Session 1 1 Kings 3:4-15

GRANTED

FOCUS ATTENTION

read the first paragraph on page 13
focus on the opportunity God gave King Solomon.

Ask:

• If God promised you that He would fulfill one request, what might it be and why? (p. 13)

Transition:

Today we begin our study in 1 and 2 Kings.
In a dream, God asked Solomon an intriguing question:

“What should I give you?”

We will examine how King Solomon—a man with great wealth and power—responded to God’s question.

EXPLORE THE TEXT

Contextualize:

Distribute copies of Pack Item 7 (Handout: 1, 2 Kings Time Line).

Note the time frame of Solomon’s reign
—about a thousand years before Jesus was born.

Using Understand the Context (p. 13) and Pack Item 1 (Map: The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah),
point out that Solomon ruled over a united kingdom, like his father David.

Use Pack Item 2 (Outline of 1, 2 Kings) to give an overview of the study of 1, 2 Kings.

Overview:

1 Kings 1 and 2, describe Solomon’s rise to power (p. 13).

Note that David’s death-bed instructions to Solomon stressed continued obedience to God.
this call to obedience is an important theme throughout 1 and 2 Kings.

Transition: