The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Solomon

  • Search my Heart

    “23. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

    Psalm 139:23-24

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life – Year Two, Quarter Two” Lesson 4:

    “As David was addressing the people before Solomon became king, notice that he was able to proclaim that he had lived a life that was pleasing to God. As we have learned, David was not perfect, but when he sinned, he repented and God forgave. Because of that, he was in a position to be an encourager to all of Israel to seek God and obey His commands. We can read of many throughout the Bible who lived a life to the end that was pleasing to God. Read what Paul wrote to Timothy. ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith‘ (2 Timothy 4:7). Just as David’s words were an encouragement to all of Israel as he addressed them, Paul’s words were an encouragement to a young preacher named Timothy. Our goal as Christians is to be able to make the same claim: to fight a good fight, to finish the course God has for our life, and to keep the faith until the end. By living a life pleasing to God, from beginning to end, we can be an encouragement to others that they, too, can live a life pleasing to God…

    “David understood that God saw the intent of man’s heart. See what David recorded that can be an encouragement to us today: ‘23. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting‘ (Psalm 139:23-24) and’Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart‘ (Psalm 44:21). Also see what Jeremiah recorded about God knowing man’s heart: ‘I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings‘ (Jeremiah 17:10).”

    After reading this excerpt, understand the following:

    Remember that God knows man’s heart. Christians are not perfect, however we have instructions in the New Testament helping us understand how we reveal what is in our heart by living as a Christian: “22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27. Neither give place to the devil. 28. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:22–32).

    Christians are not to live like the world. “17. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19. Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephesians 4:17–19).

    Stop and think about these verses. Be encouraged to compare your own life to these verses and see what kind of a life you live in comparison to God’s Word, and the kind of witness your life is to others.

    Read the warning Jesus gave to those who claimed to be righteous apart from Christ. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). Jesus knew their heart. He understood that they lived a life on the outside that appeared to believe, yet Jesus knew what was in their heart, “all uncleanness”. They could not hide from Jesus what was within their hearts. Jesus knew.

    After reading these verses, consider the following: Knowing that Jesus knows the heart, look into your heart and see if this verse is a picture of your life. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). This is a picture of a life that does not have Jesus in the heart (a Christian). If you do not really know Jesus, today is the day to meet Him. “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

    Do you live a good life, yet with a heart that has not truly believed in Jesus?

    Knowing Jesus sees the heart, have you believed and confessed unto salvation only through Jesus?

    If you want to know how to be saved, click here: How to be saved.

  • The Way that Seems Right

    “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

    Proverbs 16:25

    “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15). Consider what comes when one behaves as a fool. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

    As Christians, notice what we should learn about how to live wisely. “1. The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. 2. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits” (Proverbs 16:2). Clean means “clear; pure (morally). People generally think they are right (basically morally good). However, we recognize that it is the Lord who weigheth (means “measure out as with a balance”) the spirits. Spirits means “the element of life in the soul—the part of man that enables him to think and reason”. The Lord will prepare our heart if we let Him. Having done this, God knows the intents of the heart (see Hebrews 4:12). Also remember what is recorded by Jeremiah. “23. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 24. O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing” (Jeremiah 10:23-24). It is important to recognize that a Christian must check their lives according to what God says in His Word – not compare that life to other Christian’s lives. Knowing God’s Word helps us understand what God expects. As a Christian reads the Bible, sin is revealed that must be corrected. We are to use God’s Word to understand how to correct our hearts and lives.

    Use the following to help you understand only a few wise words by which to live found in Proverbs:

    The following is something very important all Christians should do: “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3). When we follow after God and His ways, our thinking will be correct (established means “stable, fixed or set aright”).

    Remember: God made everything for Himself. “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil” (Proverbs 16:4). Accept God’s sovereignty. We are to understand that God is in control. We are to please God, not ourselves. Remember the fool: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good” (Psalm 14:1). Then remember the faithful who trust God: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). A Christian must get in step with and walk with God!

    “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5). Even if all of the world joins you, if you are proud in heart (means: “raised up within the center of being—heart, emotions, will”), you will be an abomination (means: “morally disgusting”) to the Lord and will not go unpunished. It really does not matter what everybody else is doing; it matters that Christians do what is pleasing to God.

    “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil” (Proverbs 16:6). When man fears God and departs from evil, God forgives.

    “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). What great motivation to want to please the Lord!

    “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right” (Proverbs 16:8). As we have learned, riches of this world are not to be desired over the things of God.

