Pastor Jim Thomas
1 & 2 Kings: The King of Redemption History
1 Kings 6
- v. 1, 37-38: The chronological and covenantal context
- v. 2-10: The temple exterior
- v. 11-13: The covenant at the center
- v. 14-38: The temple interior
- The King of Redemption History rescues, redeems and saves His people. (v. 1)
- The King of Redemption History is a “Who,” not a “What.” (v. 12)
- The King of Redemption History calls us to walk in His ways and keep His commandments. (v. 12)
- The King of Redemption History delights to dwell among His people and He will never forsake us. (v. 13)
“The story of the Bible is the story of God coming to the rescue.”
– Fleming Rutledge, Means of Grace
“Holiness is always the saved sinner’s response of gratitude for grace received… A holy person’s motivating aim, passion, desire, longing, aspiration, goal and drive is to please God, both by what one does and by what one avoids doing.”
– J.I. Packer, Rediscovering Holiness
“The temple was but a symbol, and Jesus is the substance; it was but the shadow of which He is the reality… the Redeemer is greater than the temple, because He is a more abiding evidence of divine favour. God forever dwells in Christ Jesus, and this is the eternal sign of His favour to His people.”
– C.H. Spurgeon
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important that the Temple be beautiful?
- How does the majesty, beauty and symbolism of the Temple enhance your view of God?
- Pastor Jim said the holy of holies was blown open at the crucifixion of Christ. What did he mean by this?
- Jesus is the focus of this passage…although His name is never mentioned. How can we as Christians say this?
“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
– 1 Corinthians 3:16
“You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
– 1 Peter 2:5
“It can be God-honouring to desire a building that is a physical reminder of His existence and greatness, yet God is more concerned with building His people as a covenant-keeping community known by its lifestyle of doing what is just and right, that shares with and cares for all, especially its weaker and less powerful members. People are drawn to God by the beautiful lifestyle of His people, not by the buildings they erect.”
– John W. Olley, The Message of Kings
“Worship is the strategy by which we interrupt our preoccupation with ourselves and attend to the presence of God.”
– Eugene Peterson