Slideshow image

Awaiting the King: Solomon — The Glory and the Pride

Loren Stark — December 7, 2025

Text: 1 Kings 1–8, 10–11

Tagline

Solomon’s life teaches us how subtly a heart can drift—and how deeply we need a Saviour who never does.

Sermon Summary

Loren opened with the memorable image of the frog in slowly heating water—a picture of how spiritual drift often happens not by sudden decisions but by gradual neglect. Solomon began his reign with extraordinary promise: a godly father’s counsel, a clear command from God to walk in his ways, and a heart postured toward wisdom, obedience, and love for the Lord  . For a time, he lived this out. His early leadership was marked by justice, discernment, and blessing poured out on the nation. Solomon’s success was never meant to be mysterious—God had given him a simple “recipe”: be strong, brave, and faithful to My word; walk in My ways; keep My commands (1 Kings 2:1–4; 3:14). These were the ingredients of a flourishing life.

But over time, another recipe began simmering in Solomon’s heart. Wealth, building projects, and foreign marriages—good gifts twisted by pride—became sources of distraction and slow erosion. Solomon stopped following his own advice; he compromised God’s commands; and his heart drifted away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:1–10). Loren emphasized how easily this same drift happens to us: not from one catastrophic choice, but from many small ones—misplaced priorities, comfort, shiny objects, and self-reliance. And yet Solomon’s failure points beyond itself. It reveals our deep need for a Saviour whose heart never turns, whose obedience is perfect, and whose kingdom will never fall. In Jesus, God gives us forgiveness, restoration, and the strength to live the life he intends—a life anchored in the Spirit rather than our own striving.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker (pick one)

Playful: What’s a small, harmless “distraction” in your life that has a funny way of taking over? (e.g., snacks, hobbies, YouTube rabbit holes)

Meaningful: Can you think of a time when you realized—slowly, not suddenly—that your priorities had begun to shift? What helped you notice?

Opening Prayer

Ask the Spirit to speak through the word and to lead your time together.

Scripture Reading

Read a portion of 1 Kings 1–8, 10–11 (recommended: 1 Kings 2:1–4; 3:1–14; 11:1–10).

Main Discussion Questions

1. God Revealed

When David urges Solomon to “walk in the ways of the Lord,” he roots everything in God’s faithfulness to his promises.
What does this moment reveal about who God is, and why does David think Solomon’s flourishing depends on trusting and obeying him?

2. Humanity Mirrored

Loren emphasized that drift is slow, subtle, and usually rooted in distraction rather than defiance.
Where do you see the common human tendency toward slow spiritual drift reflected in Solomon—and in us?

3. Gospel-Centered Vision

Solomon’s failure highlights the need for a King whose heart never strays.
How does Solomon’s story deepen your appreciation for Jesus, the true Son of David, whose obedience and faithfulness succeed where Solomon failed? How are they alike? How are they different?

4. Transformed Living

Solomon was led astray when good things turned into ultimate things or corrupted by excess. How does looking to Jesus for saving each day protect you from these same temptations?

5. Sharing and Witness

In the past week(s), how have you noticed God working through your everyday relationships—family, work, neighbourhood—to point someone, even subtly, toward hope in Jesus?

For Further Study

  1. Deuteronomy 17:14–20 – God’s warning for future kings, including limits on wealth, horses, and wives.
  2. 1 Kings 3:5–14 – Solomon’s request for wisdom and God’s early promise.
  3. Psalm 1:1–3 – The blessing of delighting in the Lord’s instruction.
  4. Proverbs 4:20–27 – Guarding the heart as the wellspring of life.
  5. Ecclesiastes 1:12–18 – Solomon’s later reflections on wisdom without obedience.
  6. Matthew 6:19–24 – Jesus’ teaching on treasure, loyalty, and the heart.
  7. Matthew 12:42 – “Something greater than Solomon is here”—Jesus as the true wise King.
  8. Romans 3:23–24 – All fall short, but grace comes through Christ.
  9. Isaiah 64:6–8 – Human righteousness is like filthy rags; God is the potter who remakes us.
  10. John 15:1–11 – Abiding in Christ as the ongoing source of life and fruitfulness.

 

Adults
Gospel Communities