Can you imagine studying for years to be a doctor but never practicing medicine? Have you taken a computer class but still fear technology? Would you build your dream house and then never live there? I hope the answer to each of the previous questions is a resounding no.  In each circumstance, instruction and diligence should lead to application. Our spiritual lives should be no different.

When we consecrate or set ourselves apart to God, He is faithful to instruct us. The next step is to live it out in our daily lives. Many people know God’s Word inside out, but have no idea how to apply it to real life situations. Chapter 10 gives us a glimpse of Solomon learning to make it all work together.

The four key principles highlighted here are: using/sharing God’s gifts, bringing praise to God, living the fulfillment of God’s promises and plans, and choosing God’s best.

USING/SHARING GOD’S GIFTS (Read 1 Kings 10:1-5)
The queen of Sheba arrived on the scene with quite an agenda. While it’s true she came to test him and ask him hard questions, notice the compelling interest she had, “[she] heard about …[Solomon’s]…relation to the name of the LORD…” (verse 1). This woman travelled over twelve hundred miles, and she was searching for God.

There are many in our midst just like her. People everywhere are searching, testing, and reaching for the truth of who God is and who He wants to be in our lives. What are we giving these seekers?

Solomon gave her as much as God would allow. He shared God’s gifts of wisdom and materials goods; introduced her to worship, and patiently listened to her pour out her heart. All God had built in Solomon’s life through the previous twenty years was being applied in his daily interactions. He was available, listening, answering, explaining, and living out God’s teachings. What about you?

What has God been building in your life? What gifts has He given and developed? How can you share those gifts with others?

A friend recently shared with me his desire to share Christ more on a daily basis. God answered his prayer so simply. He was conversing with a cable company employee on the phone who was irritable and difficult. When she asked the standard, “Is there anything else I can do for you today?” He surprised her by saying, “I just want you to know that Jesus is thinking about you right now.” Her entire demeanor changed. He asked about her day, and like the queen with Solomon, she poured out her burdened heart. Before they concluded he prayed for her by name. One phone call, one changed life. How can you share the gifts of God today?

BRINGING PRAISE TO GOD (Read 1 Kings 10:6-9)
If I didn’t know better, I’d think the queen wanted to move in! While praising the deity of an ally expressed respect in this time period, her praise to God goes further. She experienced Him.

In verse 4, she didn’t just hear God’s wisdom through Solomon, she saw it. Her exclamations concerning his employees’ blessings (verse 8) reflect awe and wonder beyond surface admiration. Verse 9 reveals her insight into the character and personality of God – His delight, His activities, His love. She saw God in a fresh, vibrant, and very real way and praised Him appropriately.

What do others see and experience of God when they are with you? Whom do they praise?

God turned her skepticism and competitiveness (verses 1 and 7) into respect and praise to God. She saw the truth of who God is and who He wants to be in our lives each day. How can you share these truths with someone today?

LIVING THE FULFILLMENT OF GOD’S PROMISES (Read 1 Kings 10:10-25)

One of the most exciting aspects of daily applying God’s instruction is watching Him fulfill His promises in our lives. Verses 10-25 describe in more detail Solomon’s great wealth and influence. This lifestyle was promised to him by God (1 Kings 3). God has not called all of us to such abundance, but the Bible overflows with promises applicable to every one of us. Promises of fellowship with God (1 John 1:3), inner peace (Philippians 4:7), and everlasting life (John 3:16) are only the beginning. How well do you know the promises of God? How tangible is their fulfillment in your life?

As we walk in the fullness of God’s call in this way, our daily lives reflect His image. One aspect of God’s kingdom seen in this passage is the principle of sowing and reaping. In verses 10-13, the queen gave Solomon an enormous gift. She was so blessed by Solomon’s ministry to her, she wanted to give back. When we share God’s goodness with others, it often creates a chain reaction.

When I taught recently about prayer at a retreat, a woman approached me afterward and gave back to me – she entrusted me with her prayer request! Similarly, as my friend shares her musical gifts freely, those she serves often respond with gifts and words of encouragement. How are you sowing into people’s lives? What are you reaping? Who is sowing into your life, and how can you bless them as well?

It is important to note that we do not sow with the intention of receiving something in return. When God is at work, it is simply a supernatural response. Allow Him to do it. You will be blessed!

Verses 14-25 remind us of the uniqueness of Solomon’s call. “Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom” (verse 20) sums up a great deal. God told Solomon no one would have wisdom or riches like him (1 Kings 3:12-13). Living God’s promises involves embracing the unique circumstances God allows in each of our lives and making the most of every opportunity. Everyone has a platform in God’s kingdom.

The paramedic has influence with the fire/rescue community. The ex-convict can minister in prisons like no other. My friend with ALS was persuasive as a speaker of God’s goodness in the midst of trials. Where has God put you today? How can you use His gifts to affect others there for His kingdom?

How can you live out the fulfillment of God’s promises today?

CHOOSING GOD’S BEST (Read 1 Kings 10:25-26)
These verses, in conjunction with several of the above passages, begin a sad unveiling as Solomon’s lifestyle choices are becoming questionable at this point. We noted in the last lesson that Deuteronomy 17 lists several instructions from the Lord concerning kings. Solomon seemed to deliberately disregard them as he amassed more and more for himself and continued his travels to Egypt.

These choices are only the beginning of what will prove to be Solomon’s downfall in the next few chapters. Disobedience is a subtle, very slippery slope. I doubt Solomon got up one day with the deliberate intent to turn from God to Egypt, money, women, and false gods. But one bad choice after the other adds up after a while.

Let’s examine our daily choices for God’s best. With each decision, simply imagine Jesus participating one hundred percent. Can you? If not, it’s time to rethink that option.

God is good, and His plans for us are good (Psalm 119:68). Will you allow Him to continue building in your life today? What is He teaching you? How can you live it out practically each day?

We’re taking a break from Bible study for the holidays, but we are not taking a break from God! We pray your times of celebration will be full of Jesus and that He will continue to use you mightily for His glory!