The Story
Mar 10, 2019 • Chris Reighley
The Story:
The Bible As One Continuing Story of God and His People
by Mac Lucado & Randy Frazee
The Story tells the grandest, most compelling story of all time!
God goes to great lengths to rescue lost and hurting people. That is what The Story is all about: the story of the Bible, God’s great love affair with humanity. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation. Like any good story, The Story is filled with intrigue, drama, conflict, romance, and redemption—and this story’s true!
Solomon began with humility and God’s favor, building the Temple and governing with remarkable insight. Yet, his unchecked desires, foreign alliances, and disobedience eroded his faith. Though he had everything, Solomon lost what mattered most. His life reminds us that success without surrender leads to spiritual decline, and wisdom must be matched by faithfulness.
Passages: 1 Kings 1–8; 10–11; 2 Chronicles 5–7; Proverbs 1–3; 6; 20–21
Main Idea: Solomon had wisdom, wealth, power, and prestige—but his heart drifted.
Lesson 9: The King Who Had It All
I. “Except…” – Solomon’s Early Reign (1 Kings 1–3)
- David prepares Solomon for the throne (1 Kings 1–2)
- Solomon secures the kingdom and eliminates rivals (Adonijah, Joab, Shimei)
- “Solomon loved the Lord… except he sacrificed on high places” (1 Kings 3:3)
II. No Equal – Solomon’s Wisdom and Rule (1 Kings 3–4)
- Solomon prays for discernment, not riches
- God grants wisdom, wealth, and honor
- Famous judgment: the two mothers and one baby
- Solomon’s reign expands, with great administrative power
III. Proverbs of Solomon (Proverbs 1–3; 6; 20–21)
- Solomon authors thousands of proverbs and songs
- Proverbs teach practical wisdom grounded in the fear of the Lord
IV. The Temple Formed and Filled (1 Kings 5–8; 2 Chronicles 5–7)
- Alliance with King Hiram; conscription of labor
- Temple built according to divine pattern
- Ark brought in, cloud of God’s glory fills the Temple
- Solomon offers prayer, sacrifices, and blessings to the people
- God’s response: affirmation and a warning
V. Accumulation and Apostasy (1 Kings 10–11)
- Queen of Sheba visits; Solomon’s wealth and splendor are unmatched
- Solomon multiplies wives, horses, and gold—violating Deuteronomy 17
- His heart turns toward idols due to foreign wives
- God raises adversaries and announces judgment
- Solomon dies, leaving a divided kingdom in his wake
Theological Reflection: The Temple in God’s Plan
A. Creation & the Fall
- The Garden as the first sanctuary; sin brings exile
- God begins restoration through sacrifice and atonement
B. Sacrifices and the Tabernacle
- The Tabernacle prefigures the Temple and God’s dwelling with His people
- Atonement provides access to God’s presence through a mediator
C. Jesus and the Temple
- Jesus fulfills the temple system
- He is the true sacrifice and High Priest
- His death tears the veil—restoring access to God
D. The Church as God’s Temple
- Believers are now the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit
- We are called to live holy lives as God’s “sanctuary people”
E. The New Jerusalem
- Heaven is the eternal “Holy of Holies”
- God’s presence dwells fully with His people forever (Revelation 21)
Key Themes & Takeaways
- Wisdom without obedience leads to spiritual collapse
- The blessings of God can become idols if left unchecked
- God desires our whole heart—not partial devotion
- The Temple points to Jesus—our true and eternal King