    “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).The word deviseth means “the activity of thinking, creating new ideas” and directeth means “confidence that God will direct our paths”. It can be quite easy to make grand plans for one’s life. However, Christians are to understand with confidence that God will direct our paths.

    “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25). Be encouraged to recognize that even when it seems right to us, if it isn’t what God has taught (according to Scripture), the end is death.

    “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Learning to control one’s anger (one’s spirit) is very important, more important than conquering a great city.

    These are only a few of the great and wise words found within the book of Proverbs. Christians would be wise to read and follow the wisdom Solomon recorded for us to know. Remember that it is a personal choice – to seek wisdom or to become a fool. We would be wise to not only read, but to memorize the many words of wisdom found in God’s Word.

    Have you learned the importance of committing your life to the Lord understanding that it is only then that your thoughts will be established which will allow your path to be right before God?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Lesson 5: 2 Chronicles 1-9 Solomon and the Temple

    Key Verse

    Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

    —Psalm 33:12

    Key Verse Thought: After reading the key verse, understand that God has promised to bless the nation who acknowledges God as supreme, and where the people establish a relationship with Him. How can one have a relationship with God? (i.e.:  first, ask Jesus in one’s heart; spend time with Him; pray; read the Bible; obey God’s commands and encourage others to obey Him as well; etc.)  In this lesson, we will see how God blessed the nation, Israel, who made God the Lord of their nation – and obeyed Him! 

    Emphasis: Christians are to choose to obey God, doing what He wants over what self wants, understanding that God will bless those who put God first.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that David prepared greatly for the building of the Temple. He declared that his son, Solomon, would succeed him as king, and Solomon would build the house of the Lord. In this lesson, we will learn about Solomon as he becomes king of Israel.

    Solomon returned to the tabernacle Moses had built in the wilderness and offered great sacrifices to God. God came to Solomon that night, asking what he desired. Solomon took his father’s advice and asked for wisdom to rule God’s people. God not only promised him wisdom, but riches and fame as well. 

    Solomon immediately set about to build the Temple for God. Once it was completed (and the furnishings were made and placed inside), he had the Ark of the Covenant brought into the Temple, addressed the people, and prayed to God. When Solomon finished praying, God answered his prayer by sending fire from heaven that consumed Solomon’s sacrifice. The glory of the Lord so filled the Temple that no one could enter. God then gave many promises, and warnings, to Solomon.

    Solomon’s kingdom increased, and his fame extended. The Queen of Sheba heard of King Solomon and came to meet him herself. She recognized that God had given him this great wisdom.  Solomon’s fame continued to spread, and many kings gave him great gifts – increasing his wealth.

    Remember: The books of the Chronicles do not dwell upon the wrongdoings of the kings, but what good they accomplished for Judah.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 5 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are doing this with younger children, the following area craft ideas to go with this lesson:

    We decorated a frame with the verse 2 Chronicles 7:14 in it to remind them of King Solomon’s prayer.
    This is another idea of a decorated frame with 2 Chronicles 7:14 in it to remind them of King Solomon’s prayer.

  • Family

    “For with God nothing shall be impossible”
    Luke 1:37

    Jacob’s family moved to Egypt to be with Joseph. Before he died, he blessed each of his sons. When he came to Judah, he not only blessed him, but also made a prophecy concerning his descendants. “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be” (Genesis 49:10). God knew that His people (the Israelites) would reject Him as their king, hundreds of years before they actually did. He had already chosen a tribe to be the kingly tribe – the tribe of Judah. Not only would the kings come from this family, but Jesus (Shiloh) would one day descend from this tribe (Judah). This was to be The King they were looking for: “… and unto him shall the gathering (looking for) of the people be.”

    However, before Jesus came, remember David.

    King David (from the tribe of Judah) sat at his house, and he spoke to Nathan the prophet. “… See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains” (2 Samuel 7:2b). In the city of Jerusalem, David had set up a tent to house the Ark of the Covenant (which was a symbol of God’s presence among His people). David recognized God’s blessings, and he wanted to do something for God. God answered that night. David wanted to build a house for God that God declared was not really needed. The Ark of the Covenant had always rested in a tent. God reminded him that He had taken David from being a shepherd boy watching sheep to become the ruler over God’s people, Israel. God had always been with David, defeating David’s enemies, and He made David a great name. God went on to give David a great promise. “12. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. … 16. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever” (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Notice that God promised to build David a house – not a house to live in, but a dynasty, a kingly lineage. This promise was twofold. God established David’s family as the kings of Israel. God also promised that David’s son would build Him a house. David prayed to God thanking Him and praising Him. David’s son, Solomon, became the next king of Israel, and he built a beautiful Temple for God.

