SERIES SUMMARY
The Bible is the story of God as King and becoming King in Jesus. And we are his image bearers, created for royal reflection. But we don’t live in a monarchy, so “kingship” and “royalty” can feel like foreign ideas to us. Yet, we’re still called to recognize and submit to God as King. In the Old Testament, it was God’s desire for a king to reign over his people as a reminder of these things. Specifically, God promised David a son who would reign forever, and we see glimpses of this promised king in Solomon. Through his story, we’re reminded that there should be a royal wisdom that defines us as God’s kingdom of priests, the church. But ultimately, Solomon failed in his royal reflection. So, the question is, what does Solomon’s story teach us about ourselves and God? How can the life of Solomon be instructive to us as God’s people today? And most importantly, how does King Solomon (a son of David) point us to King Jesus (the son of David)?
PASSAGE GUIDE
The story of Solomon in 1 Kings 9 offers a profound lesson about the spiritual dangers that can accompany success. At the height of his reign, Solomon had achieved everything he set out to do: the temple was built, his kingdom was united, his wealth and wisdom were world-renowned, and God’s promises to David had been fulfilled. It was precisely at this mountaintop moment—when human tendency drifts toward self-sufficiency—that God appeared to him again, not to celebrate, but to warn. Success, while a blessing, can subtly shift our dependence from God to ourselves, lulling us into complacency. God’s warning served as a reminder that the greater the blessing, the greater the responsibility to remain faithful, obedient, and humble before Him.
God’s message to Solomon highlights the merciful nature of divine warnings. Rather than threats, they serve as guardrails of grace, guiding us back to the foundational truths that brought us to blessing in the first place. God reminded Solomon that His presence and promises would remain if Solomon continued to walk faithfully, obey His commands, and uphold integrity of heart. Just as a loving parent warns a child away from danger, God warns His people because He loves them too much to let them be destroyed by pride or self-reliance. These warnings invite believers to examine their character and maintain spiritual disciplines even when life seems to be going well.
The danger, as Solomon’s story shows, is that spiritual drift is rarely dramatic or sudden. It begins with small compromises: turning away rather than turning against, neglecting God’s commands rather than rejecting them, and eventually giving ultimate allegiance to something other than God. Success often tempts us to worship “other gods” like self-sufficiency, reputation, comfort, control, or cultural approval. When that happens, even God-given blessings—such as wealth, influence, or ministry growth—can become sources of pride and distance us from the One who provided them.
This passage invites believers to respond to success not with self-congratulation but with deeper dependence on God. Practical steps—such as consistent prayer, Scripture reading, fasting, generosity, and accountability—anchor our hearts to Him and keep us from drifting. These disciplines remind us that everything we have is a gift and that God, not our effort, is the source of all blessing. Ultimately, 1 Kings 9 is not about punishment but about mercy. It calls us to humility at the summit, vigilance in blessing, and steadfastness in obedience.
*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.
SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS
Remember, these are “suggested” questions. You do not have to go through every single one of them. You do not need to listen to both sermons at both campuses to participate in the discussion.
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, beckon me to Your heart. Remind me of Your mercy each morning and show me how to walk in obedience with You.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Looking at verse 3, what stands out to you about God's character?
- In what areas of your life have you become more self-reliant instead of depending on the Lord?
- Can you identify something God has used as a “guardrail of grace” in your walk with Him (see paragraph 2 of the passage guide summary)?
- When you reflect on your life as a whole, is there something or someone you’ve placed your loyalty in above God?
- What challenges or obstacles might be keeping you from fully obeying God right now?
- Can you recall a time God specifically answered your prayer? What did that do to your faith?
- What does 1 Kings 9:1-9 show us about how God sees his people, even when we disobey?
- How does the balance of both justice and mercy found in 1 Kings affect your view of God?
- God warns Solomon that turning away will lead to ruin. Where in your life do you notice subtle drift?
- In your relationship with the Lord, what helps keep you grounded when temptation or distraction pulls at your heart and mind?
- How has your success or lack of success dominated your heart and mind? What about your words and actions?
- If God spoke to you today, what in your life would He affirm? What would He challenge?
Life with Jesus: Remember that Jesus brings both justice and mercy. Think about the things you devote your time to on a daily basis. Do your activities reflect both the justice and mercy of God?
Life in Community: Encourage someone this week to take a step of obedience with the Lord. You never know what your words of wisdom could do for someone in your community!
Life on Mission: As you serve in the coming days, devote your work to God and share about His faithful love and mercy.
CLOSING PRAYER
It’s clear in Your Word that you love me, God. I know that Your direction is for my good and Your glory. Weed out any disobedience within me as I seek You in all things.