Aligning Our Wishes with God's Wisdom and Promises
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the life of King Solomon, focusing on the biblical principles related to our desires and wishes. We begin by examining Solomon's early reign, where he made a treaty with Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and married Pharaoh's daughter. This marriage was likely a strategic move to secure an alliance with Egypt, illustrating the pressures and responsibilities Solomon faced as a young king. Despite his wisdom, Solomon made mistakes, such as marrying a pagan wife, which would later have negative consequences ([05:03]).
Solomon also had to manage three major building projects: his palace, the temple, and the walls of Jerusalem. The people of Israel, meanwhile, were sacrificing at high places, which were often former pagan worship sites. This disobedience was not immediately addressed by Solomon, possibly due to his overwhelming responsibilities ([08:36]). This brings us to our first principle: the effects of a sinful world and the consequences of our actions cannot always be wished away. Even as children of God, we are not shielded from the world's troubles and must face the consequences of our actions ([10:38]).
As we continue, we see Solomon's heart of thanksgiving. Before making any requests to God, Solomon acknowledged God's grace and mercy towards his father, David. This gratitude helped Solomon focus on what he truly needed rather than what he wanted. This leads us to our second principle: remembering God's grace and mercy in thanksgiving focuses us on what we should truly wish for ([17:36]).
Solomon's humility is evident when he admits feeling like a little child, overwhelmed by the responsibilities of leading God's people. He recognized his limitations and asked God for wisdom to govern effectively. This brings us to our third principle: acknowledging our responsibilities and limitations should cause us to wish for wisdom ([26:26]). Solomon's request pleased God because it was not self-centered but aimed at fulfilling his God-given responsibilities ([27:41]).
God granted Solomon's wish for wisdom and also blessed him with riches and honor, even though Solomon did not ask for these. This illustrates our fourth principle: God often grants wishes that are not self-centered but God-honoring ([29:27]). Solomon's wisdom was not for personal gain but to discern between good and evil, enabling him to lead God's people justly ([24:06]).
Finally, we reflect on the promises of God. A follower of Jesus Christ who knows the promises of the Bible will find that they don't have to wish for much because God has already promised so much. However, we must be cautious not to claim promises that God did not make. Our wishes should align with God's will and His promises ([31:36]).
### Key Takeaways
1. The Effects of a Sinful World: The consequences of our actions and the effects of a sinful world cannot always be wished away. Even as believers, we are not immune to the world's troubles and must face the repercussions of our actions. This truth reminds us that while God forgives our sins, we may still suffer their consequences. Understanding this helps us to rely more on God's grace and less on our own desires. [10:38]
2. Thanksgiving Focuses Our Wishes: Remembering God's grace and mercy in thanksgiving helps us focus on what we should truly wish for. A heart filled with gratitude acknowledges that we have already received more than we deserve. This mindset shifts our focus from material desires to spiritual needs, aligning our wishes with God's will. [17:36]
3. Wisdom in Responsibilities: Acknowledging our responsibilities and limitations should lead us to wish for wisdom. Solomon's request for wisdom to govern God's people effectively pleased the Lord. This teaches us that our wishes should be aimed at fulfilling our God-given responsibilities rather than personal gain. [26:26]
4. God-Honoring Wishes: God often grants wishes that are not self-centered but God-honoring. Solomon's request for wisdom was not for personal benefit but to lead God's people justly. This selfless request pleased God, who granted Solomon not only wisdom but also riches and honor. Our wishes should similarly aim to glorify God rather than ourselves. [29:27]
5. Promises of God: Knowing the promises of the Bible helps us understand that we don't need to wish for much because God has already promised us so much. However, we must be cautious not to claim promises that God did not make. Our wishes should align with God's will and His promises, ensuring that they are grounded in biblical truth. [31:36]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:24] - Chris's Story and Make-A-Wish Foundation
3. [03:26] - Common Wishes and Desires
4. [04:15] - Introduction to Solomon's Reign
5. [05:03] - Solomon's Marriage to Pharaoh's Daughter
6. [08:36] - Solomon's Overwhelming Responsibilities
7. [10:38] - The Effects of a Sinful World
8. [17:36] - Thanksgiving Focuses Our Wishes
9. [19:28] - Contentment and Spiritual Blessings
10. [20:16] - Solomon's Humility and Request for Wisdom
11. [24:06] - Wisdom to Discern Good and Evil
12. [26:26] - Acknowledging Responsibilities and Limitations
13. [27:41] - God-Honoring Wishes
14. [31:36] - Promises of God
15. [33:48] - When You Wish Upon the Lord
16. [34:47] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 3:1-15: "Solomon Asks for Wisdom"
2. Deuteronomy 12:2-8: "The Place of Worship"
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice Always, Pray Without Ceasing, Give Thanks"