    Moreover, God would one day send His Son, Jesus, from David’s descendants: “… I will set up thy seed after thee …” (2 Samuel 7:12). Remember what Mary was told when the angel said that she would bring forth a Son. “30. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:32). When she did not understand, the angel told her, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37).

    God did just what he promised He would do. We see it confirmed: “… he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 23. Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus” (Acts 13:22-23). It is here that we see God kept his promise given to Jacob, David and Mary. It is Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Read how Revelation describes Jesus: “… behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David …” (Revelation 5:5).

    More than that, Jesus came so that we could be restored as part of God’s family – only by faith in Jesus. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26).

    Have you looked unto Jesus, believing in Him by faith, and becoming a part of God’s Family?

    How to be Saved

  • Testimonies

    “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
    John 1:14

    Solomon was an exceedingly wise man. He was a very wealthy man. This was all because when God asked him what he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom of God to rule His people. God then gave him wisdom and wealth beyond measure. All heard of King Solomon’s great wisdom and wealth. His fame spread throughout the world. The queen from Sheba went to meet King Solomon for herself. She saw all of his great wealth and asked him every question that was in her heart. When she could ask of no more to ask, she recognized something: “Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard” (1 Kings 10:7). But more importantly, she recognized God through Solomon’s life: “Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice” (1 Kings 10:9).

    When Jesus came, He preached to the people great things of God. He healed many. He wrought many miracles. Yet when the people came out to see a sign, instead of recognizing God through the life of Jesus, remember what He told the crowd. “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here” (Luke 11:31). Remember that the queen of Sheba (the queen of the south) acknowledged God when she met with King Solomon. Most of the people that went to see Jesus did not acknowledge God. Jesus is far greater than King Solomon; for Jesus is God. Because the people would not recognize Jesus, He declared that judgment would rise up and condemn them. They did not understand something very important: Jesus came so that all would have the opportunity to know God. However, each one must believe.

    Men wrote of what they had understood as they walked and talked with Jesus. We can remember Jesus’ Disciples as they recorded for us their eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life. They recognized the importance of just who Jesus is, that He was God come in the flesh. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). They understood the importance of recording the life of Jesus as they witnessed the events of His life – firsthand! They not only saw, but also understood and believed in Jesus.

    John taught about Jesus was from his own eyewitness account. See why he wanted to share his eyewitness account. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:1-3).

    Although many did not understand just who Jesus was when He came, God’s Word helps us recognize those who did. They left a testimony that Jesus was God come in the flesh. More importantly, they explained to us that Jesus came to save people from their sin – if one will only believe. However, only those who believe Jesus is the Christ, that once and for all sacrifice for sins, will be saved. “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9–10, 13). 

    Are you one who has believed the testimony that Jesus is God?

    How to be Saved

  • Do you Seek the Lord?

    “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
    Amos 3:3

    God sent a man named Amos to deliver an important message to the people of Israel. The people were living contrary to the Word of God, worshiping idols, and were practicing an empty religion. Amos asked them an important question: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). He proceeded to remind them of the sin in which they were walking that was contrary to God and His Word. He wanted the people to understand that they would not live in peace or prosperity when they chose to reject God’s Word and live in sin. Judgment that was coming was the result of the sin of the people. God told Amos what would happen, and Amos was faithful to warn the people. The condition of the people was getting worse and worse. The problem was the sin in the heart of man. That is the same problem in the world today.

    The people of Israel had been dealt with before because of sin. Nevertheless, they had returned to that sin. God wanted them to understand that there was a limit to His patience with them. Amos had a message for them. “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken” (Amos 5:14). Sure, they had a religious practice, but they were not serving the one true God in that religious practice. Remember what Jesus called the religious rulers seven times in Matthew chapter 23. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). Jesus called them hypocrites! They looked like they belonged to God on the outside, yet their hearts were contrary to the teachings of God’s Word. Jesus saw their hearts – they were dead and unclean.

    How often do people today claim to be a Christian, yet their lifestyle is contrary to the Christian life recorded in the Bible? What is even worse, how often do people think they are a Christian, but God knows their heart is “full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” God has left an invitation to any who would turn from evil and seek after Him. However, many have not. They hear the truth from the Bible, yet they do not receive the Gospel message of salvation. Moreover, many who say they receive that salvation continue to live in the same manner as before – contrary to the teachings found in the Bible. God sent Amos with a message for the people to “seek good, and not evil, that they may live.” It is to be the mission of the church, and all Christians, to make that invitation known. It is then left for them to choose to believe.

