NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 2-3
Discussion Questions:
— What are some ways you are or could be passing the wisdom of the Lord on to the next generation?
— How might you pursue the wisdom that only God can give?
— In what areas of your life do you need wisdom to honor the Lord and to serve others well in His name?
Food for Thought:
Knowledge is important but wisdom is even better. Wisdom encompasses knowledge and discernment and, as Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
When King David was near death, he summoned Solomon and gave him some wisdom. He told him to walk in God’s ways, keeping God’s commands. Why? For two reasons: that he would be successful in everything, and that God would fulfill His promise that He made to David. God had promised that if David’s sons walked in God’s ways, David would always have a descendant on the throne.
After this, Solomon became king and in some ways he was a good king, but in other ways he wasn’t. Early on, God appeared to him in a dream and told him to ask whatever he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom above all else, knowing he needed it to be a good king.
God was pleased with Solomon’s answer and granted him wisdom and much more because he responded well. God added riches and honor and reminded him of the reciprocal covenant He made with David — that if he walked in God’s ways and kept His commands, God would grant him long life. King Solomon ended up being one of the wisest men of his time, writing a large portion of the book of Proverbs, giving us wisdom for life.
Wisdom is something we all need more of and need to request. Solomon knew he wanted to be a good king. He could have asked for a bigger military, a smart board of advisors, more money, more land, more resources, or a variety of other material things to make his nation better. But he chose wisely and asked for wisdom.
When we face problems or difficulties in our lives, are we asking for solutions or for wisdom? Are we asking for the temporary resources to fix the problem or are we asking for long-term character traits and fruit of the Spirit? In this passage, Solomon gives us a good example to follow. We need to ask for more wisdom, for when we do, God grants it: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
David imparted wisdom to Solomon and Solomon imparts wisdom to us today through Scripture. Even more so Jesus, David’s descendant who is on the forever throne, has imparted wisdom to us through the Holy Spirit as we grow in sanctification. Thus, we should seek wisdom in all areas of our lives for God’s glory and the growth of His kingdom.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/gospelproject.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by Lifeway can be found at Lifeway.com/SundaySchool.
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