The Foolishness of Chasing Other gods

Lesson for April 22, 2018

1 Kings 11:1-13, Luke 11:31, Deuteronomy 17:14-17

The wisest man in the world, Solomon, still had human weaknesses such as lust, greed, an unhealthy pursuit of pleasure, and allowing idolatry to be an everyday part of his life.

Wisdom is putting God first and loving others as Jesus loves.  Foolishness is placing our own happiness above the needs of others.

What did Solomon do right to begin his reign as king?

• He asked God for wisdom to rule rather than long life, riches, or victory over enemies
• He wisely judged his people such as when the two prostitutes argued over a baby
• He wrote down the wisdom God gave him in the books of Proverbs, Psalms, and Song of Solomon.
• He completed a temple for God's glory and sought God's blessings.

When King David named Solomon as heir to his throne, he gave him some very important instructions:  1 Kings 2:2-4  “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man,  and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,  that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’

Read  1 Kings 11:1-13

What were the consequences of Solomon's sin?
Why do you think Solomon turned from following God with all his heart?
What similar things, relationships, and pursuits affect our hearts and love of God?

Solomon made all the mistakes that God warned about in the time of Moses.
Read  Deuteronomy 17:14-17

How would these warnings apply to us today?

If God gave Solomon more wisdom and blessings than any other person in HUMAN history, what can we do?

Read  Luke 11:31

 God fulfilled his promise to David about a forever king when Jesus came to earth, and more importantly, when He returns as ruler over everything.

Like Solomon, we will be tempted to chase after other gods.  Putting anything in front of God is idolatry, even when God blesses us with those things.

Jesus is the only one worthy of our worship and adoration.