    Faith in Jesus must be real. See what Paul wrote: “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness” (Romans 6:19). Faith is to be appropriated in the life of the one who claims to be a Christian. All who see one called a Christian must be able to see Christ in that life. Remember what James wrote. “19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20). It isn’t enough just to believe, one must live out that faith, showing that Jesus is there. One may be able to put up good front or show here on earth, but understand that God can see the true heart. Remember that Jesus knew that the Pharisees appeared beautiful on the outside, but within they were full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

    Remember what David told his son, Solomon, before Solomon became king: “… for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever” (1 Chronicles 28:9b).

    Do you seek Jesus?

    Can others see Jesus in your life every day?

    How to be Saved

  • Things of the World

    “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)

    “Have you ever desired the things of the world? Everybody has; that’s part of our nature. It’s okay to want stuff here in this world. The important thing is to not desire the things more than pleasing God and to do what is right, according to God’s Word. Should you lie, cheat, or steal to get something? Of course not. Should you want what “everybody” else has? Not if it doesn’t please God. Because we live on this earth, we have to have “things” to live. But we have to be content with what God gives us and not make things our primary focus. What is to be our focus? We should have our eyes set upon Jesus. We must be careful not to allow the desire for the world (see Mark 8:36: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?) to keep us from serving and pleasing God. We will see how King Solomon learned this lesson as we begin Ecclesiastes …

    “…No matter what possessions we acquire while we live on this earth, one day everyone will die, and we can’t take any of those possessions with us. Solomon, with all of his wealth and fame, came to this realization. As he looked back over his life realizing everything gained in this life was worthless, he wanted to share with everyone what he had discovered. He recognized his sin in turning his heart from God to the things of this world. Solomon learned to be careful what he promised, for God would hold him accountable, and he finally realized that man cannot understand God, but the “ … fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). By learning to fear Him, Solomon could know Him …”  

    [Excerpt from Year One Quarter Four Lesson 10, Ecclesiastes 1-8: The Vanity of Man, now available through Rock Island Books (www.rockislandbooks).]

  • Lesson 10 (Lesson 49): Ecclesiastes 1-8: The Vanity of Man

    Key Verse: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”  Mark 8:36

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have ever desired the things of this world (everybody does – that’s part of our nature).  Is it OK to want stuff, here on this world? (Of course.)  The important thing is to not desire things more than pleasing God, and to do what is right according to God’s Word.  Should you lie, cheat, or steal to get something? (No.)  Should you want what “everybody” else has? (Not if it doesn’t please God.)  Because we live on this earth, we have to have “things” to live.  But, we have to be content with the things God gives us, and not make “things” as our primary focus.  Ask your students if they remember what is to be our “focus” (what we have our eyes set upon – Jesus).  We must be careful to not allow the desire for “the whole world” (see memory verse) to keep us from serving and pleasing God.  See as King Solomon learned this lesson as we begin Ecclesiastes today.

    Summary:  Today we begin the fourth of the Personal books, Ecclesiastes.  We will take two weeks to study the book.  The word, Ecclesiastes, means “the Preacher.”  Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, the man who had it all – riches, fame, rich heritage, a personal relationship with God, and wisdom beyond measure.  Yet with all of that, he found that all of life is “vanity and vexation.” (vanity:  any thing that is futile, or worthless.  vexation:  something that disturbs or annoys; to trouble seriously.)  He repeats that phrase 7 times in Ecclesiastes.  Ecclesiastes 1:14:  “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity (emptiness, something unsatisfactory) and vexation of spirit.”  Solomon had not learned how to restrain his desires and that was the cause of all of his “vanity and vexation.”

    Watch as King Solomon recognized the fool he had become in turning from God.  See as Solomon set about to prove he could be happy in this world, but ended up proving the worth of the wisdom from God. He also learned to be careful in his worship of God.  Finally, today, we see that man cannot understand God, we just have to fear him.  In doing this, we can know him.

    Even with all of his wisdom, Solomon did not have all of the answers of life.  He wrote this book from a worldly man’s point of view.  He tried to make sense of life apart from God, yet couldn’t.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Man cannot be satisfied with the things of the world.  He must seek God, and wisdom from God.  We cannot understand God, but “fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 49 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 49 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below).  For today’s lesson I found copy of a treasure box online that we could color, cut out and glue together.  We discussed the idea that even with all of the treasures and resources that King Solomon had, he was not happy.  He found that he had to seek God first in order to be satisfied.  Remind them that gaining a lot of stuff (treasures to us) is not as important as seeking God and pleasing Him.  King Solomon learned this the hard way!

