Considering Seven Biblical Truths
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
In 1 Kings 8:22-53, Solomon offers a prayer to God as the temple is completed. In this prayer, let us consider seven biblical truths. From these truths, we can better understand the character of God and thus a better understanding of His will for us.
1) The Power Of God
In 1 Kings 8:35-40, we notice that God is in control of the forces of nature. We also know that God “rules” in the kingdoms of men (Daniel 4:17). Paul tells us that it is God who appoints those who are in civil authority (Romans 13:1). As we notice the design of the universe, we understand the power of our God (Psalm 33:6-9; Hebrews 11:3).
2) The Dwelling Place Of God
In 1 Kings 8:30-43, we see repeated references to heaven as the dwelling place of God. In Revelation 4,5 we see a beautiful picture of the throne of God. We see in this imagery the majesty and glory of God our Father. Jesus also made mention of His Father in heaven as He taught us how to pray (Matthew 6:9).
3) The Omniscience Of God
In 1 Kings 8:39, we are told that God “knowest the hearts of all the children of men.” God knows even the numbers of hair upon our heads (Matthew 10:30). Nothing is hidden from God (Psalm 69:5; 1 Corinthians 4:5).
4) The Omnipresence Of God
In 1 Kings 8:27, Solomon states that the heavens could not contain God much less the temple that was built. Paul in his great sermon on Mars Hill stated that God is not far from each one of us (Acts 17:27). The Psalmist in Psalms 139:7-12 gives us a great description of the ever-present God.
5) The Forgiveness Of God That Comes From Repentance
In 1 Kings 8:33-36 and 1 Kings 8:46-50 of this great prayer, we see that God will “forgive” those who will repent. Both the Old and New Testaments make clear the need for true repentance (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10). As Peter preached from Solomon’s porch in Acts 3:19, he taught that the forgiveness of sins could not come about without repentance. We are blessed to have a God who will forgive our sins (1 John 1:9).
6) The Uniqueness Of God
1 Kings 8:23 states there is no God like the “Lord God of Israel”. God gave as the first commandment to the children of Israel to worship and serve only Him (Exodus 20:1-5). Paul in writing to the church at Ephesus tells us there is “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6).
7) The Need For God
In 1 Kings 8:46, the Bible says that “there is no one who does not sin.” Paul echoed the very same thought in Romans 3:23. The Hebrew writer states that “it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). It is only through Christ’s sacrifice that we can be set right with God (Hebrews 10:10).
Conclusion:
In Solomon’s prayer we not only notice the attributes of our God, but more importantly we see that we must trust Him (1 Kings 8:56) and be obedient to His will in order to spend eternity with Him (1 Kings 8:57-61; Matthew 7:21).