### Observation Questions
1. What strategic move did Solomon make early in his reign, and what were its potential consequences? ([05:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=303s))
2. What were the three major building projects Solomon undertook, and how did they impact his ability to address the people's disobedience? ([08:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=516s))
3. How did Solomon demonstrate his gratitude to God before making any requests? ([17:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=1056s))
4. What specific type of wisdom did Solomon ask for, and why was this request pleasing to God? ([26:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=1586s))
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter illustrate the pressures and responsibilities he faced as a young king? ([05:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=303s))
2. In what ways did Solomon's overwhelming responsibilities contribute to his failure to address the people's sacrifices at high places? ([08:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=516s))
3. How does remembering God's grace and mercy in thanksgiving help us focus on what we should truly wish for? ([17:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=1056s))
4. Why is it significant that Solomon's request for wisdom was not self-centered but aimed at fulfilling his God-given responsibilities? ([26:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=1586s))
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced the consequences of your actions. How did this experience help you rely more on God's grace? ([10:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=638s))
2. How can you cultivate a heart of thanksgiving in your daily life to focus on spiritual needs rather than material desires? ([17:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=1056s))
3. Think about a significant responsibility you have. How can you seek God's wisdom to fulfill this responsibility effectively? ([26:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=1586s))
4. Identify a wish or desire you have that is self-centered. How can you reframe this wish to be more God-honoring? ([29:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=1767s))
5. How can knowing the promises of God help you align your wishes with His will? ([31:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=1896s))
6. What steps can you take to ensure that your wishes and desires are grounded in biblical truth rather than personal gain? ([31:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=1896s))
7. How can you use the wisdom God grants you to serve others and glorify Him in your daily interactions? ([24:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEppwLjIVg&t=1446s))
Devotional
Day 1: The Inescapable Consequences of Sin
In the life of King Solomon, we see that even the wisest among us are not immune to the consequences of their actions. Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter was a strategic move to secure an alliance with Egypt, but it also led to negative consequences later on. This marriage to a pagan wife was a mistake that would have lasting repercussions. Similarly, Solomon's failure to immediately address the people's disobedience in sacrificing at high places shows that even great leaders can be overwhelmed by their responsibilities and make errors in judgment. These actions remind us that the effects of a sinful world and our own mistakes cannot always be wished away. As believers, we are not shielded from the world's troubles and must face the consequences of our actions. This truth helps us rely more on God's grace and less on our own desires. [10:38]
Ecclesiastes 8:11-12 (ESV): "Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him."
Reflection: Think of a recent mistake you made. How did it affect you and those around you? Ask God for the grace to face the consequences and the wisdom to make better choices in the future.
Day 2: Gratitude Shapes Our Desires
Solomon's heart of thanksgiving is evident when he acknowledges God's grace and mercy towards his father, David, before making any requests to God. This gratitude helped Solomon focus on what he truly needed rather than what he wanted. Remembering God's grace and mercy in thanksgiving helps us focus on what we should truly wish for. A heart filled with gratitude acknowledges that we have already received more than we deserve. This mindset shifts our focus from material desires to spiritual needs, aligning our wishes with God's will. [17:36]
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Take a moment to list three things you are grateful for today. How does this gratitude change your perspective on what you truly need versus what you want?
Day 3: Seeking Wisdom in Our Responsibilities
Solomon's humility is evident when he admits feeling like a little child, overwhelmed by the responsibilities of leading God's people. He recognized his limitations and asked God for wisdom to govern effectively. This teaches us that acknowledging our responsibilities and limitations should lead us to wish for wisdom. Solomon's request for wisdom to govern God's people effectively pleased the Lord. Our wishes should be aimed at fulfilling our God-given responsibilities rather than personal gain. [26:26]
James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel overwhelmed by responsibility? Ask God for the wisdom to handle this responsibility effectively.