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.

  • Lesson 9 (Lesson 48): Proverbs 25-31: Wisdom Revealed

    Key Verse

    “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have ever made plans to start something tomorrow (i.e.: start a new book, work on homework later in the weekend – instead of Friday, quit eating too much candy and eat better, be nice to someone – later, read their Bible, tell someone about Jesus, etc.).  It is very easy to put something off until tomorrow.  We have no idea what tomorrow may hold.  Usually, it is nothing like we had planned for it to be.  Read today’s memory verse together.  Remind them of the important words of wisdom we have been learning.  How many have actually begun to put into practice some of the things we have learned?  Remember the old saying, “Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”  Help them understand this is kind of what today’s memory verse is saying.  How can we plan tomorrow when we don’t know what tomorrow may bring?  We will see wisdom revealed in our lesson today as some, who implemented these truths, found they were very real – and important.

    Summary:  Today we will finish the third Personal book, Proverbs.  We have been learning that it is not only important to know the words of wisdom recorded in this book, but we must learn to live a life applying that wisdom.  Then we will be able to live a life that pleases God.  We learned it is important to live that way early in life.  Last week we saw a listing comparing wisdom to foolishness, wise to unwise, right and wrong, and even good and evil. Remember that these words were written to help us live our daily lives wisely.

    We have read many wise things.  This week we will see what happens when these words of wisdom are revealed when applied to lives.  It affects our relationship with other people.  These words cause us to recognize we are a sinful people who need God, and His forgiveness.  The conclusion of this book shows the importance of a virtuous woman.  It helps us understand the pivotal role a woman plays in each home.

    Continue to encourage your students to not only memorize these words of wisdom, but to apply these truths to their lives.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  To learn the words of wisdom recorded in the book of Proverbs.  Recognize they are words that define a person’s nature – either one who seeks wisdom; or a fool.  Make them personal words of encouragement from wise men, Solomon and others, who wanted others to learn just what wisdom is – and how to get it.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 48 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 48 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below).  For today’s lesson we made a scroll using paper and dowel rods.  Some students wrote a few verses from Proverbs we talked about in the lesson in their scrolls.  I also had some verses available to glue into the scroll for those who couldn’t write as well or as quickly as others.  Encourage them to begin memorizing some of these verses!

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.

  • Lesson 7 (Lesson 46): Proverbs 1-9: Wisdom is to be Found Early

    Key Verse

    “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”  Proverbs 8:17

     

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have a time when they read their Bible each day.  When do they do it? (i.e.: morning, afternoon, evening, etc.).  For those who have a quiet time other than the morning, ask if things have ever come up to keep them from having that quiet time with the Lord (i.e.: homework, chores, ran out of time, TV, etc.).  Encourage them to make it a priority to seek God not only early in the day, but early in life.  He must become important to us – now.

    Summary:  We have been learning the importance of God’s Word.  We found it is good to praise God, and we have seen God does bestow blessings upon those who belong to Him.  Now we must learn the importance of practicing the practical portions of the right way to live a life pleasing to God – and that we must begin to live that way early in life.

    Proverbs, the third Personal book, is known as a great source of wisdom. We will take 3 lessons to overview the book of Proverbs.  The wisest man, Solomon (whose wisdom was a gift from God – I Kings 3:12), wrote many of these words.  We will see that Solomon often addressed his son personally.  The key to Proverbs can be found in Proverbs 1:7-8:  “7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:”  Many of the words of wisdom found in Proverbs were written from a loving father as a warning to his only son.  In this light, we can count these words as being very important.

    These words of wisdom were recorded to help us live our daily lives wisely, too.  Often it compares the “wise” with the “fool.”  The precepts within are very practical.  Much good will come to those who not only memorize these pearls of wisdom, but for those who apply these truths to their lives.  For Christians, these words are more than practical, they are essential.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Encourage your students to receive instruction from their parents as they teach them the importance of God’s Word.  Help them see the significance of making God’s Word more important than anything this world offers allowing it to guide our life.  Remind them that God wants us to seek Him early in the day – as well as early in life.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 46 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 46 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below).  For today’s lesson I found a picture of a lock that was a heart.  It had a second heart with a keyhole that glued as a flap to the front of the heart lock.  I put the verse Proverbs 4:23 inside of the lock.  We then colored it.  Help them understand the verse.

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.