From_Sheba_to_the_Savior.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Begins with Intentional Listening and Response

The journey of faith always starts with hearing, but it cannot end there. The Queen of Sheba’s story reminds us that hearing about God’s wisdom is only the beginning; transformation comes when we respond. Many people hear the Word of God week after week, but it remains background noise—never moving from the ears to the heart. True faith is not passive; it is a living, active response to the voice of God.
God’s Word is not meant to be a distant echo in our lives, but a living call that demands our attention and action. When we listen deeply and allow God’s truth to shape our choices, we move from curiosity to conviction. The invitation is to move beyond simply hearing and to step into a life shaped by obedience and trust.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for ‘Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’” (Romans 10:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can move from simply hearing God’s Word to actively responding to it today?

Day 2: The Battle for Your Attention Is a Battle for Your Soul

Distraction is one of the enemy’s most effective strategies. The statistics on biblical illiteracy are not just numbers—they are a warning sign of a deeper spiritual struggle. When we allow our days to be filled with noise, entertainment, and endless scrolling, we slowly drift from the source of life. The enemy knows that if he can keep us from God’s Word, he can keep us from the strength, wisdom, and transformation that only God can give.
It is easy to substitute comfort for truth, or to let the urgent crowd out the important. But spiritual growth requires vigilance and intentionality. Making space for God’s Word is not just a good habit; it is a matter of spiritual survival. The foundation of a vibrant faith is built on a steady diet of Scripture, not on the fleeting distractions of the world.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” (Hosea 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one distraction you can set aside today to make intentional space for God’s Word in your life?

Day 3: God Meets Us in Our Steps of Faith

The Queen of Sheba did not let distance, cost, or uncertainty keep her from seeking truth. She acted on what she heard, even when it meant leaving her comfort zone and risking her reputation. Spiritual growth is never found in apathy or hesitation; it is found in movement—however small. God honors those who take steps of faith, meeting them with revelation, strength, and transformation.
It is easy to let questions or doubts keep us at a distance, but God invites us to come as we are. Every step toward Him, no matter how hesitant, is met with His grace. The journey of faith is not about having all the answers, but about being willing to move forward in trust.

“And as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one step of faith—big or small—that you sense God is asking you to take today, even if it feels uncomfortable?

Day 4: God Uses Authenticity, Not Imitation, to Change the World

The Queen of Sheba was struck by the authenticity and originality of Solomon’s court and worship. God does not call us to be carbon copies of others, but to bring our true selves—our questions, gifts, and stories—into His presence. The world is not changed by imitation, but by authentic disciples who reflect the creativity and truth of their Creator.
When we surrender our need to fit a mold and instead offer God our genuine selves, He uses us in ways we could never imagine. Authenticity in the kingdom means being real about our struggles and our faith, trusting that God delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to imitate others rather than bring your authentic self to God? How can you offer your true self to Him today?

Day 5: The Gospel Awaits Your Personal Response—No More Excuses

The Queen of Sheba traveled 1,400 miles to seek truth, while many today have the gospel within reach and yet remain unmoved. Jesus warns that her example will stand in judgment against those who ignore the truth so readily available to them. Salvation is not about making a difficult journey, but about responding in faith where we are, with whatever questions or doubts we may have.
God has already made the way through Christ’s sacrifice. The only barrier is our willingness to come. The gospel is not just information to be admired; it is an invitation to be received. Today is the day to respond, to lay aside excuses, and to embrace the fullness of life that Jesus offers.

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31, ESV)

Reflection: What is holding you back from responding fully to the gospel today? What step can you take right now to say “yes” to Jesus?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon:**

In this sermon, we explored the story of the Queen of Sheba’s journey to King Solomon as a powerful illustration of the gospel and the spiritual journey each person must take. The Queen’s story is not just ancient history; it is a living testimony about the hunger of the human heart, the necessity of hearing the truth, and the greater wisdom found in Jesus Christ. We traced her steps: she heard of Solomon’s wisdom, acted on what she heard, was amazed by what she found, and ultimately believed. Her journey from spiritual darkness and curiosity to faith and revelation mirrors the path every sinner must take—from emptiness to the fullness found in Christ. The sermon challenged us to consider our own response to the truth, the importance of hearing and acting on God’s Word, and the urgency of sharing that Word with others.

