanding. Let us go to Him and expect that He will respond to us.

What keeps us from expecting God to joyfully grant us wisdom when we ask for it?

3. The Results of Wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34) We’ve seen how Solomon asked God for wisdom and then how God Further gave him wisdom in order to reign with justice over Israel. Now we see Commentary how Solomon’s wisdom resulted in the spread of Israel’s fame to the rest of “Israel’s welcoming the world. Solomon’s reputation spread to all the nations around him, and approach to the wisdom of other nations was far from his knowledge of the world seemed to have no limits. We see here the an uncritical acceptance wonderful blessings that came to him when he humbly submitted himself of whatever they found there…God had given a to God and walked in the wisdom God provided. measure of wisdom to all peoples, but he had 29 uniquely given the Torah And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond to Israel (Ps. 147:19-20)…So measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, 30 so that while a missional approach to other cultures will seek Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and to affirm whatever it can all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 For he was wiser than all other men, wiser there, it will also discern the marks of sin, selfishness than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of and idolatry that infect Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. 32 He also spoke all cultures.” 9 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. 33 He spoke of trees, from the –Christopher J. H. Wright cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish.34 And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.

Session 7 87 We are always at our best when we are walking in God’s wisdom. Voices from While we may not compose 3,000 proverbs, we can trust God for Church History wisdom as we talk to our neighbor about the gospel. We can wisely “O then do not leave, but respond to our spouse who may be walking through a difficult season. be continually waiting at We can navigate the rocky terrain of life as we receive the wisdom wisdom’s gate, and you shall find all her ways to be God provides. ways of pleasantness, and This is why Solomon wrote so elegantly about pursuing wisdom: all her paths are peace; then, you shall find that it is worth waiting on the “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets Lord Jesus; and when you have got his Spirit within understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver you, all the power of men and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and or devils cannot make you forsake the ways of the nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; Lord Jesus Christ.” 10 in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, –George Whitefield and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of (1714-1770) her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.” (Prov. 3:13-18)

How true this is! We need wisdom more than anything—even a pay raise! We must fight to believe this. Too often we think that money or power or approval is what we need the most. But Solomon’s life is evidence that when all is said and done, it is wisdom from God that aids us best in our time of need. One area we especially need wisdom in is the area of mission. God gives us wisdom so we can better announce the gospel to the world. In other words, wisdom is for mission! If we are going to be salt and light in the world, we need wisdom. We need it to rightly relate to the non-Christians around us. We need it to show how money and power and pleasure are not what matter most in this life. We need it as we interact with those who are skeptical or even hostile to Christianity. This is why Paul said, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time” (Col. 4:5). It was because of Solomon’s wisdom—granted by God—that people came from everywhere to hear from him (1 Kings 4:34). Wisdom makes us appealing and attractive to those around us. The world needs to see God-given wisdom. They need to see Christians walking wisely when it comes to money, parenting, and suffering. They need to see that the gospel has fully equipped us and empowered us to live righteous and upright lives in this world (Titus 2:11-13).

88 Leader Guide I think of my own neighborhood. We are surrounded by people who do not know the Lord—and seem to have no desire to do so. I need 99 Essential wisdom to know how to talk with them, and live winsomely around them. Christian Doctrines They need to see wisdom on display in my life as I interact with my wife 18. God Is Truthful and kids and as I talk about the world. We need wisdom in order to serve, The Scriptures are clear that in God there is no bless, and love those around us. falsehood (Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18). God represents What are some ways you can celebrate God’s wisdom in things as they really are. Everything He says can your life? be trusted because God guarantees the truth of How would you explain to someone that wisdom is more everything He tells us. The call for humans to be valuable than wealth, power, or approval? honest and not to bear false witness is rooted in the utter truthfulness of our Conclusion Creator. Telling the truth is As we unpack the story of Solomon, we see a king who got it right in one way we bear the image of God, whose Son is “the so many ways. God used him in a tremendous way. His story shows us way, and the truth, and the much to emulate. life” (John 14:6). But more than anything, Solomon’s life stirs within us a longing for a true king. We long for one to rule over us in perfect wisdom and faithfulness. Solomon points us to a perfect king, one who would reign in wisdom and never falter in his trust in God. He points us to Jesus Christ, the true King who rules and reigns in infinite wisdom. In fact, Paul said that “in [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). There is a King like Solomon, but even better than Solomon. We can know this King. We can come under the reign and lordship of this King, and the wise person is the one who looks to Jesus and fully submits to Him in everything. You want to see wisdom? Then take a glance at Solomon, but set your gaze on Jesus. May we live for our true King and announce His kingship to the world around us.

CHRIST CONNECTION: Solomon reigned with great wisdom and insight, and he foreshadows the coming of a greater king— Jesus, in whom is hidden “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3).

Session 7 89 Additional Resources Solomon Asks for God’s Wisdom

References Get expert insights on weekly studies through Ministry 1. Daniel Goleman, Emotional Grid at MinistryGrid.com/web/TheGospelProject. Intelligence (New York: Bantam, 2006). Grow with other group leaders at the Group Ministry 2. Thomas R. Schreiner, The King in blog at LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry. His Beauty (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2013), 288. 3. Donald J. Wiseman, 1 and 2 Kings, vol. 9 in Tyndale Old Testament Study Material Commentaries (Downers Grove: IVP, 2008), 92. --“Solomon and Wisdom”—Episode 6, Act 1 from Telling God’s Story 4. Paul E. Miller, A Praying Life (Colorado Springs: NavPress, by Preben Vang and Terry G. Carter 2009), 56. 5. Martin Luther, in What Luther --“The Beginning of Wisdom”—Article by Ravi Zacharias; find a link to Says, comp. Ewald M. Plass (Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, this article at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources 1959), 1453. 6. Donald J. Wiseman, 1 and 2 Kings, --Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including “What Is Wisdom?” vol. 9 in Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 94. can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at 7. Matthew Henry, Commentary LifeWay.com/BiblicalIllustrator. Look for Bundles: The Gospel Project. on the Whole Bible (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1994), 1644. 8. L. Manning Garrett III, “What Sermon Podcast Is Wisdom?” Biblical Illustrator (Spring 2003): 20. 9. Christopher J. H. Wright, The Gary Inrig: “A Strong Beginning” Mission of God (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006), 446-47. 10. George Whitefield, “An Find a link to this at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources Exhortation to the People of God Not to Be Discouraged in Their Way, by the Scoffs and Contempt of Wicked Men,” in Sermons on Important Subjects (London: Tip of the Week Henry Fisher, Son, and P. Jackson, 1828), 606. Staying Fresh as a Teacher

If we’re going to teach well, we must continue to learn well. If we fail to continue to learn, our message will become stagnant and old. When we stop learning, we stop growing, and when we stop growing, we stop teaching in a way that changes lives. We teach what we learn. If you want to be a great teacher—a transformational teacher—think of yourself as a learner first. Read something that challenges you. Try to read at least one book a month. Make it a habit of regularly reading a newspaper (all sections) from a major city (the Internet makes this so much easier than it was 30 years ago). Attend a seminar on a subject you have interest in but have not mastered. Keep learning so you can keep teaching well.

90 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.

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