Day 4: Selfless Desires Honor God
God often grants wishes that are not self-centered but God-honoring. Solomon's request for wisdom was not for personal benefit but to lead God's people justly. This selfless request pleased God, who granted Solomon not only wisdom but also riches and honor. Our wishes should similarly aim to glorify God rather than ourselves. When our desires align with God's will and are aimed at serving others, we honor God and often find that He blesses us in ways we did not even ask for. [29:27]
1 Kings 3:11-12 (ESV): "And God said to him, 'Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent prayer request. Was it self-centered or aimed at glorifying God and serving others? How can you adjust your prayers to be more God-honoring?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Promises
A follower of Jesus Christ who knows the promises of the Bible will find that they don't have to wish for much because God has already promised so much. However, we must be cautious not to claim promises that God did not make. Our wishes should align with God's will and His promises, ensuring that they are grounded in biblical truth. Knowing the promises of the Bible helps us understand that we don't need to wish for much because God has already promised us so much. This trust in God's promises brings peace and contentment, knowing that He will provide for our needs according to His will. [31:36]
2 Peter 1:4 (ESV): "By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: Identify one promise from the Bible that you can hold onto today. How does this promise change your perspective on your current wishes and desires?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are a generation with access to more information than ever before. But sadly, it's not making us smarter or more discerning. Sometimes I feel all this information is making us dumber and more stupid. Why? Because we grow proud. We forget to rely upon God. We don't humbly acknowledge our limitations and recognize our God-given responsibilities as salt and light to this world." [25:42]
2. "A follower of Jesus Christ who knows the promises of the Bible will find out they don't have to wish for too much because our Lord has already promised us so much. But just as a note of caution, remember, you can't claim a promise that God didn't make. You know, I saw a meme recently that said, I can't find in the Bible where it says that if you forward this picture to 20 people the next hour, you will be blessed. My friends, it's not there." [31:36]
3. "Don't we all desire to have our wishes come true? Don't we all wish before blowing out your birthday cake? And when you blow out all the candles at once, it means, supposedly, that all your wishes will be fulfilled during the year. As Christians, we often pray and hope that our all-powerful God, like the fictional genie in a bottle, would grant our wishes. It doesn't even have to be three. It can just be one." [02:38]
4. "If you believe that God still owes you certain things in life, you will look around and see what others have and desire those things. A nicer car, a newer phone, another spouse, other people's kids, a bigger house, the ability to travel more, a better job, another career, a better school, and other things. But if you see that God owes you nothing but by His grace has given you so much of what you do not deserve, then you will be more focused, considerate, and selfless in what you wish for of God to do for you." [18:23]
5. "The hopefulness of this song is something even followers of Jesus embrace. But if you would allow me to change it up a bit to be theologically true, when you wish upon the Lord as a child who is Heavenly Father, anything that is God honoring will come to you. If your heart is with the Lord, no request is too much to ask, for as promises and grace are many as Christians should know." [34:15]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Acknowledging our responsibilities and limitations should cause us to wish for wisdom. Look at verses 10 to 14. The speech pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him, Because you have asked this thing and have not asked long life for yourself nor have asked riches for yourself nor have asked the life of your enemies but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice." [26:26]
2. "A follower of Jesus Christ who knows the promises of the Bible will find out they don't have to wish for too much because our God has already promised us so much. But just as a note of caution, remember, you can't claim a promise that God didn't make. You can manifest and claim blessings all you want, but God won't necessarily deliver what He has not promised." [31:36]
3. "If we cultivate a thankful heart, remembering God's grace and mercy, it will change what we wish for from God that we believe will make us happy and satisfied in this life. Now let's see what Solomon asks about. Look at verses 7 and 8. Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people too numerous to be numbered or counted." [20:16]
4. "God often grants wishes that are not self-centered but God-honoring. Look at verse 15. Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, offered up burnt offerings, offered peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants. For this amazing fulfilling of his wish, with even more blessings, Solomon thanked God and offered sacrifices." [32:58]
5. "The effects of a sinful world and the consequences of our actions cannot always be wished away. This truth reminds us that often, we can't wish away the very problems we bring upon ourselves for the sins of our lives. The Scriptures teach that while God forgives sins through the blood of Jesus Christ, we may still suffer its consequences." [10:38]
6. "Solomon's wisdom and understanding would be unmatched. And because of this selfless request by His grace, God would also give Solomon riches and honors that his prosperity would be unlike his contemporaries. He also told Solomon that if he lived out God's commandments, then long life would be his as well. What a gracious granting of gifts from God to Solomon, even things he didn't ask for. That's how our God operates. He graciously gives." [29:00]
7. "Solomon understood that with the limitations of being human, which includes not knowing everything and not seeing everything, he needed a godly, and divine wisdom to dispense with wise judgment that would be expected of a king, and we'll see this in action in our next message. It wasn't that Solomon was asking to know more facts like all the digits of pi, or the mysteries of how the pyramids were built, or how to build a nuclear bomb in his time, or to have all the world's knowledge suddenly given to him where he can now speak all of the languages and solve all math formulas." [24:31]
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