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Key Takeaways

1. Hearing Precedes Faith, but Hearing Alone Is Not Enough: The Queen of Sheba’s journey began when she heard of Solomon’s wisdom, just as faith begins with hearing the Word of God. Yet, hearing alone does not transform; it must be followed by a response. The spiritual life is stunted when we treat the Bible as background noise rather than the living voice of God calling us to action. True faith is always rooted in a willingness to listen deeply and respond wholeheartedly.
2. The Enemy’s Strategy Is Distraction and Biblical Ignorance: The statistics about biblical illiteracy are not just numbers—they are evidence of a spiritual battle. If the enemy can keep us from the Word, he can keep us from faith, strength, and transformation. The subtle shift from seeking truth to seeking comfort, or from reading Scripture to scrolling social media, is a victory for the enemy. We must be vigilant, intentionally making space for God’s Word in our lives, knowing that it is the foundation for all spiritual growth.
3. God Honors Those Who Act on What They Hear: The Queen of Sheba did not let curiosity or questions keep her at a distance; she acted, even at great personal cost. Spiritual growth requires movement—stepping out of comfort, risking reputation, and pursuing truth even when it is inconvenient. God meets us in our action, not our apathy, and He honors the smallest step of faith with revelation and transformation.
4. Authenticity and Originality Matter in the Kingdom: The Queen was struck by the originality and authenticity of Solomon’s court and worship. God does not call us to be imitations or “model” Christians in the sense of being mere copies; He calls us to be real, surrendered, and uniquely ourselves in Christ. When we bring our true selves—our questions, gifts, and stories—to God, He uses us in ways that imitation never could. The world is not changed by carbon copies, but by authentic disciples who reflect the creativity and truth of their Creator.
5. The Gospel Demands a Personal Response—No Excuses: The Queen of Sheba traveled 1,400 miles to seek truth, while many today have the gospel within arm’s reach and yet remain unmoved. Jesus warns that her example will stand in judgment against those who ignore the truth so readily available to them. Salvation is not about making a difficult journey, but about responding in faith where we are, with whatever questions or doubts we may have. The only barrier is our willingness to come—God has already made the way through Christ’s sacrifice.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: From Sheba to the Savior**

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### Bible Reading

- **2 Chronicles 9:1-8** (The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon)
- **Romans 10:17** (“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”)
- **Matthew 12:42** (“The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.”)

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### Observation Questions

According to 2 Chronicles 9:1-2, what motivated the Queen of Sheba to make her long journey to Jerusalem, and what did she do when she arrived?
What were some of the things that amazed the Queen of Sheba when she saw Solomon’s court and heard his answers?
In Romans 10:17, what does Paul say is the source of faith, and how does this connect to the Queen of Sheba’s story?
In Matthew 12:42, how does Jesus use the example of the Queen of Sheba to challenge His listeners?

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### Interpretation Questions

The Queen of Sheba didn’t just hear about Solomon’s wisdom—she acted on what she heard. Why is it important that faith moves beyond just hearing to actually responding?
The sermon mentioned that the enemy’s strategy is to keep people distracted and biblically ignorant. What are some modern examples of this, and why is it so effective?
The Queen was struck by the authenticity and originality of Solomon’s court and worship. What does it mean for a Christian to be “authentic” rather than just an imitation?
Jesus said the Queen of Sheba would stand in judgment against those who ignore the truth that is right in front of them. What does this say about personal responsibility when it comes to responding to the gospel?

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### Application Questions

The Queen of Sheba traveled 1,400 miles to seek truth, while we often have the Bible within arm’s reach. How seriously do you take the opportunity to hear and respond to God’s Word? Is there a specific way you could make more space for Scripture in your daily routine?
The sermon highlighted how easy it is to get distracted by things like social media or busyness. What is one specific distraction that keeps you from spending time in God’s Word, and what practical step could you take this week to minimize it?
The Queen acted on what she heard, even though it cost her time, effort, and resources. Is there something God has been prompting you to do that you’ve been putting off? What would it look like to take a step of faith, even if it’s inconvenient?
The Queen brought her real questions and her true self to Solomon. Are there questions, doubts, or struggles you’ve been hiding from God or others? What would it look like to bring your authentic self to God and your small group?
The sermon challenged us to get God’s Word into the “ear gate” of our neighbors, friends, and family. Who is one person in your life who needs to hear the truth? What is one way you could intentionally share God’s Word with them this week?
The Queen of Sheba was amazed by the originality and authenticity she saw. In what ways are you tempted to be a “model” or imitation Christian? How can you embrace the unique gifts and story God has given you to serve Him and others?
Jesus said the only barrier to salvation is our willingness to come. Is there anything holding you back from responding to Christ with faith today? What would it look like to take that next step, even if you still have questions or doubts?

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Sermon Quotes

When something is extraordinary—when God puts His hand on it—the world cannot help but take notice. The gospel is no different. The news of Jesus Christ could not be contained because it was extraordinary news that changed everything.

If I were the Devil, I’d try to get people to stop reading the Bible, to focus on feelings rather than on what the Bible actually says. And the statistics suggest that’s exactly what the Devil has done.

Reading the Word of God—hearing the Word of God—it changes lives! True faith never stops at hearing; it always moves us to act.

You can have the applause of Wall Street, the approval of Hollywood, the attention of Washington—but if you die without Christ, you’ve lost it all.

Too many people are trying to be carbon copies when God made them an original. God didn’t create you to be a cheap knockoff of somebody else—He designed you uniquely for His glory.

We don’t need imitation Christians—God wants real disciples. He called us to be different, to stand out, to shine like lights in the darkness.

Even a king has to come as a sinner and stand with the lowest subjects to receive salvation from God. The living and true God is only approached through a sacrifice.

You don’t need much faith to come to Jesus Christ and say, “I’ll take You as my Savior, although I’ve got a lot of questions—and it doesn’t all make sense to me right now—but I believe.”

The Queen of Sheba came 1,400 miles to hear the Truth. Today, God does not ask you to make a trip anywhere. He is available to you right where you’re at. You have zero excuses.

Many people have degrees on the wall and money in the bank, but without Christ, they are stumbling through the shadows of spiritual darkness. They desperately need someone to point them to the Truth.

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