1 Kings 3:1-5:18
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In the opening chapters of Kings, we saw how Solomon’s reign was established. The right king was appointed to the throne, even though some questionable actions were taken. In chapter 3, we see more about the leadership of Solomon, some positive and negative acts, and we are told of the reason of Solomon’s greatness: God gave him wisdom.
1 Kings 1-2:46
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The story of Kings in a word is this: decline. Seeds of decline appear in the beginning part of the story, then that decline takes on different appearances throughout the book. The book opens like many books actually end, with the leading figure dying. This is fitting since Kings is about the decline of the kingdom. This decline ends in a judgment. We will make a number of applications throughout, but let me just introduce three broad applications in light of this story of decline. Kings is about worship, the Word, and weakness. So Kings is a story that involves the sinfulness of kings and the people they represent; their persistent idolatry and associated injustice. It is a story of a sad reversal, and the need for another King, the ultimate Son of David. In Genesis, a promise was made to Abraham saying, “Kings will come from you”. God kept his promise, and sent forth the king to end all kings, Jesus.
Acts 2:41-47
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In Acts 1 you have a picture of a rising Kingdom,and just verses before the ones we are studying the Spirit has come in power and what we will see now is a rising kingdom, a kingdom that will advance through little outposts called the church. It is striking that although just verses before these amazing things are transpiring Luke immdiately turns to what seem to be very simple things that characterize the local church. These are signs of a coming rebellion and a rising kingdom that cannot be stopped! We are a church/people that signal the rebellion by devoting ourselves very simple things! So as we plant churches and do these churchly things mentioned. We are a part of something cosmic, a signal of a triumphant Kingdom, and we are an army in exile about to topple the cosmic powers over this present darkness and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
John 21:1-25
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We don’t like failure. It bruises our ego. It angers us. It brings guilt. It brings despair. It brings fear. And the most painful failure for the Christian is the failure to live out our Christian faith. If you can identify, then I have good news for you in John 21. This passage is for failures! It is for those who have failed Jesus! Few people have crashed and fallen to the depths of sin and unfaithfulness as the Apostle Peter, who denied His Lord; yet, few people have been so powerfully used by God as Peter – after he repented and was restored. Peter’s story in John 21 gives us hope and encouragement because it illustrates a glorious truth: Your failure hasn’t put you out of reach from Jesus’ restoring grace.
John 20:1-31
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The most significant, spectacular comeback in history is Christ’s coming back to life. It is significant for many reasons. One of which is that we share in his comeback. His victory is our victory. We have (in the words of Paul) been raised with Christ! Greater news does not exist. In this world filled with tears and trials, we easily lose sight of this glorious truth. The resurrection is not simply to be reflected upon on your deathbed (though you should!); it is also to be remembered in your daily life. What I want to do today is take a look at John 20, and encourage you to let this good news into your heart.