The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 1 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Starting Strong Isn’t The Same As Finishing Strong

A Study of the Book of 1 Kings

Lesson 8 (Building Dedication)
1 Kings 8
  May 8, 2013

The Text:

1. Who does Solomon call together.  What do they do when everyone arrives?  How much did they sacrifice to God?  What was in the ark of the Lord?  What happened once the ark was put into its place?  How did this affect the priests?
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2. How did Solomon respond?  What had God not chosen?  What had he chosen instead?  What had David wanted to do?  What was God’s response to that?  How did Solomon view the promises of God?
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3. How does Solomon address God?  What does he ask for?  What does Solomon believe about God actually dwelling in the temple?  What purpose does he expect the temple to have?
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4. What does Solomon want to happen when someone wrongs his neighbor?  . . . When Israel is defeated because of sin?  . . . When calamity comes because of sin?  . . . When any sort of affliction happens?  How does Solomon want the foreigner to be treated by God?
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5. What does Solomon say about the possibility of the people sinning against God?  What does Solomon ask God to do if the people reject their sin and turn whole-heartedly back to God?  How plentiful were the fellowship offerings sacrificed to God?  Where were they offered?  Why?

The Application:

1. Who would you invite to an important event?  How obvious would you want God’s presence to be?  How important is it to you to remember God’s decrees and commands?
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2. How do you respond to God’s presence?  How do you think God feels about the things you do for Him?  What does He really want?  Do you believe God keeps His promises to you?
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3. How important is it to you that God keeps His promises?  Have you ever tried to contain God?  Can you?  If God can’t be contained, what purpose are church buildings, etc.?
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4. Is God at the center of every aspect of your life?  Do you find it easier to look to God during good times or bad?  Do you act like God really wants all people to know His name and fear Him?
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5. Do you ever forget there is “no one who does not sin”?  How can you encourage others to reject sin and turn to God?  How much do you think is enough to give to God?

Next Week: A Special Guest
1 Kings 9